Recreational diving has been a practice that, over the years, has increased. In recent decades there has been a spectacular increase in the number of fans. An example of this is the proliferation of diving centers and clubs in every corner of the coastal areas of Spain and the world.
Regulations in force in Spain for the practice of scuba diving
On June 2, 2020, a Royal Decree was published in the BOE that spoke about the safety regulations for carrying out underwater activities. We are specifically talking about Royal Decree 550/2020, of June 2, which despite diving being a regulated activity especially at the regional level, the state established general regulations, in which the most general aspects were marked.
Following then the regulations of the aforementioned Royal Decree, the practice of sports-recreational diving in Spain is, therefore, regulated by the following guidelines:
- Every diver must be in possession of "accident and civil liability insurance", either through their federation license or by subscribing to private insurance that covers any incident during the development of the activity. li>
- When planning the dives, exceeding the time limit without decompression (safety curve) will be avoided; it is worth an increase in safety over their time limit. The teaching programs of the different degrees must, therefore, include explanations and management of decompression tables.
- The decompression tables may be replaced by a dive computer.
- The maximum recreational diving depth is limited to 40 meters with self-contained air or nitrox equipment.
- When diving to depths greater than 40 meters, it is advisable to use communication equipment with a surface.
- The rescue and recovery operations of corpses may be carried out only by the State Security Forces (Special Group of Underwater Activities, belonging to the Civil Guard; Navy Diving Center; etc.) and /or professional divers, except in emergency circumstances where the intervention represents the protection of human lives.
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Despite this, there are multiple factors that may require our action. Under water, in certain circumstances, it is a matter of time before a small problem grows and becomes something more serious if we do not act correctly. The importance of the partner is beyond doubt in these situations.
Deep rescue of a diver in trouble
In the event of a minor incident...- A strong cramp or indisposition to swim: if possible, gently stretch the affected area with our help. If the symptoms do not subside, slowly ascend through a clear place to the surface.
- Symptoms of nitrogen narcosis: rise of a few meters, the symptoms will most likely decrease or disappear. Otherwise, slowly ascend to the surface, checking its condition every five meters.
- Breakage of the mask or lossof it. In case no one is carrying a replacement mask underwater, slow and controlled ascent through a clear place to the surface.
- Signs of discomfort, weakness, dizziness, cold, anxiety, etc. Controlled ascent to surface. In case of vomiting, it is important to remember that it is possible to cough, spit or vomit with the regulator on. Breathing can be alternated with any of these underwater actions. It is much safer not to remove the regulator from your mouth, due to the risk of swallowing water.
- A surface boat will be available for help and aid to divers. Every vessel used in diving activities must fly the Alpha flag of the International Code of Signals. Any other vessel must sail no less than 50 meters from the place where a vessel flying the Alfa flag is anchored.
- The minimum number of divers to dive with autonomous equipment will be two and they must take into account aspects such as never diving alone and in case of fatigue, lack of desire, discomfort , etc. better not to dive.
In the event of a serious accident...
By standing behind to promote the partner in serious cases, we will prevent the regulator mouthpiece from falling and will facilitate the air escape and a possible SSP.
- Loss of consciousness or symptoms of drowning
We will try to remain calm and, although we make a rapid ascent, we will reduce our speed in the last ten meters. We will release air continuously and press the victim's chest with our right forearm in order to facilitate the release of air into his lungs.
- On the surface. Action in serious cases
We will free the injured person, while we drag him with his back to the boat or the coast, from the weights and diving suit. We will try to check your vital signs: sense, breathing and pulse. To do this, we will talk to you and look for your pulse on your neck, if you are not wearing a hood, or on your wrist. The ship will have come to meet us, we will quickly hoist him on board and check, again, his vital signs.
- In case of loss of consciousness
- In case of cardiorespiratory arrest
In the event of a serious accident...
By standing behind to promote the partner in serious cases, we will prevent the regulator mouthpiece from falling and will facilitate the air escape and a possible SSP.
- Loss of consciousness or symptoms of drowning
We will try to remain calm and, although we make a rapid ascent, we will reduce our speed in the last ten meters. We will release air continuously and press the victim's chest with our right forearm in order to facilitate the release of air into his lungs.
- On the surface. Action in serious cases
We will free the injured person, while we drag him with his back to the boat or the coast, from the weights and diving suit. We will try to check your vital signs: sense, breathing and pulse. To do this, we will talk to you and look for your pulse on your neck, if you are not wearing a hood, or on your wrist. The ship will have come to meet us, we will quickly hoist him on board and check, again, his vital signs.
- In case of loss of consciousness
- In case of cardiorespiratory arrest
