Scallops More Dangerous Than Sharks for Divers

Water Safety New Zealand and New Zealand Underwater collect data relating to diving incidents. At this time of year the number of divers who get into difficulties while collecting scallops is far greater than any incidents relating to sharks.

The privilege of being able to dive down and gather scallops is a summertime pleasure for many kiwis. New Zealand Underwater is urging all divers to dive safely and remember the basic rules this summer so that everyone returns to enjoy the shellfish delicacy at the end of the day, says communications manager Peter Crabb.

Swimming around in limited visibility searching for the scallops in a current, at depth, with the increased pressure puts a strain on anyone, particularly those who may be unfit, getting older or find that their wetsuits have “shrunk” over winter, says Crabb.

The other risks associated with scallop gathering seem obvious but we need to repeat the same messages each year for new divers and because of the seasonal nature of the activity. Bringing a heavy catch-bag to the surface can pose a risk when divers use their inflation jackets as lifting devices which can lead to injury when divers come to the surface too quickly.

To avoid being run over in open-bay situations, divers surfacing and their skippers need to be mindful of other boats and those using dredges. Divers should take note of currents and tidal streams and use experienced skippers who understand the nature of diving and how to keep an eye out for divers. These simple precautions will help divers avoid long exhausting surface swims or separation from their buddies or the boat, says Crabb.

While it is recommended that divers all carry a surface signaling device, it is mandatory for all skippers and divers to display The “Code A” blue and white dive flag during diving activities from boats. The flag is saying that “all other users must either stay away 200 metres or reduce their speed to 5 knots or less”, says Crabb.

Crabb adds, that for diving there are some diver “black spots” and from the incident data we know it is most imperative that all divers have their life support equipment regularly serviced by a trained professional, have professional instruction, dive with a buddy, plan all dives, monitor air supply and slowly ascend from every dive.

Diving requires special training and equipment. For these reasons we urge divers who have completed training and haven’t been in the water for a while to take a refresher course, says Crabb.

ENDS

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