When things go wrong!
At these times of extended responses times by our ambulance services we need to be
aware that in the event of a diving incident you are likely to need to support the casualty
for longer than usual.
During the strikes we are asked to avoid high risk activities, we should be taking this
approach when planning our dives. Ask yourself is the 100% oxygen supply enough to
support a casualty for an hour or more where previously we could expect an ambulance
with large quantities of oxygen to be with us is 20 minutes or so.
You may be asked to take the casualty direct to the chamber for treatment. If the casualty
can be transported by car remember to ensure that it is well ventilated, it only take a small
increase in the oxygen concentration in the car to create a potentially lethal situation – oh
and don’t smoke!
Insurance as Divers
The subject of insurance is very wide and it is always recommended that you read the
small print so that you know what cover you are buying. I am not an expert in this field and
I would recommend you speak to an insurance expert if you have any questions about
your own policies. Some personal observations:
- Travel insurance.
A lot of policies include cover for scuba diving to 30 metres, or in some cases to the
depth you are qualified. However do check your own policy to ensure that you are
covered, especially if you have bought a budget policy. I would check that your
policy covers helicopter recovery as this can prove costly.
It is not only scuba diving some policies exclude: parascending, rides of bit yellow
bananas, rock climbing in fact anything even slightly out of the “norm”. - Life Insurance
A number of years ago when I took out life insurance to cover my mortgage I had to
declare that I was a diver and provide details of my qualifications and dive
parameters. These were consider by the underwriters and my premiums reflected
that additional risk. Like holiday insurance any activity which is perceived to carry a
higher risk than normal day to day living should be declared. - Third Party Insurance
Most household policies include a level of cover for claims from a third party.
However these tend to cover you as a householder and not any liability you might
incur as a diver, instructor or officer of your club or the SAA.
This is why SAA membership includes this vital insurance for our members,
however you must remain within the SAA guidelines to ensure you remain covered. - Equipment Insurance
Again home contents policies can provide some level of insurance for your dive
equipment. However this tends to be cover against theft while stored at home and is
unlikely to cover loss while diving, including equipment you might need to dump in
an emergency. You can buy a policy from dive insurance specialist, such as
Westfield Insurance (https://www.divinginsuranceuk.com/), to cover your equipment.
I have always worked on the basis of tell them everything as any omission will give the
insurer a reason to reject your claim.
Finally check that any policy covers where you are planning to travel, few policies cover
the USA and Canada (including the SAA’s) due to the costs in those countries. If planning
to dive in the USA or Canada you will need a policy with a much higher level of cover.
Take care and stay safe.
Steve Orange (ndo@saa.org.uk)
National Diving Officer
