Creating an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Emergencies are rare in recreational diving and when they happen, clear direction can save lives. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written, site-specific protocol that outlines exactly what to do if a diver gets injured, lost, or becomes unresponsive.

You don’t need to be a dive professional to create one. In fact, having an EAP is a hallmark of a responsible dive team especially when diving in unfamiliar, remote, or privately accessed sites. Is it likely that in an emergency you will pull out the EAP document and use it as a checklist...no...it's the act of creating it and discussing it that makes the difference.

Why Every Dive Site Needs an EAP

Emergencies create confusion. Even experienced divers can panic when the situation is unclear, or when multiple people make different assumptions about who’s in charge.

A well-prepared EAP helps:

• Assign clear roles before a problem happens
• Guide calm, structured responses under stress
• Reduce delays in calling for help or evacuating a diver
• Support medical responders with accurate information
• Show landowners, park staff, or charter captains that your group is prepared

If you're already using a checklist for gear or pre-dive briefings, an EAP is the next step in planning for the unexpected.

Who Should Create the EAP?

Not every diver needs to write their own but someone should.

You should expect someone else to provide the EAP when:

• You’re diving with a charter boat, dive shop, or instructor
• You’re participating in an organized class or group dive
• The dive is part of a guided tour or commercial operation

These operations often have internal emergency protocols, but it's rare for recreational divers to see or ask for them. While it's not yet common practice, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask basic questions like:

• “Who’s in charge of emergencies on this trip?”
• “Where’s the O₂ kit located?”
• “What’s the plan if someone gets hurt?”

Asking calmly and respectfully can help align expectations without disrupting the dive culture. You’re not questioning their competence, you’re clarifying how the team would respond if something goes wrong.

You should create your own EAP when:

• You're planning a self-organized trip with friends or a buddy
• You’re diving in a remote or lightly trafficked location
• You’re leading a non-commercial team or club dive
• You’re returning to a site you know well but haven’t documented

What to Include in Your Emergency Action Plan

A good EAP is short, specific, and easy to follow even by someone who didn’t dive that day.

1. Site Information

• Dive site name
• GPS coordinates or nearest street address
• Entry/exit point description
• Directions for emergency responders (landmarks, gates, trails)

2. Emergency Contacts

• Local EMS / 911 (or international equivalent)
• Nearest hospital (name, address, phone number, drive time)
• Nearest hyperbaric chamber (same info)
• DAN Emergency Hotline: +1-919-684-9111
• Site manager, park ranger, or landowner contact (if relevant)

3. Evacuation Routes

• Route to nearest hospital or chamber (including estimated drive time)
• Parking location for EMS vehicles
• Instructions for lifting or moving a diver (dock, stairs, shore path)

4. Communication Plan

• Mobile phone numbers for all team members
• Backup comms: satellite phone, VHF radio, GPS locator (if applicable)
• Channel info for marine or park radios (if used)

Tips for Making It Useful

• Keep it short and readable
• Laminate a printed copy and store it with your surface kit
• Share a digital copy with your team before the dive
• Review it briefly during your pre-dive emergency briefing
• Update it when sites, access points, or contact info changes