Emergency Preparedness for Recreational Divers
Learn how to handle the surface side of dive safety: check-ins, briefings, gear prep, and what to do when things go wrong.
Even if you’re not a dive pro, you still have a role in managing emergencies. This section teaches you what to expect from instructors, charters, and teammates and how to step up when no one else does. It’s not about running rescues. It’s about being ready, calm, and useful when someone needs help.
Emergency Preparedness Topics
Check-in Systems
Who notices if a diver does not come back? Learn the simple check-in habits that turn confusion into fast rescue.
Managing Cold, Heat, and Dehydration Post-Dive
Learn how to recognize and respond to post-dive cold, heat stress, and dehydration. Improve diver safety with practical surface recovery strategies and environmental risk management.
Emergency Action Plans (EAP)
Learn who should create one, when it’s reasonable to ask for one, and what a basic EAP should include. Even informal buddy dives benefit from a plan that includes what to do if something goes wrong.
Pre-Dive Emergency Briefs
Emergency briefings don’t have to be formal, but they should be done. This page explains how to quickly confirm roles, gear, and contingency plans.
Surface Emergency Redundancy
Surface kits should include more than first aid. This page covers gear spares, surface-only cutting tools, thermal protection, and how new divers can contribute to team safety without spending a fortune.
Post Incident Debriefing
Debriefing helps divers learn from real incidents and from small breakdowns before they become serious. This page introduces the DEBRiEF model, plus tips for starting honest conversations without judgment or blame.