Incident report :
Growing awareness of IPO
THE ANNUAL DIVING INCIDENT REPORT for 2023 , which recorded 242 incidents and nine fatalities throughout the UK , has now been released .
As part of its role as National Governing Body , BSAC reports annually on diving incidents in the UK from all diver training agencies . The report is compiled by BSAC Incident Advisor Jim Watson and data analyst Ben Peddie .
The incident report and data analysis aim to promote diver safety and understand any trends that can support all the diving agencies in their diver training programmes and safety advice .
The 2023 report covers incidents from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 . During this period , a total of 355 incidents were recorded in the UK and overseas , which sadly included nine incidents resulting in nine fatalities . Notably , the report shows a higher number of incidents in September than in recent years . During September 2023 , the UK experienced the warmest weather on record since 1984 and exceptionally light winds for the first half of the month . The report comments that this likely corresponds to more diving activity taking place with a consequent increase in reported incidents .
The report also revisits previous analysis of incidences of immersion pulmonary oedema ( IPO ) in the reports over the years and the efficacy of rescue techniques . Improvements in training programmes mean that divers are becoming more aware of IPO , leading to earlier identification and resolution of the problem , thereby reducing the seriousness of an incident . The efficacy of rescue techniques within the report also reflects the benefits of the excellent training divers receive and consequently are able to effectively deploy to save lives .
Other key features of the 2023 report include :
■ The number of incidents continues to be closely linked to the amount of diving , with activity returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 .
■ Experience and qualifications do not necessarily protect from the possibility of becoming a diving casualty .
The full BSAC Incident Report 2023 is now available for members and clubs to download . You can access the report at bsac . com / incidentreport
Help us to keep diving safe
If you have been involved in or witnessed an incident , please report it – in confidence – and help BSAC continue to shape a safe future for diving . Whether you are a BSAC diver or dive with another agency , a recreational or technical diver , or if the incident happened in the UK or overseas , BSAC wants to hear about it .
You can find the form online at bsac . com / reportanincident
Discounts on Scubapro kit
NEW KIT PARTNER SCUBAPRO HAS TEAMED UP with BSAC to offer clubs a fantastic discount on essential equipment to support their training programme .
A stalwart of the diving scene , Scubapro has been manufacturing high-quality diving equipment since 1963 . And , as BSAC ’ s latest Kit Partner , they are now offering a 40 % saving on selected items , thanks to its two generous discount offers .
With the Scubapro Club Offer , Branch Officers can choose between two fantastic packages that are ideal for helping to replenish their club training kit . And , for Advanced and National Instructors , as well as Branch Officers , there ’ s the Personal Equipment package , which gives 40 % off any Scubapro regulator , BCD , dive computer , drysuit or wetsuit .
Both discount offers are available until 30 September 2025 and can be redeemed both in person at a Scubapro-approved dealer and online .
Eligibility restrictions for the discounts apply . For more information on the new Scubapro discount offer , go to bsac . com / scubapro
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