I have never seen a diver ask to inspect a boat's O2 emergency kit before leaving dock and I am bad about that myself.
Do any of you, ever?
I used to try to get info about an operation's CO monitoring and testing program. :laughing: Now I know I must do that myself, ever tank.
Do any of you, ever?
I am surprised that no one could have reached DAN as they have an excellent reputation. The boat's captain certainly had the time to make sure an ambulance and medical facilities were prepared as they motored back to port. That part is certainly criminal.
Steve
I also wonder how many of us check on destination medical and dive accident treatment abilities?
Do any of you, ever?
From the US State Deportment:
Fiji
Water Sports: Many visitors to Fiji participate in water sports, including surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and operating jet-skis. Surfing on Fiji's numerous reef breaks can be highly dangerous. If you scuba dive or snorkel while in Fiji, please be sure to check the references, licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to or paying for a tour. Only rent equipment from trustworthy operators and ensure you receive training before using the equipment. Some rental diving equipment may not be properly maintained or inspected. Local dive masters may not consider your skill level when they organize the trip. Deaths and serious accidents have occurred in the past since basic safety measures were not taken during diving and snorkeling trips. Remember that safety precautions and emergency responses may not be similar to U.S. standards. Fiji has only one decompression chamber to provide medical assistance for dive related injuries. The chamber is located in Suva, which is far from most resorts. Please note that the chamber is not always fully functioning.
I'd really expect dive boats there to be modified fishing boats with only as much as it takes to attract dive business, and most shop by price more than anything else. I'd expect one to have a marine radio, altho I would might take one of my own 5 watt portables, but I'd question their abilities to contact DAN from sea.
There are a number of warnings on that page that most visitors probably never read. Here is just some more...
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Health-care facilities in Fiji's urban areas are adequate for routine medical problems. In the rural areas, staff training is limited and there are often shortages of supplies and medications. Emergency response is extremely limited. Ambulance availability is minimal, and ambulances are often poorly equipped and staffed. Two major hospitals, the Lautoka Hospital in the western city of Lautoka and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, provide limited emergency and outpatient services. A recompression chamber at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva can treat decompression sickness (See also Special Circumstances, Water Sports). A private hospital in Suva provides Western-style medical care, and other hospitals and clinics provide only a limited range of health services. Medical emergencies may be evacuated to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States or elsewhere can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.
If I were to plan a trip to Fiji, regardless of the group or dive Op, I think I would discuss possible emergency plans with DAN extensively - how to contact them from there, how to quickly arrange evacuation to Australia, how best to survive the local situation, etc...
This particular accident still seems like one of diver error first to me: Forgetting or ignoring training on certain basic safety issues. I often shudder when I read about new members here with new C-cards planning their first dive trips to far off locations.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. Tragic event.
It made me think about whether I would be able to judge the conditions correctly as a newbie, and would have ended up as Amy did.
I have two questions for the experienced folk.
Is there any way to know in advance which dive shops can be trusted to plan dives safely? Or does it come down to not trusting anyone but yourself?
You can check all you can but it comes down to your own call.
As a newbie in that situation, would the correct thing to do be to surface (alone if necessary) as soon as I saw that I could't fight the current effectively and my air was getting low?
My gawd yes! Grad your bud if needed but start a safe ascent when you see air getting low sure. If your buddy does not descend with you, stay with you, and ascend with you, find a good buddy as he is not.
