It’s easy to think that you are out of danger once you have surfaced but bobbing around topside still presents a set of hazards. Use the following points to make sure you are properly prepared.
It’s not over yet! © Gordon Milligan
- Mask and snorkel or regulator. Designed to make sure you can see and breathe, your mask and snorkel or regulator should remain in place until you are safe aboard your vessel or on the shore. Rejecting them in calm weather will cause you problems in choppy conditions, so form this good habit now.
- Buoyancy. Make sure your BCD is inflated at the surface and don’t hesitate to drop your weights should you need to.
- Visibility. Make sure you can be seen as you ascend by sending an SMB to the surface to mark your position as you ascend. Read our tips for ensuring you can be seen on the surface.
- Gear. Make sure you are properly equipped. Apart from an SMB, carry a whistle for attracting attention, a dive float or buoy and consider slipping a signaling mirror into your pocket too. Personal locator beacons that use satellite technology to mark your location are a prudent investment.
- Get help. Don’t wait until a situation spirals to an emergency. Signal for help if you need it.
