Originally published on 10 January 2023 and transferred from the original BusaBoy blog in 2026.
There are several steps to assess risk before a scuba diving session:
Gather all relevant information: This includes details about the dive site, the diving team, the equipment, and the weather and environmental conditions.
Identify potential hazards: Look for any potential dangers or risks that could arise during the dive. This might include things like strong currents, poor visibility, or the presence of dangerous marine life.
Assign a risk level to each hazard: Use a matrix to assign a risk level to each identified hazard. This could be a simple scale of low, moderate, or high risk.
Determine the likelihood of each hazard occurring: Consider the likelihood that each hazard will actually occur during the dive. This could be based on the diving team's experience, the conditions at the dive site, and other factors.
Determine the potential impact of each hazard: Consider the potential impact of each hazard if it were to occur. This might include things like physical injury, damage to equipment, or the need to call for rescue.
Use the matrix to assess overall risk: Based on the risk level, likelihood, and potential impact of each hazard, use the matrix to assess the overall risk of the dive. If the risk is deemed too high, consider cancelling or rescheduling the dive.
Implement risk mitigation strategies: If the risk level is deemed acceptable, consider implementing strategies to mitigate the risks identified. This might include things like additional training, better communication, or more thorough equipment checks.
