Scuba Diving Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Shallow water blackout — Train divers on the risks of hyperventilation and encourage normal breathing patterns before dives. Ensure all divers understand safe breath-holding limits and maintain close supervision during freediving or snorkeling activities.
• Strong surface winds — Monitor weather conditions and avoid diving during periods of high winds. Divers should be briefed on the impact of surface conditions on boat exits and entries. Instructors should be equipped to handle adverse weather conditions and assist divers as needed.
• Dive flag not visible — Ensure dive flags or SMBs are clearly visible and positioned appropriately. Surface support should monitor flags during the dive to ensure they remain in place. Instructors should brief divers on the use of flags and their importance in preventing accidents with surface traffic.
• Lost diver scenario — Brief divers on lost buddy protocols, including search patterns and signaling devices. Divers should stay close to the dive group and use underwater lights or strobes in low visibility. Surface marker buoys should be used if separation occurs at the surface. Instructors should be ready to coordinate search efforts.
• Panic due to claustrophobia — Divers prone to claustrophobia should avoid diving in confined spaces. Pre-dive briefings should address how to stay calm and manage panic underwater. Ensure divers are comfortable with the environment before entering enclosed or restricted spaces. Instructors should assist in calming anxious divers if necessary.