Scuba Diving Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• 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.
• Entrapment in caves or wrecks — Limit cave or wreck penetration to experienced divers. Brief divers on the dangers of confined spaces and ensure they use proper equipment such as guide lines and torches. Set depth and distance limits to prevent entrapment in enclosed spaces.
• Nitrogen narcosis — Ensure divers are trained to recognize the signs of nitrogen narcosis. Dive plans should limit depth to reduce narcosis risk, and divers should ascend immediately if they feel disoriented or impaired. Buddy systems must be strictly followed to ensure safety.
• Cold-water immersion — Divers should be briefed on the effects of cold-water immersion, including the risk of cold shock and hypothermia. Appropriate thermal protection, such as dry suits, must be used in cold waters. Ensure divers understand the importance of pre-dive acclimatization and post-dive warming.
• 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.