The following are some basic Safety Rules that should be followed in order to prevent propeller accidents.
FOR BOATERS
Preventing Propeller Accidents While on the Boat
- Stay at least 100 metres away from diver-down / alpha flags (Discover what a diver-down / alpha flag is), unless conducting SCUBA, snorkel or free diving activities.
Bear in mind that divers often have difficulty estimating distance underwater and could drift away from the flag. - Don’t let anyone onto the swim platform while the engine is in gear. Swim platforms tend to be slippery and divers could fall into the propeller.
- If you are leading a group of divers, make sure that divers entering the water do not come close to the propeller: they are sharp and dangerous, even when they’re not moving.
- Allow easy and safe re-boarding.
- Before starting the engine, make sure no diver is in the vicinity or under the boat.
FOR DIVERS
Preventing Propeller Accidents While Diving
- Always place the diver-down / alpha flag before diving. The flag can be attached to a float or mounted on a vessel and clearly visible from all directions.
- Always surface within 50 mt. of your dive flag, or close to the reef, if there's one.
- Use a surface marker buoy if an emergency surfacing far from the diver-down flag is needed.
- Watch your buoyancy and avoid uncontrolled ascents.
- While ascending, look around and pay utmost attention.
DAN
