Divers advised on attitude

Press, 29 January 1986, Page 41

Divers advised on attitude

PA Wellington The Ministry of Transport is worried about the number of experienced divers who seem to have become complacent about safety precautions. A Ministry maritime safety officer, Captain Geoff Wearing, said that 13 divers were rescued by Wellington’s police launch Lady Elizabeth II last year. Eleven of the divers had five to six years diving experience. “That goes to show experience is no guarantee of safety when people become complacent," he said.

“It is recognised in the professional world that complacency can often go hand in hand with experience. Take the example

of pilots who must undergo j regular tests to keep their licences.” Mr Wearing said he was not suggesting legislation should be introduced to maintain standards, because it would be virtually impossible to police. But divers should regularly examine their approach and possibly get another diver to check their skills. “Many of the incidents last year could have been prevented by simple precautions,” he said.

“Examples are diving in pairs, staying together underwater, diving with an observer on the boat, and not diving too close to dark.”

Mr Wearing said divers were choosing to ignore their experience.