KEY POINTS:
Divers are more likely to get into difficulties diving to collect scallops than being attacked by sharks at this time of year, experts say.
Water Safety New Zealand and New Zealand Underwater collect data relating to diving incidents and said safety measures needed to be followed by people indulging in the popular summer activity of diving for scallops.
"New Zealand Underwater is urging all divers to dive safely and remember the basic rules this summer so that everyone returns to enjoy the shellfish delicacy at the end of the day," its communications manager, Peter Crabb, said.
He said many New Zealanders learnt to dive specifically to gather scallops. Abalone and mussels can be collected using a snorkel.
While there were no figures on scallop related injuries, because people may be embarrassed, not fill in injury forms or be secretive about scallop locations, Mr Crabb said there was ample anecdotal evidence to show people should take care.
The occurrence of shark attacks was low but people were regularly injured while diving for scallops, he said.
"Swimming around in limited visibility searching for the scallops in a current, at depth, with the increased pressure puts a strain on anyone, particularly those who may be unfit, getting older or find that their wetsuits have `shrunk' over winter," said Mr Crabb.
Bringing a heavy catch-bag to the surface could pose a risk when divers used their inflation jackets as lifting devices which could lead to injury when they came to the surface too quickly, he said.
To avoid being run over in open-bay situations, divers surfacing and their skippers needed to be mindful of other boats and those using dredges, Mr Crabb said.
"Divers should take note of currents and tidal streams and use experienced skippers who understand the nature of diving and how to keep an eye out for divers. These simple precautions will help divers avoid long exhausting surface swims or separation from their buddies or the boat."
While it was recommended that divers all carry a surface signalling device, it was mandatory for all skippers and divers to display the "Code A" blue and white dive flag during diving activities from boats. The flag tells other boaties they must stay away 200m or reduce their speed to five knots or lower.
All divers should have their life support equipment regularly serviced by a trained professional, have professional instruction, dive with a buddy, plan all dives, monitor air supply and slowly ascend from every dive.
"Diving requires special training and equipment. For these reasons we urge divers who have completed training and haven't been in the water for a while to take a refresher course," Mr Crabb said.
- NZPA
