Interviews, Chronicles & News

How many times have you heard this? Even once is already too often.

Best practices, common sense, and, above all, personal safety require us to analyze our own cylinders. Alternatively, the diving

center staff should analyze the cylinder in our presence. Afterward, we should sign the documentation to confirm that we agree

with the results.There should be no other way to proceed if we intend to adhere to the safety standards and best practices of scuba diving. However, the reality at some centers is often quite different.

Some facilities, when providing Nitrox, assume that a certified autonomous diver has no reason to verify the mix. In some cases, staff members may even feel annoyed or offended if a client insists on checking their cylinder. The common argument used in their defense is that the verification was already completed at the gas blending station and that no analyzers are available on the boat for the mandatory client check.

This situation compromises both the client’s safety and the center’s reputation. The diver is forced to rely blindly on the facility’s word and professional conduct without knowing the actual gas composition, which creates unnecessary stress. Centers often argue that this process causes delays, yet it is the clients who are left uneasy and frustrated by such negligence.

By addressing these situations as diving professionals and asserting our rights as responsible divers, we contribute to a safer,

more professional, and more welcoming industry. It is the responsibility of everyone involved to ensure that the diving sector

meets the standards of service, quality, and safety that make our hobby—and profession—increasingly secure.

Admittedly, not all centers behave this way. Fortunately, there is a growing sense of awareness and professionalism among many establishments. Nevertheless, in my view, there is still significant progress to be made.

A prudent approach is to remind the center that you wish to verify your Nitrox mix before entering the water; this request alone should be sufficient. For someone as distrustful as I am, carrying a personal analyzer may be  viable option, though it ultimately remains a matter of personal choice.

Becoming a Diving Instructor

So You Want to Be a Diving Instructor? Read This First.

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return

doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success ".

With this ad, Ernest Henry Shackleton recruited his crew for one of the toughest expeditions in history. Without exaggerating, becoming a scuba diving instructor also comes with its own warning: it won’t be easy.

This piece comes from my personal experience. It doesn’t represent every professional in the industry, but it does reflect a reality many will recognize.

In my case, I left my previous life behind to become a diving instructor. Yes, it is a profession—even if that surprises some people. And like any profession, it requires preparation, investment, and sacrifice. You don’t need extraordinary qualities to take the leap. But you do need something essential: attitude, confidence, and persistence. Because the hardest part isn’t starting—it’s sticking with your decision when doubts appear… and when others start giving their opinions.

The journey begins with training. Choosing the right certifying agency and dive center is not a minor detail: it’s a significant investment (between €2,500 and €3,000) and can determine your access to the job market. Researching, asking questions, and comparing options isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Then reality sets in: getting certified doesn’t mean you’re ready. You’ll need specialties, continued training, and above all, language skills. English isn’t a bonus—it’s mandatory. Others, like German or French, can make a real difference, and then comes the job search.

Here, a simple rule applies: if you don’t persist, you don’t get in. Visiting dive centers, introducing yourself in person, speaking with managers… and accepting that rejection is part of the process. Often without any response. For months.

When you finally land your first job, the “dream” quickly takes on a different shape:

Physically demanding work Long hours, High expectations, Great responsibility (other people’s safety depends on you) and in many cases, working conditions and salaries fall far short of what you might expect.

So the big question: Is it worth it? If you’re looking for comfort, probably not. If you want immediate stability, neither. But if you’re looking to do something that truly motivates you, live unique experiences, and build a different kind of life… then maybe it is. 

Personally, I wish I had had this perspective before starting. Even so, I would make the same decision again. Because in the end, that’s what it comes down to: choosing your path.

You only get one life, and remember: “When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person—that’s what the storm is all about ".

IDIS Diver Instructors Program

The IDIS programme is a two-month scholarship for new diving instructors. It started last year as a pilot project and delivered outstanding results in training and professional growth.

Scubamalta made this programme possible. Their support in the IDIS project has been vital to developing and consolidating the

initiative. Following the success of its first edition, we have decided to continue the programme this year. On this occasion, two new participants, Eric and Max, from the Barcelona Nautical School (https://lnkd.in/eKQkV_dV) have been selected to join ScubaMalta, the diving centre where this project was first established. With this second edition, we aim not only to consolidate the results achieved to date, but also to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining this programme over the long term, positioning it as a key opportunity for the development of new diving professionals. Should your diving organization be interested in participating, we kindly invite you to contact us.

We would be pleased to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.

caco@aquacore.eu

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Understanding the Risks: An Overview of Diving Incidents

Understanding diving accident statistics is key to safer diving:

The recreational scuba diving fatality rate is about 2 fatalities per 100,000 dives.

This translates to a risk of roughly 1 in every 50,000 dives. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) reports over 1,000 diving-related injuries annually, with over 10% being fatal.

A staggering 90% of diving fatalities are linked to diver error. While drowning is often the listed cause of death, it's usually the result of another issue, like a medical problem or running out of air.

The "Why" Behind the Numbers: Leading Causes of Diving Accidents

Analyzing diving accident statistics requires looking at the chain of events. Drowning is the final outcome in over 80% of cases,

but it's typically the result of another problem. Safety experts analyze the sequence of triggers, disabling agents, and disabling injuries.

Triggers (the first event): Insufficient gas (41%), entrapment (20%), and equipment problems (15%).

Disabling Agents (what incapacitates the diver): Emergency ascents (55%), insufficient gas (27%), and buoyancy issues (13%).

Disabling Injuries (the final physical problem): Asphyxia (33%), arterial gas embolism (AGE) (29%), and cardiac incidents (26%).

Key causes include:

Insufficient Gas: A factor in over 10% of deaths, running out of air is a frequent root cause, often due to poor planning.

Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE): A serious injury from ascending too quickly. Emergency ascents were the disabling agent in 96%

of AGE cases.

Cardiac Events: A major concern, especially for older divers, contributing to about 25% of all diving fatalities and 45% of deaths

in divers over 40.

Immersion Pulmonary Oedema (IPO): A growing concern where fluid builds up in the lungs, potentially leading to drowning.

Crucially, about 90% of diving fatalities are due to diver error. This highlights how much control divers have over their own safety.

 Analyzing Key Risk Factors in Diving Accident Statistics, certain factors can increase risk. Understanding them helps divers make smarter choices.

Diver Experience and Training: Diving accident statistics show that both new divers (fewer than 20 dives) and highly experienced divers are involved in incidents. About 50% of deaths involve new divers, but complacency can be a real danger for experienced divers.

Physical Health: Your physical condition is critical.

Age: Over half of fatalities involve divers over 50. The average age of a victim is 54.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): CVD is a primary factor in 15% of scuba fatalities and is linked to a much higher percentage of

deaths in older divers.

Obesity: A majority of divers who died were overweight or obese (51% obese, 29% overweight). Staying in good physical shape and getting regular medical check-ups are essential for safe diving. Understanding the physical demands is key.