DAN (Diver's Alert Network) recently published their 2016 Annual Diving Report. It is a compiling of statics, reports, and case studies of the reported diving accidents. In it is valuable insight and advice for all divers and special takeaways for spearfishing safety and diving safety in general. I highly recommend that you get a free copy for yourself.

Lobster Hunting and SCUBA

The report highlights known accidents suffered by victims while lobstering. The primary dangers, according to the report, of SCUBA diving while hunting lobsters is poor gas management due to distraction, or running out of breathing gas. Also, hunting brings on new demands of the diver such as carrying more equipment and covering more distance during the dive. Many hunters only dive during the lobster season, meaning that poor or unpracticed dive skills can be a factor in the cause of accidents.

Many of the case studies show that poor health conditions, especially those predisposed to heart attack or other cardiovascular disease, solo diving and over weighting were common complications that resulted in fatalities.

Is there anything to make it easy?

Previous DAN reports have indicated that similar concerns face all underwater hunters and collectors. Searching for game and managing the speargun or other equipment can be very distracting. One solution to increase diving safety is to use air integrated dive computers with audible alarms. These alarms can be set to give air supply, depth, and no-decompression time warnings. Also, most models can calculate your breathing rate and will give you an estimated time that your gas supply with last.

There are two types of air integrated computers; hosed and wireless.

Hosed Computers: These computers are attached to the first stage regulator with a hose just like every pressure gauge. The difference is that they are electronic and have a lot of functions. Generally, you can get them with a quick release option so that you can store them separately. Below are some options and descriptions, follow the links to check for current prices, reviews, and availability on Amazon. Sherwood Wisdom. The wisdom is a full featured computer that can do everything a recreational diver will ever need and is generally less expensive that similar models for other brands. It has an easy to use and basic user interface. Atomic Cobalt 2. The Cobalt 2 is an improvement from the first version which had common software glitches. This is really the high-end of dive computers and gives you every function in a bright and easy to read colored screen. Generally, I don't like the digital compasses but the integrated compass on the Cobalt is very reliable and doesn't have that pronounced 'lag'effect that many have. This is great computer, but it comes in as one of the most expensive on the market.

These computers are attached to the first stage regulator with a hose just like every pressure gauge. The difference is that they are electronic and have a lot of functions. Generally, you can get them with a quick release option so that you can store them separately. Below are some options and descriptions, follow the links to check for current prices, reviews, and availability on Amazon. Wireless Computers: These computers are worn on the wrist like a watch. They can read the air pressure in the tank by way of an electronic transmitter that is attached to the first stage. The primary advantage of these is that it eliminates the need for a hose making for a more streamed-lined gear set up. Another possible advantage is that these computers generally have a 'freedive' mode that can be used to measure your apena sessions if you practice that sport in addition to SCUBA. Suunto D4i Novo. The classic of the 'D' series it has just been updated with the Novo version. It has everything you need including air, nitrox, and freedive modes. One feature I really like is the dive graph where you can see your depths in a graph form right on the computer. Make sure you get it with the transmitter to take advantage of the low air alarm to increase diving safety. One word about Suunto dive computers is that they tend to be very conservative, giving you less bottom time than other models, depending on how you dive this can be an asset or something to avoid. Aqualung i450t. Aqualung just lunched a new line of their own dive computers, which really are updated versions of the great Oceanic line. This computer really has everything including being able to read up to three different transmitters and gas blends, if you ever needed it. Another great computer at a good price compared to simular products.

These computers are worn on the wrist like a watch. They can read the air pressure in the tank by way of an electronic transmitter that is attached to the first stage. The primary advantage of these is that it eliminates the need for a hose making for a more streamed-lined gear set up. Another possible advantage is that these computers generally have a 'freedive' mode that can be used to measure your apena sessions if you practice that sport in addition to SCUBA.

While there are great diving instruments available, these are only tools and there is no replacement for prudent diving practices and frequent monitoring of your gauges.

Spearfishing and Apnea

The DAN Annual Diving report summarizes the common causes of breath-hold diving incidents as poor health or physical condition, poor decisions (such as diving alone, or excessive hyperventilating), rough weather or conditions, and boat or animal problems

The report recommends that divers are aware of their medical histories and seek medical advice to determine fitness for diving activities. All new divers in formal classes of apena and SCUBA are required to answer a medical questionnaire and summit to a doctor's evaluation if there is any question about medical fitness.

The report strongly discourages the use of excessive hyperventilation, and I would add that taking an organized course from an organization like FII or AIDA will help explain the physiology and safe ways to extend your bottom time.

In the DAN Anuual Diving Report from 2015 there are two case studies that show the importance of never diving alone. One is of a diver who separated himself from the group and was diving alone, later he was found unconscious floating face down and was unable to be resuscitated. In contrast to two divers were on accent from a spearfishing dive when one stopped his assent and began to sink. He was helped to the surface by his partner and regained consciousness and made a full recovery. In order to increase diver safety, freedivers and spearfisherman should have a dedicated spotter supervising every immersion. Also mentioned, the freediver recovery vest is now a tool that can be used to increase a divers odds of survival in the case of an accident.

Diving Safety with Boats and Animals

Divers of all types are usually at risk of being in the same area as other boaters. Divers can be struck by boats even with flags or floats present. Make sure you have the proper flags and signals showing and use as many of them as posible, using a large floating device such as a kayak could be helpful. An ideal scenario is to have surface support, that is someone on a boat, or if practical shore, warning other boaters of the divers in the water.

Most of the animal caused injuries were described as them being interested in the diver's catch. This includes sharks, seals, and even orca whales. This is a risk of underwater hunters and the divers should know what type of aquatic predators are in the area and keep their catch off of their person. Never clip fish or other catch to yourself and if possible store it out of the water all together.