Checklist for SCUBA or Snorkeling Injury

Checklist of what to do if you are involved in a snorkeling or SCUBA incident:

First, document everything. Take photos and videos of all visible injuries, the dive site, entry or exit points, the boat or shore location, and all equipment involved. This should be done before anything is moved, repaired, or placed back into service. If other divers or bystanders recorded video on their phones, ask for copies immediately.

Next, identify everyone involved. Obtain the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of dive buddies, witnesses, divemasters, instructors, investigators, and crew members. Do not assume that the tour operator will preserve this information accurately or completely.

Third, secure all available video evidence. Ask the tour company whether the trip was recorded in any way. Many operators routinely film dives and sell footage to participants, and this video may already exist. Also search social media platforms and local news outlets, as other participants or television crews sometimes post accident footage within hours.

Fourth, if diving equipment was confiscated for testing, determine where it is being stored. Do not allow the equipment to be returned to service until all testing is complete and any dive computer data has been preserved and downloaded.

Fifth, if the incident involved a fatality, an autopsy will usually be performed. Request a copy of that report once it becomes available.