In life, there are certain things that are out of our control and it is important to understand what to do when these things happen in the most unexpected time. The value of preparation and awareness can certainly help us in these situations to be safe and out of danger. Mother nature always does something that we can never control. Learning the basic fundamentals of dealing with life-threatening accidents and how to get yourself safe during these unwanted situations is something we must consider valuing.
In scuba diving, there are so many dangers awaiting in the environment underwater. Many things can possibly happen and worse things can even cause your life. It is important to consider practicing the safety protocols of what to expect when diving underwater. If you are a person who loves scuba diving for pleasure or leisure, you have to be aware of the possible danger especially during times where a vortex current is unexpectedly going your way. Vortex currents are one of the most dangerous situations in scuba diving. This kind of underwater phenomena is terrifying to see when you are diving, especially in larger depths. There are several ways to get yourself out of this situation and avoid being trapped by this deadly current. So, what are these ways? Let’s talk about it here!
Table of Contents
Our Guide How To Deal With Vortex Current
Step 1. Keep Your Calm
Most experienced divers know that the first thing to do is to maintain your composure, and not to panic. Panicking can definitely worsen your situation and can cause unnecessary actions. It is important to keep yourself together so you can think properly and deal with the situation accordingly and proceed to step 2.
Step 2. Understand Your Situation
Every time you are in an unfavorable situation, it is important to understand the problem. So you can measure the possibilities and effects of the current. There are cases where a vortex current is not that strong, so a little kick and push on the sideways can do the trick. But in some cases, it is not always like that so it is important to know the strength of the current so you can adjust and think abruptly for the right actions you need. If the current is strong then the next step can definitely help you.
Step 3. Check your Gears
There are scuba gears that play an important role when you are diving underwater such as your diving computer. Your computer serves as your radar and your vision, especially in a situation where you are trapped in a vortex current. Note that when you are inside the current. you will possibly be disoriented resulting in your inefficiency to check the flow of the bubbles. Your diving computer can help you with that if you can reach to look into it you can see the flow of the bubbles directing you to the flow of the current giving you an idea about your situation.
Step 4. Look To Your Buddies
When you are diving with a group, it is helpful if you can make a proper sign or signal about your situation. So your buddies can understand and make the right choice to assist you. You must locate them and if you really feel like you can’t do anything about your situation, signal them what to do so you can get out of the current without jeopardizing their safety too.
Step5. Look For A Cover
If you get carried by a strong current and your buddies didn’t able to help you, although you did your best to push yourself away from the current or luckily you got our but you feel tired after battling yourself out you must look for a safety location where a rock or any object can help lessen the effects of the current. This can help you ease your situation and prevent further disorientation. The purpose here is to take cover and avoid the rampaging flow of the vortex current.
Step 6. Go To Safety
After overcoming the current go immediately to a safer location where a current can no longer reach you. When you are still underwater, it is important to use all your safety measures. Get yourself to the surface as soon as possible because of the threat of oxygen deficiency. The most dangerous situation when diving underwater is when you’re running out of oxygen. This can instantly put yourself in danger. Conclusively, always look to a safer location once you get yourself out of the vortex current.
Conclusion
There are so many ways that you can deal with the vortex current. The most common factor to keep yourself safe is to learn how to handle it effectively by not panicking and doing the best you can to handle the situation. Always use the things around you in your advantage like rocks and reefs to provide shelter and help. Diving underwater can sometimes put you in serious risk and safety measures is a must.
Sources
- https://www.divein.com/articles/guide-to-diving-in-current/
- https://scubadiverlife.com/everything-need-know-currents/
- https://www.leisurepro.com/blog/scuba-guides/scuba-tips-diving-in-currents/
- https://scubaedu.com/tips-to-keep-in-mind-when-diving-in-strong-currents/
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-way-to-exit-a-vortex-while-scuba-diving
- https://www.sportdiver.com/how-to-handle-heavy-current-while-scuba-diving#page-3