New guidance for divers

Make sure they get home from that dive

Maritime NZ has issued new safety guidelines for operators of commercial vessels involved in freediving and snorkelling in New Zealand.
The work follows the death of a person while freediving for kaimoana off Whakatane in 2021. A post mortem indicated they suffered ischemic heart disease, which the skipper of the charter vessel did not know about. The death is now before the Coroner.

Safety organisation Divers Alert Network states about one-third of all diving fatalities are associated with an acute cardiac event. It recommends that people with active ischemic heart disease not undertake diving activities (including freediving/snorkelling). Maritime NZ’s safety guidelines support that stance.

Richard Luoni, Maritime NZ’s Manager, General Regulatory Operations, Central, says operators of commercial vessels have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to ensure, as much as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of customers and staff. Communication is an important part of that, he says.

“Operators should make passengers aware of the risks of freediving and snorkelling before boarding, including asking those with heart problems to check with health professionals before undertaking the activity.

“They should also consider the risk of the activity they are overseeing, the equipment they have available, and assess themselves whether passengers are fit for freediving or snorkelling.”

This can be done by asking a number of questions about age, fitness, health and experience in diving.

“Maritime NZ wants people to enjoy the marine environment and the activities available, but it’s important everyone also respects and understands the risks that can come with that and do their best to manage those risks.”

Those wanting to know more can find the guidelines here.
https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/content/commercial/safety/safety-updates/people/diving-heart-condition.asp