What process should be followed if a diver experiences a near-miss incident?

When a diver experiences a near-miss incident, it is essential to report and analyze the situation. This practice is crucial for several reasons. First, documenting the incident allows for a clear understanding of what occurred, which can help in identifying the root causes, whether they are related to equipment failure, environmental factors, or diver behavior. Analyzing the incident contributes to the safety and learning of all divers involved, as it provides opportunities to review safety protocols and enhance diving practices.

Furthermore, discussing the incident promotes a culture of safety within the diving community. This collective learning experience can prevent future incidents, not just for the individual diver involved but also for their dive partners and other divers in similar environments. By addressing near misses proactively, divers can make informed decisions to improve their skills and response strategies, thereby enhancing overall diving safety.

In contrast, ignoring the incident, continuing dives without dialogue, or abruptly changing partners does not address the underlying issues and could lead to repeated mistakes in the future. These approaches may dismiss valuable lessons learned from the near-miss, ultimately compromising safety and diver experience.