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Knowing what to do in an emergency before you need to do it is the hallmark of a prepared diver. Here are the critical procedures every Komodo diver should commit to memory.
| Emergency | Immediate Action | Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Separated from group underwater | Search for 1 minute → ascend slowly to 5m → deploy SMB → complete safety stop → surface | Float with inflated BCD, hold SMB visible, blow whistle, wait for boat |
| Caught in downcurrent | Swim horizontally away from wall/pinnacle → inflate BCD → do NOT swim upward against the current | Once in normal water, check depth, rejoin group or ascend with SMB |
| Free-flowing regulator | Do not seal lips around mouthpiece → sip air from the side → signal buddy → ascend using alternate air source | End dive, surface safely, report to guide |
| Out of air | Signal buddy → share air (alternate air source) → controlled ascent together | End dive, discuss with guide, review air management |
| Suspected DCS after dive | Administer 100% O2 → lie horizontal → hydrate → do NOT re-enter water | Call DAN (0061 8 8212 9242) → transport to Siloam Hospital hyperbaric chamber |
| Diver unconscious on surface | Inflate their BCD → support head above water → remove mask and weight belt → signal boat for immediate pickup | On boat: recovery position, O2, check breathing, prepare for CPR if needed |
Final thought: The best emergency response is prevention. Choose reputable operators, dive within your limits, carry proper equipment, stay with your guide, and never hesitate to abort a dive that does not feel right. Komodo's currents demand respect, but with preparation and awareness, they deliver some of the most extraordinary diving on Earth.