3 minute read
WHY DIVE PROFESSIONALS NEED TO SHIFT THEIR FOCUS
ADVICE FOR DIVE PROFESSIONALS
Text by Barry Colema
Scuba diving professionals play a crucial role in diver safety, but their responsibilities differ based on their specific roles. While dive instructors are responsible for training students, dive guides often assume they have little or no liability when leading certified divers. This misconception can have serious legal and safety implications. Furthermore, because dive guides bear a duty of care, they should carry professional liability insurance to protect against third-party claims.
Instructor vs. Dive Guide: Key Differences in Responsibility
Dive Instructor: A High Level of Responsibility
A dive instructor is tasked with teaching and ensuring the safety of student divers, who rely entirely on them for supervision and decision-making. Their responsibilities include:
Supervising students during training dives and ensuring they meet certification requirements.
Managing risk and responding to emergencies since students lack experience.
Legally accountable for the proper training and certification of students.
Required to have liability insurance, as training carries inherent risks.
Dive Guide: The Often-Misunderstood Role
Dive guides (including divemaster’s and instructors acting as guides) lead certified divers on recreational dives. However, their responsibilities are more extensive than many realise:
Pre-Dive Briefing: Guides must provide clear, thorough briefings on dive conditions, hazards, and emergency procedures.
Assessing Diver Competence: Not all certified divers are skilled or comfortable in the conditions they face.
Emergency Response: If a diver has an issue, a guide is expected to help.
Legal and Ethical Obligations: Failing to fulfill these duties can result in legal liability if an accident occurs.
The False Sense of Security Among Dive Guides
Many dive guides assume that because certified divers are responsible for themselves, the guide is free of liability. However, courts have held dive professionals accountable when negligence, improper briefings, or failure to manage safety contributed to an accident. Guides must understand that leading a dive means accepting responsibility for diver safety.
Why Do Dive Guides Need Liability Insurance?
Given the legal risks associated with leading dives, liability insurance is critical for all dive guides. Third-party claims can arise from:
Failing to assess diver readiness
Providing inadequate briefings
Failing to assist in emergencies
Without insurance, a dive guide risks financial ruin in the event of a lawsuit. Many dive resorts and dive centres require liability insurance for their staff, but freelance guides should also secure coverage.
Conclusion
The role of a dive professional comes with serious responsibility—whether training new divers as an instructor or leading certified divers as a guide. The misconception that dive guides have no liability can lead to dangerous situations. Recognising their duty of care and securing professional liability insurance is essential for protecting both divers and their own careers. Safe diving begins with responsible leadership, and responsible leadership includes being prepared for all eventualities.
