DIVING

1. Dive Fatalities
Reports for cases that are investigated by the USCG can now be requested from one central location in Washington
DC. However, it may take up to two years after an incident before any case is closed and copies released. The USCG
follows FOIA protocols and will not release personal information contained in their reports. A redacted copy, removing
all personal and identifying information, is usually requested.
1.1.3 Reports from Witnesses and Next-of-Kin
DAN uses the Fatality Reporting Form to collect data from witnesses and family. The form may be downloaded from the
DAN website (http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/FATform.pdf) or may be requested from the research and medical
services department. When necessary, the family of the decedent or next-of-kin may be contacted to assist in data
collection. They may complete the Fatality Reporting Form and/or provide authorization for the release of their family
members’ autopsy reports.
The online incident reporting form on the DAN website (https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/research/incidentReport/) can
also be used by family and witnesses to report a fatality and provide additional details regarding any scuba diving fatality.
1.1.4 Data Entry and Analysis
DAN research maintains the scuba diving fatality data in a secure server. Once all pertinent information have been gathered
and entered into the database, results are analyzed and published in the DAN Annual Diving Report.
1.2 Geographic and Seasonal Distribution of Fatalities
Worldwide, DAN received notification of 561 deaths involving recreational scuba diving during 2010-2013. This is shown
in Table 1.2-1. Only the deaths of 334 US and Canadian recreational divers were actively investigated by DAN. Reports
of dive-related deaths from other regions were recorded when available but were not actively pursued or investigated.
Table 1.2-2 shows the geographic distribution of Canadian or US fatalities by state or province over the ten year period
2004-2013. Year after year Florida leads in the number of diving fatalities reported to DAN, followed by California and
then Washington. These three states accounted for 369 (55%) of the 665 Canadian or US diving fatalities reported to
DAN over this decade.
Table 1.2-1 DAN-received notifications about fatalities by country and region, 2010-2013 (n=561)
Region Country 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total
Africa Egypt 4 1 2 1 8
South Africa 1 0 1 3 5
Cape Verde 0 0 1 0 1
Seychelles 0 1 0 0 1
Africa Totals 5 2 4 4 15
Asia Philippines 3 6 5 0 14
Indonesia 2 3 4 0 9
Malaysia 1 1 0 3 5
Japan 2 1 1 0 4
Maldives 1 0 2 0 3
Thailand 0 1 0 2 3
Vietnam 0 0 0 1 1
China 0 0 1 0 1
Taiwan 0 1 0 0 1
Papua New Guinea 0 1 0 0 1
Asia Totals 9 14 13 6 42
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Annual Diving Report – 2012-2015 Edition