The SDSC collect data on diving activity from it’s members to monitor safety records and contextualise incidents against the background of incident-free activity. Historical reviews have shown that the incidence of pressure-related injuries, such as decompression illness (DCI), within the scientific diving community is generally low compared to commercial and military diving sectors. For example, DCI rates in scientific diving range from 0 to 2.8 cases per 10,000 person-dives, compared to rates of 1.4 to 35.3 per 10,000 person-dives in other diving sectors (Dareau et al., 2012). However, these figures are based on limited studies, highlighting the need for ongoing data collection to validate and refine safety practices.
Documenting diving activities supports the development of training programs and operational guidelines. By understanding patterns of diving incidents and near-misses, institutions can enhance their training protocols, address emerging risks, and refine task-specific procedures.
Reporting of diving activities and safety outcomes by SDSC members highlights the high standards upheld by the scientific diving community and reinforces its commitment to protecting both divers and the environments they study. This transparency is vital for research council funding, fostering collaborations, and promoting the broader societal benefits of scientific research conducted underwater.
Members of the SDSC submit their diving activities to a database to collate diving at work activity in the UK. The SDSC will release a report on this activity.