Critical procedures for diving emergencies
warningALWAYS call emergency services first. This information is for reference only and does not replace professional training. Always follow your dive computer and agency procedures; Nautiq’s prompts are estimates, not medical advice.
Find Your Regional Number →
24/7 diving accident assistance worldwide
999 (UK) / 112 (Europe) / 911 (US)
For immediate life-threatening situations. Use your country’s emergency number.
Lay the diver flat or in recovery position; avoid exertion and keep warm
999 (UK) / 112 (EU) / 911 (US) or local number; follow their instructions
Use your regional number for diving-medicine guidance
Use a demand or non-rebreather mask; monitor airway and breathing
Small sips of water if conscious and not vomiting; keep warm
Have dive computer/logs, times, depths, surface intervals, symptoms ready for responders
Use the out-of-air signal (hand across throat)
Take your buddy’s alternate (octopus) or share from a long hose as trained
Controlled ascent ≤ 9 m/min (30 ft/min); maintain contact and buoyancy control
~3 min @ 5 m (15 ft) only if gas and conditions allow; otherwise surface and signal
lightbulbPrevention: Check SPG frequently, plan gas with a reserve (≥ 50 bar / 700 psi), practice air-sharing and ascent skills.
Search 360° in all directions
Ascend slowly to the surface; perform a safety stop if gas and conditions allow
Use whistle, SMB, or wave for attention
Initiate search per operator procedures; provide last-seen time and location
warningImportant: Never dive alone. Always maintain buddy contact. Use surface marker buoys (SMB) on every dive.
If a diver is unconscious and not breathing:
Alert emergency services - 999 (UK)
Or perform in-water rescue breathing if trained
Check responsiveness, breathing, and pulse for up to 10 seconds
If not breathing normally and you are trained: 30 compressions at 100–120/min, depth ~5–6 cm for adults, then 2 breaths; continue cycles
If not trained in rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR (continuous compressions)
Follow device instructions
schoolImportant: Take a CPR/First Aid course and keep your certification current. Practice rescue skills regularly.
100% O₂ with demand or non-rebreather mask
Waterproof, dive-specific
Oral and auto-inflate types
Attached to BCD
Knife or line cutter
Laminated, in BCD pocket
This information is for reference only and does not replace recognised rescue and emergency training, your dive computer, or medical advice. Always follow your agency’s procedures.
No Liability: Nautiq provides general guidance only. Nautiq and its creators accept no responsibility or liability for injuries, losses, or accidents arising from diving activities or use of this application.
Your Responsibility: You are solely responsible for your decisions and safety. Seek immediate professional medical help in any emergency, contact local emergency services and your regional DAN hotline, and use appropriate, well-maintained equipment.