Hobart, Tasmania: The allure of diving into the waters off Tasmania in search of the abundant seafood has long been a cherished tradition for many locals. However, a string of tragic deaths this year has brought to light the dangers of a lack of regulation in recreational diving activities. In particular, hooker diving, a method where divers are supplied air from the surface through a hose, has raised concerns as more individuals are losing their lives while using homemade or self-serviced gear.
For recreational diver John Stanfield, hooker diving provided a unique opportunity to navigate the underwater world with precision and success. Yet, for some divers, including two of the individuals who tragically lost their lives this year, the risks associated with using hooker rigs have become apparent. Tasmania’s fatality rate among divers is currently four times the national average, prompting experts to question the safety measures in place for recreational diving activities.
According to diving and medical expert David Smart, the lack of regulation surrounding recreational diving activities has resulted in unnecessary risks for divers, particularly those who make or repair their own equipment. Smart advocates for the implementation of new laws to protect recreational divers, pointing to the success of work health legislation in the commercial diving sector, which has seen no deaths in Tasmania since the 1980s.
At the Royal Hobart Hospital’s hyperbaric unit, divers regularly seek treatment for decompression illness, commonly known as “the bends,” caused by gas bubbles in the body’s tissues. The unit’s director, Professor David Cooper, emphasizes the severity of the condition, which can range from mild symptoms to sudden death. In light of recent tragedies, including further incidents involving improperly used hooker equipment, concerns about the safety of recreational diving activities persist.
Following investigations into past fatalities, Tasmanian coroner Olivia McTaggart has called for stricter regulation of the sport to be considered. While the Tasmanian government currently does not regulate recreational diving activities, it places the responsibility on individuals partaking in hooker diving to maintain their equipment and assess the associated risks. As the debate over the safety of recreational diving continues, advocates stress the need for increased awareness and measures to prevent further tragedies in Tasmania’s waters.