A fish-farm diver suffered serious decompression illness that affected his central nervous system, resulting in brain and spinal cord injuries. A dive-computer was used for this dive and no dive profile was maintained. Following the dive, the worker did heavy manual work. This added exertion may have contributed to his condition. This diver held only recreational diving certification (which is not acceptable in occupational diving) and had no medical certification.

Safe work practices:

• Do not use dive-computers; use acceptable decompression tables and procedures.
• Avoid heavy manual work after surfacing.
• Maintain an accurate dive profile.
• For information on acceptable occupational diving certification call 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free 1 888 621-SAFE (7233) and ask for the WCB diving coordinator.