After completing multiple fish pen dives, a diver suffered pain, confusion, severe headaches, and was staggering. The diver was not treated because his decompression symptoms were not fully recognized. Hyperbaric chamber treatment, five days later, was necessary to relieve the diver's decompression symptoms. This diver held only recreational diving certification, which is not acceptable for occupational diving.

Safe work practices:

• Dive supervisors must be knowledgeable and competent in recognizing medical symptoms.
• All dive teams must be trained in diving accident management.
• All suspected cases of diving illness must be treated immediately.
• 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.