SSI Diving Training Recommendations for Coronavirus COVID-19
Since the onset of Coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been and still are many health alerts and questions around the world. We want you to know that we are vigilant in providing you with correct information, especially in areas such as sharing air or other exercises where students find themselves in confined spaces.
SSI advises medical organizations with correct and accurate information about COVID-19 - the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and the Diver Alert Network.
View hereDivers Alert Network's recommendations:
SCUBA DIVING
All divers are responsible for their own health. According to the SSI Code of Responsible Divers, if a person is unfit – do not dive. Specific to the current spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), if a person has a lung or upper respiratory tract infection, a cold, or cold-like symptoms, they should not participate in diving activities.
As with all SSI training programs, SSI recommends the following procedures in conjunction with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- 潛水裝備的消毒-很重要的是需要在所有的潛水/泳池的裝備，如咬嘴/或任何暴露於口沫(面鏡或泳鏡)都應該進行消毒。離開泳池/或開放水域後，皆應立即按照製造商的消毒指南進行操作。
- Air sharing tips - Stop sharing air sources before diving equipment has been properly disinfected. Techniques performed in swimming pools (chlorinated pools) or open water are not effective in killing viruses. For all air-sharing techniques, SSI recommends following the following procedures to meet training standards.
Diver Training - Simulates the "shared primary second stage" technique. This technique allows the ejaculator to remove the mouthpiece from their mouth as if they were performing the technique, but the ejaculator does not actually touch the mouthpiece from their mouth.
Other-Use the alternative technique of "Shared Delivery Alternative Air Source". Regarding this tip, make sure that the buddy group that shares a source of air is using the same alternative source of air for the entire time you are underwater.
Professional Training - Simulate the "Shared Primary Secondary" technique. This technique allows the ejaculator to remove the mouthpiece from their mouth as if they were performing the technique, but the ejaculator does not actually touch the mouthpiece from their mouth.
You can protect yourself by using a personal mouthpiece of rental equipment, assembling and disassembling it during class, and being responsible for disinfecting it yourself. We must be aware of the fact that infection can result if good precautions are not followed.
freediving
Perhaps the most important thing to do when preventing COVID-19 is personal hygiene and disinfection of diving equipment. When freediving, almost all equipment can be at risk from viral infection. It is important to use clean and disinfected equipment to effectively reduce risks.
The Diving Alert Network (DAN) recently published an article about disinfecting diving equipment. According to their recommendations, hard structured equipment such as masks, snorkels, fins and computers need to be disinfected using the following materials according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 10% diluted bleach solution.
- Disinfectant Tablets-Simoniz
- Amine-based cleaners
Unfortunately, traditional cleaning agents (such as antibacterial solutions) are not effective against coronavirus. If you don't have these cleaners or have trouble finding them, another solution you can use to keep your freediving gear clean and virus-free is to wash it with hot soapy water.
Another point is the importance of using a personal device, and for your own use during this time. Are you using or planning to use rental equipment for training sessions? If the answer is “yes”, make sure your training center has explained to you their procedures for requesting disinfection. All SSI Dive Centers worldwide have been informed of appropriate equipment and facility cleaning procedures.
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Article source: DiveSSI