Date of Award

12-15-1978

Degree Type

Major Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Marine Affairs

Abstract

From 1970 to 1976 ninety seven fatalities occurred during scuba diving training courses taught by nationally recognized scuba certification agencies. Data from these fatalities was gathered and analyzed at the University of Rhode Island's National Underwater Accident Data Center (NUADC) from September 1977 to June 1978. After analysis of each case and compilation of data for the statistical tables, an effort was made to look for specific trends that occurred over the course of the period investigated. In the course of analysis it became evident that a high percentage of training facilities occurred to students who were diving in less than perfect environmental conditions. A strong relationship appears exist between high stress levels in the victims and cold water. An effort was made throughout the paper to examine the statistics as objectively as possible.

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