Using a Delphi technique to rank potential causes of scuba diving incidents.

Scuba diving experts suggested and ranked potential causes of three known risk factors for scuba diving incidents: running out of air, losing buoyancy control and making rapid ascents. Three types of scuba diving expert participated: medical experts, divemasters and expert divers. In three rounds, consensus was reached for 28 (58%) of 48 suggested causes. Inexperience was ranked highly for all three risk factors, as was anxiety/stress and diver failure (to monitor contents gauge or release air on ascent). Poor skill levels and inadequate training were also often suggested. Overall, the expert panel suggested potential causes that were more often human or equipment related, than environmental.