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Diving behaviour and decompression sickness among Galapagos underwater harvesters
A A Westin1, J Asvall, G Idrovo
1Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Summary
Galapagos divers frequently exceed safe limits for breath-hold diving, leading to common symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS). Many divers avoid professional treatment due to high costs, increasing health risks.
Area of Science:
- Diving Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Hyperbaric Physiology
Background:
- Commercial sea cucumber harvesting in Galapagos involves surface-supplied air diving.
- Divers operate from small boats, often performing multiple dives daily.
- Previous research on DCS in this specific population is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe diving conditions and profiles of Galapagos commercial divers.
- To investigate the occurrence of vascular bubbles and decompression sickness (DCS) symptoms.
- To understand the management and reporting of DCS symptoms within this group.
Main Methods:
- 12 divers had dive profiles recorded using dive loggers.
- Pulmonary artery bubble formation was measured.
- DCS symptoms were assessed through interviews.
- 380 immersions were analyzed over nine days.
Main Results:
- Divers averaged 6.3 dives/day, with a mean depth of 34.5 FSW (max 107 FSW).
- Average daily bottom time was 175 minutes.
- 82% of ascents exceeded the recommended 30 FSW/min limit.
- Five instances of DCS symptoms (muscle/joint pain) were reported by three divers.
- High bubble grades were observed, though the measurement was unreliable.
Conclusions:
- Galapagos fishermen dive beyond standard no-decompression limits.
- Decompression sickness symptoms are common in this diving group.
- Divers are reluctant to seek professional treatment due to cost concerns.