Poor collection of accident data on scuba diving is hampering research into mortality rates and causes, according to Gen Re Underwriter Research and Development Asa Beijer.  

“The voluntary nature of the reporting system means some deaths remain unrecorded,” she said. “In nearly one-third of diving fatalities, the causal factors are unknown and drowning doesn’t necessarily provide a link to the underlying trigger of the accident.”

Research shows people who dive alone have 10 times higher fatality rates than those who go with a “buddy”. Diving below 40 metres more than triples the risk of a fatal accident.

However, the main cause of diving deaths is heart disease, Ms Beijer says.

“Poor fitness, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and smoking combined with environmental stress experienced underwater” may explain this.

“All these adverse risks merit special acceptance terms for life insurance,” she said.

Despite the risks, the average mortality risk for regular scuba activity is low, ranging between 0.5 and 1.2 deaths per 100,000 dives.

“This means most healthy applicants for life cover who participate in ordinary recreational diving are accepted on normal terms,” Ms Beijer said.

“Individuals with higher risk profiles can be offered cover with appropriate adjustments.”