What should be the outcome when a near-miss is investigated in the ADCI Dive Program?

• A. Risk controls are updated and communicated; safety is maintained.
• B. The incident is ignored
• C. Only the diver involved should know
• D. No changes to procedures

Answer: (A)

In safety practice, near-miss investigations aim to identify underlying causes and put preventive actions in place so the same situation doesn’t recur. The best outcome is to update risk controls based on what’s learned and to communicate these changes to the entire team, ensuring everyone understands new procedures, additional checks, or training requirements. This keeps the operation safer by reducing the likelihood of a repeat event and fostering a proactive safety culture.

Ignoring the incident misses learning opportunities and leaves hazards unaddressed. Keeping the information confined to the diver prevents others from benefiting from the lessons learned, weakening overall safety. No changes to procedures mean the root causes aren’t addressed, so the same risks persist.