After a dive incident requiring emergency care, which type of information is appropriate to provide in a formal accident report?

Providing a formal accident report after a dive incident should focus on factual information that can be verified. Personal observations are critical because they form the basis for understanding what transpired during the incident. By detailing events that you personally witnessed, you ensure that the report remains objective and rooted in reality. This firsthand account is vital for incident analysis and helps investigators discern the causes and contributing factors effectively.

Conversely, personal opinions, hearsay, or blame are not appropriate for a formal report. These elements can introduce bias and speculation, potentially skewing the findings and leading to misunderstandings or misattributions about what really happened. Therefore, sticking to your direct observations keeps the report clear, focused, and useful for those who will analyze the incident in detail.