Diving patterns and decompression sickness among South Korean fishery divers

Objectives We aimed to report the characteristics of diving practice and the incidence of decompression sickness (DCS) among South Korean fishery divers. Methods We sent out questionnaires to 215 registered boat owners, and 196 of the fishery divers responded. The questionnaire was comprised of demographical characteristics, diving‐related characteristics, and experiences with DCS. DCS was classified into types I and II based on the symptoms. Results Their average length of career in fishery diving was 18.1 ± 8.5 years. They were working for 10.8 ± 1.9 months per year. The average bottom time was 74.7 ± 23.3 minutes, the average depth was 23.6 ± 6.8 m, and the average surface interval time was 20.7 ± 12.5 minutes. The incidence of DCS symptoms among the total participants was 84.7%. The incidence increased as working days per month and dives per day increased (P