IN a period of just one month, three divers have been admitted in hospitals in Vanua Levu for serious burns as a result of diving with gas apparatus.
The situation has prompted a warning from the Department of Fisheries to dive companies to conduct proper training for their divers.
Divisional fisheries officer north Gerald Billings said they were concerned about the sort of training provided to divers.
He confirmed all the cases in the north were recorded in Bua Province.
"We are just concerned of the training given to our divers because such cases continue to be received by our office," Mr Billings said.
"There is a need to look into how trainers conduct training so we can put a stop to this problem.
"We are reiterating the need for divers to always carefully inspect their diving apparatus before diving and be cautious about the depth they dive to."
Health Ministry spokesman Peni Namotu said the divers were admitted at Nabouwalu Hospital last weekend.
"One of them has been transferred to Labasa Hospital while the other one was airlifted to Suva yesterday morning," he said.
"The man in Labasa is recovering slowly while the other one needs further medical treatment and that's why he was sent to Suva."