Scuba diving gives you a unique way to face your challenges and transform your
life in new ways. Becoming a diver can give you confidence that spills over into
the way you face life every day.
ItÂ’s normal to have questions whenever you begin an activity like diving. Below youÂ’ll find the answers to
many questions people commonly have.
Q: My ears hurt when I go to bottom of a swimming pool or
when I dive down snorkeling.
Will that keep me from becoming a scuba
diver?
A: No, assuming you have no irregularities in your ears and
sinuses. The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on
your ears. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for pressure changes
in our ears – you just need to learn how.
Q: Does a history of ear troubles, diabetes,
asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving?
A: Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears,
sinuses, respiratory function, heart function or may alter consciousness is a
concern, but only a physician can assess a personÂ’s individual risk. Physicians
can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing a
scuba candidate.
Visit the Divers
Alert Network web site
Q: What are the most common injuries or sicknesses
associated with diving?
A: Sun burn and seasickness, both of which are preventable
with over the counter preventatives. The most common injuries caused by marine
life are scrapes and stings, most of which can be avoided by wearing an exposure
suit, staying off the bottom and watching where you put your hands and
feet.
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Q: What about sharks?
A: When youÂ’re lucky, you get to see a shark.
Although incidents with sharks occur, they are very, very rare and with respect
to diving, primarily involve spearfishing or feeding sharks, both of which
trigger feeding behavior. Most of the time, if you see a shark itÂ’s passing
through and a relatively rare sight to enjoy.
Q: Do women have any special concerns regarding
diving?
A: Aside from pregnancy, no. Because physiologists know
little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that
women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is
not normally a concern.
Q: How deep do you go?
A: With the necessary training and experience, the limit for
recreational scuba diving is 40 metres/130 feet. Beginning divers stay shallower
than about 18 metres/60 feet. Although these are the limits, some of the most
popular diving is no deeper than 12 metres/40 feet where the waterÂ’s warmer and
the colors are brighter.
Q: What happens if I use up all my air?
A: ThatÂ’s not likely because you have a gauge that tells you
how much air you have at all times. This way, you can return to the surface with
a safety reserve remaining. But to answer the question, if you run out of air,
your buddy has a spare mouthpiece that allows you to share a single air supply
while swimming to the surface. There are also other options youÂ’ll learn in
training. Q: What if I feel claustrophobic?
A: Although wearing a lot of equipment may seem awkward,
many people find the “weightlessness” of scuba diving to be quite freeing.
Modern dive masks are available in translucent models, which you may prefer if a
mask makes you feel closed in. During your training, your instructor gives you
plenty of time and coaching to become comfortable with each stage of learning.
Your instructor works with you at your own pace to ensure you master each skill
necessary to become a capable diver who dives regularly. |
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