Preventing Problems on Your Dives
Posted: Apr 11 in Dive Blog tagged Diving Safety by Jan
Though we sincerely hope that you have nothing but smooth experiences after getting your scuba certification in Illinois, the unfortunate fact remains: things can go wrong underwater. Before you take the plunge, it helps to become aware of potential problems and the best ways to circumvent them.
With proper scuba equipment and a few dive classes under your belt, you should be able to handle the challenges that any aquatic environment throws your way. Most underwater problems can be avoided by:
- Diving within your limits
- Staying relaxed on your dives
- Closely observing your air supply
With these things in mind, your risk of encountering underwater problems is minimal, but it’s still a good idea to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Some of common problems to watch out for include:
Overexertion
Because diving can be physically demanding, your fitness can play a role in underwater safety. Still, overexertion can be a problem for even the fittest diver if you do not pace yourself. It can become especially overwhelming when a faster breathing pattern demands more air than the regulator can provide, giving you the sensation of air starvation.
Overexertion can be avoided by breathing slowly and maintaining a reasonable pace. If you feel overexerted, you can help yourself by:
- Stopping all physical activity
- Resting and breathing slower until your breathing pattern returns to normal
Entanglement
Though this problem is rare, the sensation of being snagged underwater can be alarming. Entanglement may be caused by:
- Underwater plants
- Tree branches
- Fishing nets
- Fishing line
Entanglement can usually be prevented by keeping your equipment secure and close to your body, and by moving slowly through the water. Because there’s nothing particularly threatening about becoming entangled unless you’re injured or running out of air, do your best to stay calm and deal with the issue carefully.
Sit still and get your buddy to help if possible, and try not to make things worse by twisting. It may be necessary to remove your scuba unit if it becomes tangled—keep your regulator in your mouth as you do so. If a low air supply makes disentangling more urgent, use your dive knife to free yourself, but do so with caution. Cutting yourself or your equipment may lead to further problems.
Regulator Free Flow
Most modern regulators are extremely reliable, and even when one malfunctions, it is very improbable that it will cut off your air supply. However, regulator malfunctions can result in a continuous flow of air. You can stay safe with a free-flowing regulator by:
- Holding it in your hand. If you keep a free-flowing regulator in your mouth, it can pop out and flood your mask, or lead to lung overexpansion. Instead, keep it in your hand and breathe from the corner of your mouth as needed, like taking sips of water.
- Starting to ascend. Regulator free flow will deplete your air supply quickly. Reach the surface as soon as possible and turn off your air when you get there. Don’t use the regulator again until it has been serviced.
By immaculately maintaining your dive gear and knowing your limits, problems like these can remain purely hypothetical. Still, it’s best to know how to deal with the worst case scenario before you jump in the water.
