Answers to frequently asked questions about scuba diving.

If you have any additional questions, please call us at 610-678-2688 or e-mail us.
For the answers, scroll down or click the questions below.

Q: What if my ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool, or when I am snorkeling.

Q: Does a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving?

Q: What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with diving?

Q: What about sharks?

Q: Do women have any special concerns regarding diving?

Q: How deep can I go?

Q: What happens if I use up all my air?

Q: What if I feel claustrophobic?

Q. If I have a mental or physical challenge, can I still go scuba diving?

Q. What if I'm not sure that I would feel comfortable underwater?


Q: What if my ears hurt when I go to the bottom of a swimming pool, or when I dive down snorkeling.  Will that keep me from becoming a scuba diver?

A: No- assuming you do not have any irregularities in your ears or sinuses.  This discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on your ears.  Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust to pressure changes in our ears and sinuses.  You will 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, nervous system function, or one that may alter consciousness is a concern.  Only a qualified physician can assess your individual risk.

Q: What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with scuba diving?

A: Sunburn and seasickness.  Both may be avoidable with over-the-counter preventatives.  The most common injuries caused by marine life are scrapes and stings.  These are usually avoidable by wearing an exposure suit, staying off the bottom, and by being careful where you put your hands and feet.

Q: What about sharks?

A: Although incidents with sharks do occur, they are very rare.  Spearfishing or feeding sharks may trigger a shark's feeding behavior.  If you see a shark it is usually just 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, it is always recommended that women avoid scuba diving while pregnant or while trying to become pregnant.  Menstruation is usually not a concern.

Q: How deep can I go?

A: The limit for a certified recreational scuba diver is 130 feet.  It is recommend that beginning divers stay shallower than 60 feet.  Some of the most enjoyable diving is no deeper than 40 feet, where the water is warmer and the colors are brighter.

Q: What happens if I use up all my air?

A: Because you have a gauge that shows you how much air you have, that is not likely.  And, it is always recommended that you plan your dive so that you return to the surface with a reserve quantity of air still in your scuba tank.  We also always recommend that you scuba dive with a dive buddy.  If you did not effectively monitor your remaining air supply, your dive buddy may allow you to share their single air supply while returning to the surface.

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 with translucent materials, which you may prefer if a scuba mask makes you feel closed in.

Q. If I have a mental or physical challenge, can I still go scuba diving?

A. That depends.  There are may people who go diving who have different types of challenges.  You would need to be able to understand and follow required safely procedures, and correctly operate your scuba equipment.  We recommend that you call us at 610-678-2688 to discuss your specific needs.  Or click here to e-mail us.

Q. What if I'm not sure that I would feel comfortable underwater?

A. During one of our scheduled pool training classes, we offer you a free "Try Scuba" session. Try Scuba allows you to get in the water, in a shallow three-foot pool, and see what it's really like to scuba dive.  Most of our new divers find it very easy to get comfortable in the water, and they quickly gain the skills they need to become certified scuba divers for life.  If you would like to "Try Scuba", please call us at 610-678-2688 or email us.

Scuba Venture offers the above answers to some of your scuba diving questions as a way to help you better enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving.  Before you go snorkeling or scuba diving, we always recommend you consult with a qualified physician regarding any of the above information, and any specific health concerns or conditions that you or your family may have.  Please call us at 610-678-2688 or e-mail us if you have additional questions.