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.
