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.

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 health condition.

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.

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.

The limit for a certified recreational scuba diver is 130 feet. It is recommended 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.

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 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.

Although wearing scuba equipment may initially feel 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.

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.

That depends. There are many people who go diving who have different types of challenges. They need to be able to understand and follow required safely procedures, and correctly operate their scuba equipment.

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.