A scuba diver usually faces common scuba diving problems and looks for the best solutions. Scuba diving is one of the daring and adventurous underwater sports that requires a set of skills and a lot of practice to dive securely and comfortably. Experienced or advanced divers are usually not much prone to such issues but common diving problems might arise amongst first-timers or beginner scuba divers. The cause of problems depends from person to person, physical structure and capacity, lack of experience, lack of practice or training, and equipment malfunctions in some cases.
As we know practice makes a man perfect, intense shallow water training with a dive professional and practicing common scuba diving problems is the best solution. An experienced dive master is a great helping hand in checking the root cause of the problems and executing the best solutions during training sessions. However, some diving problems exist due to a lack of diving experience which can be resolved with more actual scuba diving sessions.
1. Ear Equalisation problem
It is one of the most common diving problems usually seen in beginners or first-time divers. The underwater pressure increases by 1 bar or 14.5 psi for every 10 meters of depth. The problem of ear equalisation increases as you dive deeper and deeper. VALSALVA MANEUVER is the most common and effective technique to resolve underwater ear equalization issues. In this technique, a diver gently pinches his nose through the mask skirt and blows through the nose. The process results in overpressure in your throat forcing air up to your Eustachian tubes.
2. Mask fogging up
Most of the divers face fogging up mask issues which consequently might disrupt their underwater expedition or loss of vision. It is a common diving issue that no one wants to face during underwater exploration. Let’s have a look at the most effective solutions.
- Toothpaste: Cleaning up your mask with non-whitening toothpaste is the most used and inexpensive solution to reduce mask fog. Either use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger and rub the mask lenses by applying a decent amount of toothpaste and then wash it while not touching the glass. Remember to wash your hands before the process so oil particles in your hand don’t prevent the cleaning process.
- Baby Shampoo: It is another effective solution to defog your mask. Add a few drops of baby shampoo to the water and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to defog your mask: spray, swish, and rinse.
- Spit: It might be embarrassing to new divers but one of the most effective and free solutions to defog your mask. Many divers experience better results by applying this method and easy hack in case you forget your defog bottle. The application of the solution is the same: spit, swish, and rinse.
3. Breathing through a regulator
It might be an issue for new scuba divers. Most beginners or first-time divers usually face the issue because they are not habitual breathing through the mouth using a regulator. The solution to the problem is intensive breathing practice in shallow waters. Put your head into the water, lean forward and take slow and deep breathing with the regulator in your mouth. Apply the solution multiple times until you feel comfortable breathing through a regulator.
4. Inefficient Underwater navigation
Underwater navigation is a crucial diving skill that is useful for showing the right path and don’t get lost. The issue is keener on unidentified or unknown dive sites, new dive sites, and diving at night or in limited visibility conditions. Using a dive compass, measuring distance, and pre-dive planning are perfect underwater navigation methods.
Advanced Learning: Navigation Speciality
5. Flooded diving mask
It is another common diving issue associated either with partially or fully flooded masks. The solution is simple, tilt your head backwards and exhale from your nose to remove flooded water from your mask. Repeat the process to remove water from the mask completely. The same process can be applied to both partially or fully flooded masks.
6. Holding breath underwater
It might be a critical diving issue irrespective of underwater diving skills and experience. The first rule of scuba diving is never to hold your breath. The impact of holding breath underwater might be as deadly as paralysis, heart stroke, lung failure, brain damage, and even death. The solution to the problem is to follow standard scuba diving practices and take slow, deep, and continuous breathing.
7. Decompression sickness
Sudden pressure decrease during ascent from a dive results in gas already dissolved in blood or tissues, forming bubbles in blood vessels. Deep sea divers are more vulnerable to decompression sickness. The solutions to DCS include appropriate ascent rates, compliance with decompression schedules, safety stops, and proper dive planning.
8. Improper swimming and finning techniques
The issue is more prone to basic swimmers or scuba divers with inefficient finning techniques. The solution is simple: learn multiple fin techniques such as frog kick, flutter kick, backward kick, dolphin kick, and scissor kick. These fin kicks can be applied to serve multi-purpose diving. Similarly, improve your surface and underwater swimming skills to have an upper hand in swimming.
9. Uncontrolled Buoyancy
Neutral Buoyancy is the practice of becoming almost weightless in the water and gliding naturally and effortlessly through the water. A new or experienced diver requires extensive training to master neutral buoyancy. Perfect buoyancy control protects divers from pulmonary, air embolism, barotrauma, and the risk of decompression illness. Air in your lungs is a significant buoyancy control factor. Similarly, types of water (saltwater or freshwater) and water temperature are crucial diving factors in deciding how much weight one must carry to maintain neutral buoyancy.
Advanced Learning: Perfect Buoyancy
10. Unplanned Diving
Always plan your dive and dive your plan. Proper planning is a must for each dive to minimize underwater risks and execute a safe, comfortable, and confident dive. Form a solid plan with your dive instructor keeping in mind dive difficulties, challenges, depth, possible risks, water waves and currents.
11. Diving Fatigue
The problem arises due to lack of concentration, physical performance, and decision-making during a dive. It is better to get adequate rest before diving, maintain physical and mental well-being, and communicate with your dive buddy to monitor each other fatigue level and signal when to end the dive.
12. Entanglement Hazards
Divers might get entangled in fishing lines, kelp, nets, ropes, and other underwater hazards causing risks of injury or panic. It is ideal to maintain situational awareness, avoid contact with potential entanglement hazards, and carry effective cutting tools like shears or knives to free yourself if entangled.
13. Equipment Malfunctions
It might be a crucial scuba diving risk factor that ultimately disrupts your dive such as equipment failures, regulator leaks, and a malfunctioning BCD. Conducting a pre-dive equipment safety check, carrying spares if possible, and getting proper training for emergency procedures to handle equipment malfunctions effectively is important.
14. Panic and Stress
Unexpected underwater situations increase the risk of panic and stress. The situation ultimately leads to irrational behavior and an increased risk of accidents. It is the best remedy to stay calm, take deep breaths, and concentrate on problem-solving techniques learned during dive training. Communication and support with your dive buddy are important to manage stress and panic underwater.
15. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion
The problem of dehydration and heat exhaustion occurs during a dive in hot water or under the hot sun. The solution is to hydrate yourself adequately before and after a dive, seek shade during surface intervals, and apply appropriate sun protection to prevent dehydration and heat-related illness.
