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How To Stop My Ears From Hurting When I Scuba Dive

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Source: How to Equalize Ear Pressure using the Valsalva Maneuver while SCUBA diving

If you like diving, then you know that divers mostly experience injuries to do with the ear.  Even though people tend to rank decompression illness as the most common diving injury, those who have gone deep below the water long enough know that the most common injuries have to do with the ear.  Every diver experiences these kinds of injuries at one point or another.

The condition is also referred to as ‘ear squeeze’ by some divers.  Diving injuries to the ear have to do with the air pressure in the tympanic cavity, at the middle section of the ear.  If you are here because you keep asking the question”how do I stop my ears from hurting when I Scuba dive” then this is the article for you.  We shall be focusing on ear injuries to do with pressure imbalance, the type know as barotrauma.

How barotrauma occurs

Pressure injuries of the ear are caused by an accumulation of blood and other fluids in the middle of the ear.  It could also cause a ruptured eardrum due failure to equalize pressure around the middle section of the ear during diving or flying.

The mechanism

Source: What Happens Inside Your Ear During A Scuba Dive?! | Equalizing Ears Scuba diving

The tympanic cavity should always maintain a pressure balance with its outside surroundings.  You can equalize this pressure when needed through the Eustachian tube, whose function is to provide an air passage to the throat from the middle ear.  That is how you are able to balance this pressure by swallowing when you feel some discomfort.

If the Eustachian tube is obstructed, then equalization can be a problem especially during times when there is a quick pressure change like when on a quick descent.  The pressure imbalance that occurs creates a vacuum in the middle of the ear that causes the eardrum and the tissues around to swell.  Fluid then leaks from the ear and bleeding occurs from ruptured vessels.  As this worsens, your active attempt to bring the air pressure back to normal.  A Valsalva maneuver is ill advised in this case as it can damage the ear further.

How it manifests

Source: Listen to Your Ears – Physics and Pressure Effects

When a diver cannot equalize the pressure in the middle of the ear during descent, they will first fell some discomfort.  As the descent continues the discomfort, which feels like clogging in the ears becomes painful.  Going any lower just worsens the pain and causes such pressure imbalance in the ear that the diver begins to bleed from the ear due to fluid build-up.  As the condition worsens due to further descent the eardrum is likely to rupture which relieves the pain.  A ruptured eardrum can cause hearing loss, vertigo and other infections due to exposure.

How barotrauma is diagnosed

Even though there are plenty of articles on the internet with a lot of valuable information, there is nothing like a doctor’s opinion when it comes to such injuries.  Rather than wait longer and make it worse you are better of seeking the attention of a doctor whenever you feel the need to after a dive.

There are a series of questions used to identify what problems a diver is experiencing. These are meant not only to find out about ear squeeze but other injuries to the ears as well.

Some of the questions include:

• Whether the diver experienced any difficulty balancing air pressure during the dive.

• When exactly the symptoms were felt, whether during the dive or upon reaching the surface.

• Whether symptoms developed during descent or ascent.

• History of ear or sinus infection.

• How long the symptoms lasted.

After examination the doctor may detect a perforated eardrum, swelling and inflammation of the eardrum or you could be totally fine.  Such injuries may also cause facial paralysis.  Examining them does not need any blood work or X-rays.

How to manage barotrauma

Source: Ears 101 : How to Relieve Ear Pressure Pain

When diving

The first and most obvious thing to do the moment you start experiencing the pain is to stop going lower and try to equalize ear pressure.  You may need to ascend a number of feet to make equalization easier.  If you are still not able to equalize ear pressure you are better of stopping the dive completely and staying safe.

First Aid

If you feel this bulging in the ears it is best to stop diving altogether for a while.  You should also get a nasal decongestant-these can be found as drops or sprays.  Applying the decongestant will bring down swelling of the Eustachian tube and nasal mucosa enabling the Eustachian tube to open thus draining fluid from the middle of the ear.  You should not, for any reason, put drops in the ear.

Medical care

A physician’s evaluation is paramount for those who experiences fluid discharge or bleeding from the ear canal.  This is also advised for divers who have experienced pain and fullness in the ear for longer than a few hours.  Dizziness and vertigo are signs that the diver needs immediate evaluation by a medical practitioner.  The diver may also need emergency services when vertigo and dizziness worsen.

Ways to avoid barotrauma

For the divers stilling asking the question “how to stop my ears from hurting when I Scuba dive” you should also note that there are times when you just can dive at all.  You are advised to stay away from diving if you have a cold or congestion.  It is also advisable to descend as slowly as you can.  If you still feel the discomfort after several trials, you should call off the dive as you could sustain injury that will keep you from diving for the better part of the week.

Injuries of this kind should always be handled with the seriousness they deserve.  Treating them lightly worsens the injuries sustained and can even cause permanent hearing loss.  Divers, like any other sport enthusiasts, are advised to follow physician rules at every step for their own wellbeing.  If a diver chooses to ignore instructions from their physician they can pay dearly for it.  Taking the right precautions keeps you healthy and safe for the next dive.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE BUT IS INFORMATION ONLY.  IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY MEDICAL ISSUES WHILE DIVING CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATLY.

How Deep And Safe Can A Scuba Diver Dive

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kaZRFrbvWM

A common question asked by many novice scuba divers is “how deep can you scuba dive?”.  Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as drawing a line on the sand (or water, in this case) and saying, here is how deep you can scuba dive.  You’ll have to consider many factors, including the breathing gases, the diver’s experience, and especially a diver’s personal tolerance to high pressures.  We’ll look deeper into these factors and see for ourselves the maximum safe depth anyone can scuba dive, as well as try to understand why these precautions are around in the first place.

Source: How Deep Can we Dive | 2016

Source: Is Scuba Diving Safe?

How Deep Can You Scuba Dive?

The deepest anyone has ever been whilst scuba diving is 1,044 feet, a record set by Ahmed Gabr on September 18, 2014.  Now, just because experienced technical divers have regularly gone into depths as deep as 1,000 feet and beyond, doesn’t mean anyone else who has a recreational diving background can do it.  Diving this deep is a feat not everyone can do, and requires a lot of preparation, both physically and mentally to pull off. F or anyone who’s not experienced, or has very little in the way of training, they’ll have to settle for a depth set by many scuba diving organizations, which is 130 feet.

So, the short answer to “how deep can you scuba dive?” is 130 feet.  But why 130 feet?  Well, there are many reasons, and we’ll talk about all of them today.  Once we’re done, you should be able to understand why it’s foolish to even consider breaking beyond this depth limit, and why going as deep as 1,000 feet is a remarkable achievement for any technical diver.

Concept of Decompression

One of the biggest factors as to how deep can you scuba dive is the concept of decompression.  By its most basic definitions, decompression is the release from compression, or pressure.  Whenever you go underwater, you’re entering an environment that has a much higher pressure than what you experience on land.  The deeper you go, the higher the pressure that’s bearing down on your body.  Water itself is about 750 times denser than air on land and being in this sort of environment causes your body to undergo certain changes; changes that can be harmful.

Source: Decompression Sickness

To compensate for these changes, a diver can ascend from their dive, which lowers the pressure on your body, which then allows you to mitigate these changes accordingly.  Unfortunately, rising too quickly means your body wouldn’t be able to regulate fast enough, causing even more problems.  That’s why divers undergo what they call “decompression stops” on their way up from an extended deep dive to allow their body time to adjust as they go.  While undergoing a decompression stop, you’ll have to take into account your air supply, which adds another dimension to the concept of decompression.  You’ll have to remember that while you’re no longer moving in terms of depth, you’re still using up air.

So, to summarize, staying too long in deep water is bad, but going up too quickly is also very bad.

Nitrogen in your Bloodstream

The effects of high pressure on your body has a huge impact as to how deep can you scuba dive.  Whenever your body experiences higher pressure, the nitrogen that’s mixed into your air is being steadily dissolved inside your body.  While not inherently fatal, the longer you stay at high pressure, the more nitrogen is being dissolved into your bloodstream.  Having a high concentration or nitrogen in your blood causes an effect known as Nitrogen Narcosis.  Nitrogen narcosis is a condition that slows down your nervous system and the brain, and you’ll be experiencing confusion and a lack of coordination, as if you’ve been drinking a lot of alcohol.  This can impair your judgement underwater, which can then lead to you doing some really stupid things.

Source: Diving Physiology | Respiratory System

The higher the pressure, the faster nitrogen is being metabolized inside your body.  This means that at particular depths, divers can only stay for a certain period of time.  At 130 feet, you can only stay for about 10 minutes before you’ll need to do decompression stops on the way up, as opposed to more than 2 hours at 40 feet, if the air supply lets you.  Recreational dives deeper than 130 feet basically mean you’ll have little time to enjoy your dive, or in the case of the US Navy who first set this dive limit in the 1950’s, too little time to do any meaningful work.  While the 10 minutes at 130 feet is the established the amount of time you can safely spend at depth, it’s only so you wouldn’t have to worry about decompression.  So in theory, you can spend more time at a certain depth, so long as you take the necessary decompression stops when you do decide to ascend.  Do remember that while you’re doing your decompression stops, you’re still consuming vital air.

Staying too long in deep waters isn’t the only way nitrogen can cause you problems, either.  Another effect nitrogen can have on your body is something known as the bends.  Otherwise known as decompression sickness, whenever someone ascends too quickly, the nitrogen that’s built up in your bloodstream forms bubbles, which can then cause blockages leading to tissue and nerve damage, and in some cases, can even cause paralysis or death. B y going up at a steadier pace, this build up of nitrogen can instead be safely released through the lungs.

The Problem with Pressure

While nitrogen itself is a huge contributing factor at how deep can you scuba dive, a person’s individual tolerance to high pressure will also be a determining factor to consider.  One of the most common injuries associated with deep diving, or dealing with high pressures in general, is barotrauma.  Barotrauma happens when parts of your body that is filled with air can’t or won’t equalize the pressure between it and the water that surrounds you.  Common areas where this can happen includes the nasal cavities, your ears, the sinuses, dental roots and your lungs.

Source: The Science of Breathing Underwater

Barotrauma can happen both while ascending and descending.  While you’re going deeper, the volume of air in your body decreases while the surrounding water pressure increases.  This can cause your eardrums and your sinuses anything from severe discomfort to actually rupturing.  While ascending, on the other hand, the pressure in your body increases, while the water pressure decreases.  This can cause your lungs to expand too quickly, and can make it difficult to breathe, especially if it ruptures.  There’s also a real danger of air bubbles forming in your blood, which can cause blockages, and if left unchecked can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

The Question of Air Consumption

The amount of air a person breathes changes as they go deeper, this is because the gas they breathe becomes more compressed as the water pressure around them becomes stronger.  At depths of more than 100 feet, for example, you’ll be consuming air about five times faster than you normally would above water.  This significant increase in air consumption means that your dive times are significantly limited by your air supply.  If you want to maximize the amount of time you’ll spend at deeper depths, then having a higher capacity oxygen tank is a must.  You can also undergo training that will allow you to consume less air as you dive deeper.  Of course, breathing in too much air does have problems of its own.

Source: How to Calculate Air Consumption (1/2)

Too Much Oxygen

While a lot of people consider oxygen as something vital for them to live, not many understand that breathing it in high concentrations is actually toxic.  Breathing in too much oxygen can cause convulsions, and if not treated immediately, can cause death.  Because the air a person is breathing underwater becomes compressed, it’s very easy to consume high concentrations of oxygen if you don’t pace your breathing.  While oxygen toxicity itself is not a major concern to most recreational divers, since oxygen toxicity is only a major issue at depths deeper than 200 feet, it’s one of the reasons why exceeding the recommended dive limit is a bad idea.

Source: Oxygen Toxicity

Is there a Way to Go Deeper than 130 feet?

Now that we have a firm grasp as to why going too deep is a bad idea, let’s look into ways you can actually overcome these limitations.  Do understand, however, that going deeper than the recommended maximum depth is a huge risk.  But like any risk we take, you can make preparations that will allow you to break your limits.  In this case, you’ll need to have the right certifications, specifically, technical diving certifications and deep diving certifications.

Source: Open Water Scuba Diving Presentation: Deep Diving and Going Deeper

There are many places where you can receive a technical diving certification, but all of them require time, training and dedication.  You’ll need to take more advanced courses compared to the basics, such as deep air training, learning decompression procedures, and properly mixing your gasses.  It’s very important that you do not try going into such depths without the right training, or at the very least, an experienced diver to supervise you.  The need for additional training naturally depends on your individual tolerances and the actual place where you’ll be diving.

Why Do I Get Ear Pain After Scuba Diving

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Ear pain is a common complaint among scuba divers and some call it the ear squeeze.  As a diver, when going deeper under the water, the pressure from the outer environment will increase and as a result, your middle ear, that part behind your eardrum, will get squeezed by the increasing pressure that the water from outside puts on you.  The middle part of the ear is usually made of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and bone and the space between the two is air-filled.

There is a tunnel, known as the Eustachian tube, which connects this part of the ear to the backside of the nose.  Any outside air that goes through the tube equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the outside world.  Ear squeeze or pain will arise when the Eustachian tube malfunctions and a pressure difference arises.

Source: What Happens Inside Your Ear During A Scuba Dive?! | Equalizing Ears Scuba diving

Scuba diving ear pain

Ear can pain occur while decending during scuba diving, after the diver drops deep under water.  The squeezing ear pain occurs near the ear surface where relative pressure changes are greater. Every foot below the water surface will increase the pressure on the ears.  On average, for every 33 feet under the water, the atmospheric pressure will increase by around 1 atmosphere, which is comparable to 1-atmosphere pressure for every person standing at the sea level.

Normally, the Eustachian tube opens and allows the pressure behind the diver’s eardrum to equalize with the pressure of the seawater inside the ear canal.  However, if the Eustachian tube fails to do that, the water will push the eardrum inwards with every increase of pressure of the seawater inside the ear canal.

The pressure stretches and inflames the eardrum and causes pain.  If the diver ignores the pain and decides to drop deeper, the pressure increases further and can cause bursting of the eardrum. That will allow the cold seawater to enter the middle ear.  The result is vomiting, nausea, confusion and dizziness.

Rapid descents and ascents in commercial air flight or while driving a car might also cause equalization problems of pressure inside the ear, but not similar to that expected in diving.  The problem is likely to cause an ear pop but it is unlikely to cause an ear squeeze.

The types of problems

Almost each of the most common ear problems associated with diving will fall in one of the three categories.  The problems can either affect the outer ear, the ear canal and the tympanic membrane (anything to the eardrum).

The second category of the pain is associated with the inner ear and it includes anything on the diver’s eardrum such as the middle ear, the oval window and round window.

The third category of scuba diver ear related problems related to the Eustachian tube and the sinuses.  The purpose of the Eustachian tube is to supply air to the inner ear and to facilitate equalization of the body.  If a problem occurs in the area, the equalization might become difficult.

The outer ear problems

The diver’s outer ear might suffer two primary issues, wax build up and infections, both result in severe pain when diving in addition to difficulty equalizing.   Because wax build-up makes a plug in the ear it makes it hard to equalize properly.  The best cure is to irrigate the ears with some warm water.  You can buy home kits to treat the problem or seek professional medical help.

Source: Ears 101 : How to Relieve Ear Pressure Pain

Various infections affect the outer ear but most of them are treatable with simple eardrops, which treat infections and reduce inflammation.  To identify the best eardrops for your problem, you will need the help of a medical professional.  If you are more prone to the outer ear infections, you will have to rinse the outer ear regularly with some clean water after each dive.

The inner ear problems

The inner ear problems exist in two different types, barotraumas and infections.  Infections result from various things and to solve them in a better way, you will need to consult a doctor and potentially take some medication.

Source: Listen to Your Ears – Physics and Pressure Effects

Barotraumas are another form of inner ear injuries that result from pressure.  They primarily occur if the diver is not careful when descending or equalizes very hard or fails to equalize sufficiently. To avoid them, you will have to ensure that your ears and sinuses are in the right shape and unblocked and to equalize gently and regularly when diving.

The sinuses and Eustachian tubes

The Eustachian tubes are the most important when it comes to proper equalization.  The most common problems that affect them are inflammation and congestion.  To avoid the problems associated with congested or inflamed Eustachian tubes, you will have to ensure that you are healthy before you start diving.  Do not try to dive when you are partially congested or after a cold because the mucus build-up is likely to interfere with your proper equalization and will cause more problems as you force the body to do something hard.  Use sprays or decongestants to clear up your tubes before you go diving, under the advice of a medical professional.

Source: Ears and Sinuses: Barotrauma for the Dive Professional

The Eustachian tubes are usually guilty in case of reverse blocks that affect the sinuses or ears.  Reverse blocks are very similar to squeezes but they occur on ascent.  As the diver goes up and the outside pressure starts reducing, the air in the sinuses and the ears starts escaping automatically and the inside pressure starts to equalize with the outside water pressure.  However, mucus might block the sinuses and the Eustachian tube, therefore, making it hard for the air to escape.  This can result in pain associated with pressure imbalance.  The best solution is to re-descend until the sharp pain has ended.  After that, recommence the ascent as slow as possible so that the air trapped inside can escape.

Conclusion

Mostly, ear pain associated with scuba diving goes away by itself, within one week, and without any long term effects.  If the eardrum ruptures, it will heal itself in a longer period, seek medical adivce but a surgical repair might be necessary.  If facial paralysis is present seek medical advice and it may be temporary.  In the case of mild hearing loss seek medical advice.

This article is not intended to offer medical advice, but to only provide information.  If there is any questions regarding any hearing issues seek the advice of a medical professional.

A Guide On The Best Scuba Diving Cameras

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There is nothing more interesting than exploring the underwater world.  Whether you want to capture marine life or simple snapshots, there is a whole gamut of equipment to suit your demands. But first things first: what are scuba diving cameras?  These are high-tech devices that allow scuba divers to capture aquatic life beneath the waters.

However, all cameras are not the same.  They vary in terms of diving depth, housing, size, and ease of use.  If you’re looking for a scuba diving camera, here are the top models for both beginners and experienced divers.  Read on and learn more.

Nikon D810 Digital Camera

Nikon is arguably the best camera for both novice and advanced divers – it’s a trusted brand out there.  To start, it comes with 36.3 MP resolution and Expeed 4 processor which helps the diver take photos fast.  On the other hand, there are many video playing options. Y ou can change the focus and control the exposure.  And just like other cameras under Nikon banner, this model allows for recording.

During underwater photography, you can adjust the speed to suit your preference.  Aesthetic wise, this diving camera leaves no details untouched.  The outside cover is made of sturdy magnesium housing to ensure it stands the test of time.  At the back, you’ll find buttons like shutter operation, flash, metering mode, ISO, and multiple selectors.  And in case the camera gets into contact with water, the leak sensor is triggered.  This is the perfect option if you’re looking for an affordable device for night diving.

GoPro HERO7 Diving Camera

GoPro is a modern, hi-tech device that allows scuba divers to capture incredible photos and videos underwater.  Due to its versatility, you can explore the aquatic life from 30-40 feet.  The most important feature is the Time Warp Video which increases the speed of up to 30 times.

In addition to that, the diving camera is equipped with a voice command which allows for voice recording.  Thirdly, the HERO7 is fitted with a live streaming feature which helps the user to share the story on Facebook.

If you’re an expert in night diving, this model should be your best bet.  It’s equipped with Night Lapse feature that allows for low light nighttime shooting.  Unlike the predecessor, HERO7 has 2 times faster image processor and delivers outstanding images.

In terms of video capabilities, you can choose between 4k30 and 720p240.  Looking at the accessories, this small device has a lot to offer.  It comes with diving goggles, chest strap, helmet, and more.

Canon G7 X 9546B001 Diving Camera

This diving camera is bundled with FG7X II underwater housing that allows a depth of 200 feet- this is breathtaking.  The unique housing protects the camera without compromising on functionality.  But what is more interesting is the fact that it can accommodate 67 mm wet lenses.  Also, this diving camera allows the user to capture more light thanks to (f/2.8 at 100 mm) aperture.

Another feature that makes scuba divers overwhelmingly positive is the powerful 6-image processor.  When you combine that with the 20.2-megapixel resolution, you get professional looking images.  Not to mention, the initiative LCD panel allows you to shoot from any angle.

If you want to upload the photos, you can make use of Wi-Fi and NFC.  This camera is ideal for daytime diving and allows for unlimited customization.  The G7 is also particularly good in capturing all colors in low depths.

Olympus M5 Diving Camera

If you want to capture more than what meets the eye, Olympus digital camera has you covered.  It comes with an impressive 10 frames per second to ensure you capture the perfect shot.  To ensure you capture the extreme close-ups, you can use the unique macro-mode or the zoom feature.

Besides that, the exceptional 5-axis voice coil motor reduces the blur caused by the natural movement of water.  To ensure there is no image shake, you can make use of the viewfinder.  And just like other high-end underwater cameras, you don’t need a tripod to get the perfect shot.

The DSLR camera comes in a compact size and is incredibly portable.  Not only that, it’s fitted with sturdy polycarbonate case or Nauticam Aluminum housing with a depth rating of 328 feet.  It’s worth mentioning the Advanced Live Composite features makes this diving camera capture stunning photos even in dark diving conditions.  This makes it ideal for cool water and night diving.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC – LX100

The LUMIX is a modern diving camera with tons of impressive features.  At first glance, you’ll love the attractive design.  It comes in a compact design, so it can fit in tight spaces.  Secondly, it’s fitted with LCDs (front and back) that allow you to select the mode that suits you best.  On the top side, you’ll find the shutter control.

Another feature you’ll appreciate is the underwater housing.  It’s made of aluminum which lets you manage the lens when underwater.  You can use this amazing camera between 200- 328 feet.

Despite its small body, this camera features 4 1/3-Format which is unique in this day and age.  But what is even more interesting is the fact that there are no blurs or shakes.  Just like the outgoing model, LUMIX comes in 4K/30 fps format.

When you combine this with the inbuilt light sensors, you can capture stunning photos/videos in any environment.  This camera is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.  The large lens will ensure you get clear images all the time.

Sony-Cyber Shot Digital Diving Camera

The Cyber-Shot is a remarkable underwater camera.  It uses state-of-the-art technology which makes it suitable for aquatic adventures.  Many professionals prefer Sony as opposed to traditional counterparts due to its unmatched reliability.

Looking at the design, you can be sure the unit will last for many years.  The outer case ensures durability and sturdiness.  You can use it confidently at depths of up to 130 feet.

The zoom and OLED sensor is located at the front part of the camera while the lens takes 40% of the front part.  But what is even more intriguing is the big buttons.  No matter the underwater condition, you can use the shutter release button with ease.

The other standard feature is Wi-Fi connectivity.  Once you capture your photos and videos, you can easily share with your friends on Facebook.

Performance-wise, this camera is in its own league.  It allows recording, has great shutter speeds, you can use Anti-distortion electric shutter and 3.6X optical zoom.  Without a doubt, this little device will help you get breathtaking photos and videos of underwater adventures.

A quick buying guide on scuba diving camera

If you want to have the best experience when scuba diving, you should invest in a high-end camera.  But with the many models out there, choosing the right diving camera can be bewildering.  It’s imperative that you first understand the basics of underwater photography.  Here are the main features to look for to help you make a wise investment decision.

Housing availability

The top brands like Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Nikon, and Sony are supported by top housing manufacturers.  Before you buy a diving camera, make sure there is a suitable housing available. High-end cameras will have multiple housing options.

Compact Vs. DSLR

Underwater cameras come as either compact or DSR camera.  As the name suggests, compact cameras are small and also the cheapest.  If you’re new to photography, you should buy a compact camera.

On the other hand, DSLR cameras are best suited for seasoned photographers.  The key is to find the right combination of size, features, and budget

Shutter Lag

This refers to the time you press the start and when the actual image is captured.  Sometimes, shutter lag can be frustrating if you’re trying to capture moving objects.  To ensure you get the best pictures, select a model with the least shutter lag.

Lens options

If you’re interested in underwater wide-angle shooting, you should select a camera that fits third-party fisheye wet lenses.  That way, you’ll get closer to the object resulting in more detailed images.  If you’re shooting with a DSLR, make sure you use the appropriate ports for each lens.

Manual Controls

Perhaps the most important decision you can make when buying an underwater camera is to decide whether a model shoots in manual mode or not.  The truth is that manual controls are more effective in water than auto controls.

Believe it or not, you can actually operate some with your gloves on.  This means you don’t have to go through the confusing menu to shoot videos.  If you don’t fancy cameras with manual controls, go for fully automatic cameras.

Diving depth

Before you buy a camera, make sure you understand the recommended depth.  If you go deeper than what the manufacturer recommends, you run the risk of damaging the camera.  Keep in mind that some aquatic life can only be seen at a certain depth.  If possible for the unit that allows for maximum depth.

Size

While most people consider this as an afterthought, it’s an important factor if you’re new to scuba diving.  Because you’re already overburdened by the heavy gear, you should keep the camera system small.  Sometimes, the size of the camera can be deceiving.

A big camera does not necessarily mean it has all the features you need.  Just get a pocket-sized camera and explore the deep waters.

Final thoughts

If your journey as a scuba diver has just begun, you should have the right diving camera at your disposal.  Depending on your taste, you can choose any of the above devices and you’ll never miss the beauty beneath the waters.  It’s time you take your photography skills to the next level.

What Are The Various NAUI Certifications That Are Available

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Scuba diving is a hobby a lot of people would like to get into.  The thought of going into the water and exploring the various depths of the oceans has a certain appeal to it that draw many in.  Much like driving, however, in order to be able to dive, you’ll need to get the right kinds of certifications.

This means you’ll need the right training from credible sources in order for you to do this safely.  That’s where the National Association of Underwater Instructors, and the NAUI courses come in.

The main purpose of getting a certification through NAUI courses is safety.  These courses basically educate and prepare you with the right kinds of knowledge that you can use during your entire diving career.  While it’s entirely possible to be able to dive without going through the NAUI courses, the chances of you getting back safely and having a successful dive increase dramatically when you do.  Knowledge is power, and it’s certainly true when it comes to scuba diving as well.

To help you out on where to start, we’ve summarized the different the types of certifications you can get through NAUI courses.

What is NAUI

Source: NAUI Worldwide: The Definition of Diving

The National Association of Underwater Instructors, or simply NAUI, is a non-profit organization based in Tampa, Florida that specializes in providing instruction and certification for recreational divers.  It was founded in 1960 by Albert Tilman and Neal Hess and has provided service from a number of training centers all across the globe, including Japan, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, and a number of nations in the Pacific Rim.  NAUI courses are among the most extensive in the world, and people who receive certification are generally considered with high regard.

Unlike more recreational certification agencies, NAUI focuses a lot on the technical aspects of diving and incorporates skill that make use of these aspects into their curriculum more so than others.  This also means that NAUI courses tend to be longer than those of other agencies, but of course, this also means you’ll be learning more.

NAUI Courses and Certification

Being the largest non-profit dive training organization out there, NAUI is known to offer courses that are in-depth and extensive as well as higher training standards.  They also offer different diving certifications depending on the amount of knowledge and the number of skills taught on each level.

Here is a list of the available certifications offered by NAUI:

1. Introductory Dive Training

Source: NAUI SCUBA DIVER COURSE – 1

This it first among many NAUI courses and is considered to be an entry level certification course.  This is where prospective divers acquire the basic knowledge and the fundamental skills they’ll need to get into scuba diving.

Aside from group classes, some people may opt to undergo a tandem scuba diving course, where they get to dive with an instructor.  These types of NAUI courses provide participants the ability to have 100% of the instructor’s full attention for the duration of the course.  Groups of two or more can also be accommodated with additional instructors or qualified assistants as well.

After completing this level, divers will receive the necessary qualifications that will allow them to dive in any dive center in the world that recognizes the NAUI courses and their certifications.

2. Advanced Diver Training

Source: NAUI Advanced Diver

The next training program available after the introductory NAUI courses is the advanced scuba diving training.  During this course, divers get to explore new, more advanced dive sites and will do some exclusive activities with their instructor.

Students undergoing the advanced course will undergo a minimum of 6 open-water dives, and another 3 separate dives with different to learn new activities, depending on the student’s choice. These activities include night diving, underwater mapping, saltwater and freshwater diving, altitude diving, deep diving, wreck diving and navigational skills.  Successfully finishing this course gives you the advanced diving certification, which opens up more diving opportunities in dive centers that you normally wouldn’t have if you’e only finished the introductory levels.

3. Master Scuba Diving Classes

Source: NAUI Master Scuba Diver.wmv

After taking the advanced NAUI courses and receiving the corresponding certificates, students have the option of taking the master scuba course to expand their skills further.  During the master course, students will undergo eight open-water dives, as well as 4 dives where they learn certain skills, such as what they should do during emergencies and rescue, deep compression diving, low visibility night diving and more advanced navigation with a bit of search and recovery.

Aside from those 4 classes, students also undergo further mastery of certain dives and concepts related to scuba diving, such as skin diving, environmental studies, air consumption and boat diving.  Receiving the master certificate from these NAUI courses will distinguish you as a leader amongst divers in any diving center and will be treated accordingly.

4. Technical Diving Classes

Source: NAUI Technical Training

Once you’ve finished the master level NAUI courses, you make take part in the technical classes provided by NAUI.  These classes delve deeper into more technical diving concepts such as air mixing and a huge focus on deep diving and decompression diving.  Students will also have the opportunity to make use of the diver propulsion vehicle, a personalized underwater vehicle that will allow you to glide through the water with much ease.

5. Instructor Training Course

Source: NAUI Instructor

On top of the technical NAUI courses, divers may also undergo training as a NAUI-certified diving instructor.  These courses focus more on providing students the necessary leadership skills and help them become instructors themselves.  These classes are perfect for those who seek more than just the thrill of diving and are willing to spread wisdom to their fellow diving enthusiasts.  People who receive the NAUI instructor certification will have the right kind of knowledge, skill and attitude to do so.

Final thoughts

The National Association of Underwater Instructors has a long tradition of high standards and has produced a large number of competent divers without fail.  Whether you wish to learn to be the best diver you can be, or even learn the necessary skills to teach these skills yourself, NAUI has the right classes for you.