⌛ Can i take up diving now?

Hello to Rhoody and all the other divers in this forum!!
I have a question for you at the last portion of this thread...
When i was still studying in SU years back, I had some friends who were into scuba diving. I wanted to get into the sport too but they dissuaded me from it since i had chronic sinusitis at that time and was suffering from it on a daily basis. They said it had to do about not being able to counter the pressure of the deep or something.
Presently, i am no longer suffering from sinusitis - no more itchy nose, hard of hearing and constant clogging of my sinus cavities. Haven't had any attack for almost a year now.
My question is, can i take up diving now? Was the reason they gave me before even true?
Would surely appreciate feedback from you guys. Thanks!

 

Hello Boyette,

as you have a history of sinus-problems I would recommend that you ask a doc if you are ok with diving. If he gives you the ok, you start. You have plenty of options how to start diving.
There is always the option of a discover scuba programm (takes about 2-3 hours) with a little bit theory and playing arond in shallow water, practising some easy skills, like equalizing the pressure under water. some dive-shops include a open-water dive to a max depth of 12m/60ft. This expierience program can give you also credit towards the full certified OW-diver-certification.
If you are able to equalize in the shallow water dive, you should be able to equalize at any depth, as the pressure changes in the depth are not so significant than in shallow waters.

If all of that is fine yo have different options to become a diver. You can do all academics back home and visit Dumaguete to make the exams and waterwork with me if you dont wanna dive in cold water withot fish...
The OW-certification is valid your whole lifetime (as long as regulations are not changing).

I hope I helped a bit. Just drop a line if you have any further questions
cheers

Rhoody

 

Hi Rhoody
Thanks for the info. I guess i will have to see a doctor my next visit back home. If i do get a clean bill of health from him, i will look you up and perhaps take that discover scuba program. Then I'll take it from there.

 

I have had similar problems, but I think I have narrow eustation tubes which prevens drainage of fluids. I never tried scuba diving and since I have had a nasty mastoid infection before, I am a little afraid to go deep. I often get sinus infections when I get an ordinary cold, requiring antibiotics.
I have when I was younger done some deep snorkeling, swimming down with fins to maybe 25'? not sure it was a while ago in the carirbean. That caused no problems. Wish I new more about this myself.

 

Dumaguete Diving Adventure...

If somebody can freedive to 25 feet and equalize diving should not be a major problem. Important in that case is, that you keep your head warm, that you dont get a cold while staying one hour under Water. I know several instructors here... just give it a try....

cheers
RH oody

 

Rhoody,
If i were to try the Discover scuba program there, do i need to buy or bring any gear/equipment or are these provided for already as in a package deal?

 

You don't need anything.... in a discover scuba programm, and in the whole open water class the equipment is included... at least in 90% of the diveshops...

Rhoody

 

Oh. That's good to hear. It's a load off my back (literally) when i do get to visit Dumaguete once again and decide to try the program.

 

Make sure you let me know when that is, that I can take you for that program, maybe with RHB together?

Rhoody

 

I will, i will. and gladly with RHB too!! However, it might not be in the very near future since i might be there when it's summer here (mid July perhaps) next year.