Shallow-Water Arterial Gas Embolisms

Pulmonary barotrauma can occur in a shallow swimming pool if a diver holds their breath during ascent or inadvertently floats to the surface while holding their breath. Most dive-related pulmonary barotraumas occur in compressed-gas diving due to pulmonary overinflation during a breath-hold ascent. Pulmonary barotrauma can occur even with normal breathing if there is an obstruction in the bronchial tree that prevents one lung segment’s normal ventilation.

Even in shallow water and while preoccupied with other tasks, it is important to breathe continuously. Relax and breathe normally during ascent to help avoid pulmonary barotrauma.

Beware the Mooring Lines

Divers have become more susceptible to stings and other injuries when trying to grasp permanent mooring lines. Learn why this has become a problem and how to manage injuries.

Three divers pause on a mooring line for a stop during their ascent

Sound in the Silence

Audible cues and signals can get your buddy’s attention, signal a group of divers or indicate a problem you can help address. Even though we may dive to escape the noise of everyday life, we need to pay attention to the sounds around us. Doing so could make your dive even more special because your buddy got your attention to see something remarkable — or you may even save a life.

diver holds a noisemaker underwater

When Should the Rescue Begin?

DIVING INHERENTLY CARRIES AN ELEVATED LEVEL OF RISK because humans cannot survive underwater without specialized equipment. When things go wrong, an effective rescue is vital for a favorable outcome. Most […]

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Dealing with Disaster

When a disaster strikes, are you prepared? Whether a natural disaster like a hurricane strikes or the location is experiencing social turmoil, have plans ready so you know your next steps.

In 2017, boats were ruined by Hurricane Irma.

Nitrox Diving Safety

Nitrox has gone from being warily regarded to being the gas of choice in many dive operations. It is estimated that in the United States alone, divers make millions of dives each year while using nitrox. Read more about recent nitrox research.

A man prepares some nitrox tanks.

Performance Under Pressure

Gas density is one of the unknown mechanisms on the forefront of hyperbaric research. In another decade we could have equipment that makes gas density a nonissue. For now we’re left to carefully mix our gases and learn all we can about human performance under pressure.

Diving with Diabetes

Diabetes is no longer a disqualifier for diving, but those with diabetes will need medical clearance to dive. However, dive instructors may need additional information to properly teach these individuals.

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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are very safe, and accidents are rare. These batteries are found in gadget — gaming systems, fancy cars, power tools and your dive computer. But how common are accidents? The best approach is accident prevention.

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What Drowning Really Looks Like

Drowning is not splashing about like you see in film and television. Learn the cues so you’re prepared next time you’re in the water.

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