AboutJesse Scott Expertise I can help you with questions about what to expect when learning how to SCUBA dive; how to select a good instructor and dive shop; and how to begin diving after you have been trained. I can help out with gear questions. I am always happy to discuss topics you learned in training but would like to know more detail. I can recommend additional training and books on SCUBA diving. I can discuss NC wreck diving also. I can also discuss what`s involved in learning becoming more involved in the sport and being a rescue diver, dive master, or instructor. NOTE!! I cannot answer medical questions because I am not a doctor.
Experience I am an SSI Master Instructor and a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. I have over 500 dives in a wide variety of diving environments and scenarios. I have been diving for 10 years. I also teach numerous specialties including Nitrox.
Organizations PADI, SSI, NSS-CDS, DAN, NACD, PSI
Education/Credentials PADI OWSI (Open Water, Advanced OW, Rescue, Divemaster)
SSI MI (OW, Advanced OW; Night, Deep, Wreck, Boat, Nitrox, Navigation, Night, Computer, Search and Recovery, Dry Suit, Advanced Buoyancy Specialties)
Emergency First Response CPR and First Aid Instructor
DAN Diving Emergency Management Provider and Instructor
PSI Visual Tank Inspector
NACD, NSS-CDS Cavern Diver
TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression diver
Awards and Honors SSI Master Instructor
SSI Gold 500 Instructor
SSI Gold 500 Diver
SSI Century Instructor
SSI Century Diver
Question certifying for open water dive #4. ears took a beating equalizing this dive. Dive was this past Saturday ears still hurting a little, concern or not.
Answer Hi Al, I am sorry to hear about your ear trouble after cert dive #4. I want to first ensure you understand that I am not a medical doctor and cannot provide medical advice. However, it should never be the case that your ears should 'take a beating' during ANY scuba dive. If they are still hurting you should consider seeking medical attention and inform your instructor. You should not be re-entering the water at all for dive 5 if they are still hurting.
Proper equalization starts at the surface before even going under water usually with the technique of pinching the nose and blowing gently to put outward pressure on the ear drums. Every few feet (6 to 8) the procedure is repeated before any pain occurs in the ears.
If the ears begin to hurt as you descend, you should be ascending a few feet, equalizing, and then re-attempting to descend.
You should not be diving with any kind of sinus condition or congestion as this will interfere with equalization. It is not recommended that you use decongestants to circumvent this issue.
Again, I suggest seeking proper medical attention to ensure that you have no significant ear damage before continuing to dive #5. Your instructor should be informed of your ear issues as well. Good luck, Jesse
