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Scuba Diving/Questions Answered by Expert Jesse Scott
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Weighting for Salt Water Dive | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: I am a novice diver and am taking my first dive trip to key West in a few weeks. What is the ... A: Sure thing Michael. Key West is some great diving and a good place to enhance your new skills. ... | |
| Gear question | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: I noticed a hiss in my regulator as I was carrying my gear to my car after my last dive, which was ... A: Regulators have sensitive adjustments and even a small amount of being out of adjustment can lead to ... | |
| renewal of licence in diving instructor | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: sir,i want to know about how much i have to pay for my renewal of license in diving instructor? A: The answer depends on your licensing agency and you will have to contact them directly (see the ... | |
| question on quiz | 3/4/2011 |
| Q: The first dive is at 8o ft for 20 min. 42 min.surface interval, the 2nd dive is 50 for 37 min. ... A: I have to make 2 assumptions since this was not specified: this is an air problem (as opposed to ... | |
| beginner scuba diving | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: Scott I live in Serbia and i would like to go for some scuba diving in Cyprus and Greece. I found ... A: I will answer your questions with some general information but I do not know enough to give you ... | |
| Oxygen tanks - are they tough on your back? | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: Hey there! I'm 4'11 and weight 92lbs. I've been told that diving may be difficult for me because of ... A: you are wise to check on these things before you look into scuba training. The first person to ... | |
| breathing | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: .I recently did my c-out dives in a quarry here in Maryland, and our final dive was to be to 50 ft ... A: I'm sorry you had a less than optimal experience on that dive. The good news is, you learned some ... | |
| confidence | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: I just received my advance open water in Jamaica. However, I still feel questionable on my skills ... A: I would be happy to help. I assume you have 25 dives or less right now. It is not uncommon for ... | |
| integral weight for bcd | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: I am 80kg 5ft8 tall what sort of weight do you think i should use in my bcd thanks fo the help. A: Congratulations on achieving your open water certification. I'm always surprised that PADI students ... | |
| deep diving | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I am writing a sub adventure novel and want to have a bad guy make an escape using one of the sub’s ... A: no problem. A reasonably fit person can swim maybe 150 ft underwater on a single breath. However, ... | |
| Bouyancy chart | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I'm returning back to scuba diving and need a bit of help. You previously mentioned that there is a ... A: Sure thing Corrie. Adventures in Diving: mine is an older book, see back cover, product 79101, ... | |
| equilizing | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: When I equilized at 3m bubbles appeared out of my R ear. No real pain. Is this bad for future ... A: I'm sorry to hear about that experience. I am not a physician and cannot legally provide medical ... | |
| scuba diving | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: Hi my name Is derick I own a dive shop that will be opening soon can u suggest some good marketting ... A: I have never actually run a dive shop so any marketing ideas would be conjecture on my part and not ... | |
| gear | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: What should be the first major investment in equipment for novice certified open water diver. ... A: I'm happy to hear you are considering your new gear options carefully. It is difficult for me to ... | |
| SSI in Cancun | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: I might be going to Cancun in May and I would like to take some advanced courses. I am a SSI ... A: sorry for the delay. From the SSI web site at www.divessi.com, you can click on a link to search ... | |
| ear injury | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: daughter went diving with swimmers ear, thought it was cleared up, some pain while diving. Cleared ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's ear problems. I am not a doctor so it is inappropriate for ... | |
| ear pain | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: certifying for open water dive #4. ears took a beating equalizing this dive. Dive was this past ... A: Yes, Al. This skill is the Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent. First of all, it is NOT a race to ... | |
| ear pain | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: certifying for open water dive #4. ears took a beating equalizing this dive. Dive was this past ... A: I am sorry to hear about your ear trouble after cert dive #4. I want to first ensure you understand ... | |
| surface interval inpressure group w or x | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: what is minimum surface interval in pressure group w or x ANSWER: Hi Alvin, I am a little unclear ... A: Understanding how to use the tables is a critical skill to ensure that you are able to dive safely ... | |
| surface interval inpressure group w or x | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: what is minimum surface interval in pressure group w or x ANSWER: Hi Alvin, I am a little unclear ... A: OK, the second part of the answer I gave would be an example of how to determine the minimum surface ... | |
| surface interval inpressure group w or x | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: what is minimum surface interval in pressure group w or x A: I am a little unclear as to your question so I will answer it two ways. I assume this is a PADI ... | |
| starting dive charter business | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: was wondering what is the most important thing you look for cusomer service wise and amenitie wise ... A: congratulations on your dive charter business. I would say you would want to have at least one ... | |
| mask clearing | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: I went through the initial PADI training class however when it came time for the removal of the mask ... A: You are not alone. This issue comes up frequently for all instructors. I may be able to help you ... | |
| split or single lens dive mask | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages to having dual lens or a single lens in a dive mask. ... A: As you have noticed there are several distinguishing features of masks now. Ultimately the two most ... | |
| figuring proper amount of weights | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: I was certified last year, and did so in a 7 mil farmer john. I had a very hard time submerging, but ... A: proper weighting is essential for enjoying the dive as well as for your own safety. Being properly ... | |
| inhaling water while diving | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: I know that there was a similar posting about my question. I took scuba diving and during my first ... A: None of the rest of us want to drown, and neither does your instructor. I understand your problem ... | |
| Mini O2 Tanks | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: I was reading a previous question in which a woman asked about the Mini O2 Tanks you commonly see in ... A: that is an interesting question. I don't really know know if they make them for that specific ... | |
| hearing loss | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: went diving, for the first time ever, in the red sea at Marsa Alam Egypt 3wks ago. loved it & want ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your ear issues. First let me state that I am not a doctor so I cannot ... | |
| O2 diving | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: Can you dive on pure O2? A colleague has said that you can but I thought that O2 was toxic in the ... A: Yes, you can dive on any mixture of air and oxygen, even up to 100% oxygen. The maximum operating ... | |
| dive inst. | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in going to a dive school anywhere from South FL to Brazil. I want to build myself ... A: OK, this is much clearer. A career in diving will involve any one or combination of the following: ... | |
| dive inst. | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in going to a dive school anywhere from South FL to Brazil. I want to build myself ... A: I'm glad to hear you would like to pursue your diving education. There was not quite information ... | |
| who controlls the agencies? | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: My question is very simple, I wanted to know if there is a government or federal structure in the ... A: The agencies have to abide by the normal federal regulations for businesses, however there is no ... | |
| blown ear drum | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me since you have gone through the same situation I am in now. I'm ... A: Not being a doctor I am not really qualified to answer that question. However, I would like to ... | |
| Scuba Anti-Shark Tool Question | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: A few years ago, a diver on the dive boat showed me a diving accessoriy he had. It consisted of a ... A: I'm sorry but I have never heard or seen of such a weapon on any dive boat I have been on since ... | |
| weights | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: I am going to Cancun, Mexico and will be diving there but am not sure how much weight to use. I am ... A: I am happy to help. Proper weighting is dependent on your body composition, the thickness of your ... | |
| Diving Flag part 2 | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: Jesse, Thanks for your advice. I contacted the NH Marine Patrol and they said I should tow a diving ... A: Ah good, you are making progress. I find much of what I need at www.leisurepro.com. Once there, do ... | |
| Diving/Swimming Flag | 6/1/2008 |
| Q: I had a question that doesn't relate entirely to scuba diving but I didn't know who else to ask. I ... A: That's a good one. Ultimately, I would contact the New Hampshire Department of Safety (they handle ... | |
| dry-suit diving | 3/9/2008 |
| Q: Greetings Mr. Scott, My wife and I are moderately experienced divers with about 100 logged dives ... A: Great question. I faced a similar problem long ago. I took a dry suit class but then it was ... | |
| Question | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: Right now I'm taking a class about Resech methods, and I would like to do an investigation about ... A: Scuba certifications agencies are mostly self-governing and you will have difficulty finding a ... | |
| Question | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: Right now I'm taking a class about Resech methods, and I would like to do an investigation about ... A: I will try to help although I am not sure exactly the data you are interested in. However, you ... | |
| Heavy | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: I'm 10 years old but I 125 pounds heavy. Can I scuba dive with a alumium tank? A: There should be no reason why you cannot dive with an aluminum tank (as a certified Junior Open ... | |
| Diving mask Skirt | 12/5/2007 |
| Q: Jesse: I have a small tear in the skirt of my new mask. It is on the cheek lone of the mask and is ... A: sorry to hear about that tear. It is possible to try to use some silicone cement to patch the tear. ... | |
| scuba diving pool and ocean lesson | 9/17/2007 |
| Q: Our child, 10 years old, boy just joined up $350. for three lessons, but I've heard that 10 years ... A: I'm pleased to hear you have decided to allow your child to enjoy scuba diving at a young age. I ... | |
| selecting a a dive shop | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: What criteria should one use in selecting a dive shop and a dive master when visiting a new place to ... A: that should be a really fun trip for you. Since everyone's criteria (or what's important to them) ... | |
| Son taking SCUBA lesson | 7/30/2007 |
| Q: My 13 year old is taking SCUBA lessons now. He is very comfortable with his gear on, and he is a ... A: I am happy to provide some possible solutions to this issue. Your first point of contact should be ... | |
| Dive Mask Fit | 7/24/2007 |
| Q: I had to buy a mask when overseas. The mask seemed to fit fine in the store, but now there is a ... A: I'm sorry to hear about the mask fit problems. Its not uncommon for a store fit to later not fit as ... | |
| blown ear drum | 7/14/2007 |
| Q: I have been diving since i was 13 so let just say more then 30 years last year my ear drum gave out. ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your ear drum issue and its effect on your diving. First let me state that ... | |
| mini tanks | 6/26/2007 |
| Q: im not looking to get into scuba. i merely enjoy swimming in the shallows off the beach where i ... A: I understand your desire to enjoy the longer underwater swim. To do this however, you are actually ... | |
| Ruptured Ear Drum | 5/2/2007 |
| Q: How often would pain be encountered when a diver has ruptured an ear drum? Can deafness occur? A: I'm not a physician and thus I don't feel fully qualified to answer your question. Pain will be ... | |
| re drysuit tryout | 3/15/2007 |
| Q: i forgot to mention that i amm not qualifyed diver but was wanting to know if i could have a trysive ... A: OK, not being a qualified diver yet changes things some. Both SSI and PADI would allow you to ... | |
| learning to dive using a drysuit | 3/13/2007 |
| Q: just wanted to know can a wetsuited diver have a pee valve attaced to his wetsuit and use the ... A: Its not common, but yes, there are some pee valves that can be installed on a wet suit. Its ... | |
| What to buy | 3/11/2007 |
| Q: I will be taking a beginners class in May and need advise on perchasing gear. I know just about ... A: a very good question and it is a question many dive shops face today. The issue is do I buy my gear ... | |
| training agency pro & cons | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: Jesse, I was hoping you could give me some insight on the differences between training agencies ... A: Good question Bryan, I get this asked of me frequently. Here are my recommendations: Despite all ... | |
| Divemaster Program | 11/13/2006 |
| Q: Jesse, I am 4 dives away from obtaining a Master Scuba Diver rating and am thinking about going into ... A: Glad to hear that you are considering the PADI Divemaster rating. The physical requirements are ... | |
| scuba | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: What is the minimum surface interval required between a dive to 60 feet for 40 minutes followed by a ... A: The answer depends a lot on what dive table you are using. The PADI and SSI and Navy tables are all ... | |
| sore throat | 9/3/2006 |
| Q: every time i go diving the next day my throat becomes so sore i can hardly swallow, for about 1-3 ... A: First let me state that I am not a physician so don't substitute my comments for seeing your doctor ... | |
| scuba class | 8/30/2006 |
| Q: , and we will be doing some scuba diving so i need to learn how to do it before i go there. and i ... A: Wow, that sounds like a fantastic experience. I hope you enjoy it greatly! While I cannot directly ... | |
| Scuba Diving Weight | 8/16/2006 |
| Q: I have a question about how much weight you would suggest using on a fresh water dive. I weight ... A: This is a starting guideline for salt water: For a 3mm wetsuit: body weight (165 lbs) x 10% = 16.5 ... | |
| Dive from Heaven became hell | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: I want to know how close to screwed I was...really, not just the VERY CONSREVATIVE sport diving ... A: Well Trevor, I'm amazed you and the buddy did not bend. My guess is you are quite lucky. You must ... | |
| Next steps | 6/18/2006 |
| Q: First of all thank you for reading the long message. I just wanted to be as comprehensive in ... A: I'm happy to give you some advice. Since this is just my advice, I would also talk with other ... | |
| Wetsuit pee valves | 6/5/2006 |
| Q: i would like to know can a wetsuited diver have a pee valve attaced to his wetsuit and use the ... A: its a bit unusual but yes, a 'pee valve' can be fit on a wet suit. Typically these are designed for ... | |
| Regulator operation? | 5/8/2006 |
| Q: Gooday Jesse I have currently commenced studying for my 'open water' and i was curious to know more ... A: How Does a Regulator Work? An essential piece of SCUBA diving gear is the regulator. A regulator ... | |
Scuba Diving
Answers by Expert:
Jesse Scott
Top Expert on this page
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
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