Apparent Perils Of Boston Scuba Diving

By Lora Jones


Nearly two thirds of the earth is submerged underwater. This represents an entirely new and undiscovered world. The aquatic world is filled with plants, animals, physical features and other parts of nature that most land lubbers do not get the chance to see. The underwater vista is beautiful and filled with coral reefs, multicolored fish, fauna and physical features. The only way to experience such beauty and diversity is through Boston Scuba. However, this extreme sport has a couple of associated dangers that lurk in the water.

Among the most severe effects of deep sea diving is nitrogen poisoning. It occurs due to the effect of increased water pressure on the snorkeler and his equipment. Snorkeling tanks contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. As the depth of the dive increases, the gas in the tank becomes pressurized. This means that it increases in density and is thicker than at surface. The diver thus takes in more molecules of nitrogen per inhalation.

Another effect of increasing water pressure is referred to as the bends. It occurs when an individual ascends quickly back to the surface of water. The body contains pressurized air bubbles and sinuses. The quick decrease in pressure results in expansion of the gases causing intense pain to the individual.

Inexperienced snorkelers have the tendency to hold their breath while in water. Rigorous training and certification courses strictly prohibit this habit. Holding in air could result in bursting of lungs as the diver ascends back to the surface. This is attributed to the expansion of oxygen gas in the lungs as pressure declines.

Hypothermia is a potential danger that affects individuals who take to diving. This condition occurs when the water temperature is below the body temperature. The body begins to lose heat to its environment and shivering begins. Some bodily functions such as digestion cease to take place as the body concentrates on generating heat. To avoid this, swimmers should use appropriate suits.

The underwater aquatic environment is filled with wild animals that are not familiar with human beings. They may perceive divers as a potential threat and decide to attack them. Sharks, snakes sting rays and some species of fish are notorious for attacking human beings. As such, snorkelers are advised to move in pairs or large groups that are capable of looking out for each other.

Ear trauma is a painful effect of diving in deep seas. As pressure mounts due to increase in depth, the air spaces in the skull and ear begin to experience pain. This may lead to temporary loss of vision and disorientation. Divers are trained to equalize the pressure by pinching or blowing the nose while in water.

Boston Scuba is a truly wonderful experience that opens up the mind of an individual to new parts of the environment. Nevertheless, this extreme sport should be approached with extreme caution. There are hundreds of schools that teach and provide basic certification for diving. Training is necessary to equip the potential aquanaut with skills for survival in water.

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