Lariam (mefloquine) is an anti-malarial drug used in regions of the world where chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria is prevalent. e.g. East Africa, South East Asia.
Possible side effects of lariam such as dizziness, blurred vision and a disturbed sense of balance are common and could cause problems for divers.
These effects can often imitate or even worsen the symptoms o...
DIVE SAFETY
|
Diver Safety, Sharks, Myth and Reality
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Myth: Ocean is full of sharks and they eat divers. Do not try to deny it; I've seen movies "Jaws" and "Open Sea".
Reality: Do not tell this to Hollywood producers, but in reality, statistics "sharks against divers" is very boring. Sharks do not have the habit to attack divers. Moreover, with few exceptions, under certain conditions, sharks usually do not even swim around, when a diver d...
The common term for nitrogen narcosis used in the scuba diving fraternity is the "raptures of the deep". Another common term is a scuba diver suffering this condition is said to be "narked".
What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
Nitrogen narcosis is a condition in scuba diving where a scuba diver has feelings of elation and euphoria. It is similar to being slightly intoxicated with alcohol, o...
Having experienced this myself this week, I thought it would make interesting reading. However its not so common in tropics:-
Q: I've been told I have surfer's ear. What does this mean and will it affect my diving?
A:
An exostosis is a narrowing of the inner half or the bony part of the circular outer ear canal by bony swellings. These localized bony swellings gro...
For all those hashers that want to run after diving:-
Q: I regularly exercise and want to continue my routine on my vacation. I am worried about diving and exercise. Is there any information that can help me plan for both.
A: Timing of Exercise and Diving
After accepting the need for regular exercise to maintain physical fitness, the next issue concerns the timing of exe...
Here's an interesting one from the DAN website. We had a recent diver that donated blood in Baucau then went diving on the way back to Dili
Q: If I donate a pint of blood how soon afterward is it safe to dive?
A: Immediately following blood donation, the volume of circulating blood is reduced. Provided the donor eats and drinks normally, blood volume returns to normal within ...
DAN is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization that provides emergency medical advice and assistance for underwater diving injuries, and underwrites a wide range of research, education and training programs that promote safe diving. DAN is supported by more than 200,000 fellow divers with a further 60,000 international divers supporting DAN Europe, DAN Japan, DAN Southeast Asia Pacific and DAN Sou...
Go at Sunset
Many dive boats will leave for a night dive right before sunset. That way you have light to get your scuba gear ready. It also feels less intimidating (to me anyway) to go out while there is still some light left.
Likewise, if you are doing a shore dive, plan on hitting the water right before the sun sets.
Even though you will have some light above the water...