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5 Things You Shouldn’t Do and Should Do After Diving

Safer Scuba Diver

As a diver, you have to think of what you shouldn’t and should do after a dive. This article is very important to you as a new diver but also it is good to remember things that you shouldn’t do and should do after diving. Here are 5 things you shouldn’t do and should do after a dive

Here are things you shouldn’t do after diving :

  • Flying After Dive

Flying is one of the most well-known things to avoid after diving. The main reason in this case is the pressure inside the airplane’s cabin. When you’re flying in a plane immediately after diving, the increase in altitude would result in a drop in pressure which is similar to a fast ascension while diving. Decompression needs to be done slowly. If you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen can form bubbles in your blood which can be painful and possibly fatal. If you want to fly after diving, you can wait for 18 hours after multiple dives or multiple days of diving and at least 24 hours after dives requiring decompression stops. Some people choose to wait 24 hours to be extra safe.

  • Mountain Climbing

If you plan to go mountain climbing after scuba diving please think about it again, Due to the change in altitude when climbing a mountain. As with flying and ziplining,  changes in altitude can cause decompression sickness. At least wait until 24 hours after a dive if you want to go for Mountain Climbing

  • Take a Hot Shower/Bath

After diving into cold water you might be thinking of relaxing your body by taking a hot shower or hot bath. However, there is a chance that there will be drastic change in your body temperature. As the body warms up and circulation improves, this can promote bubble formation in your body. We recommend you to avoid hot tubbing/hot showering for at least 12 hours.

  • Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is not recommended to do because it can increase your blood flow into bubble formation and muscle soreness which can lead to misdiagnosis (or delayed diagnosis) of Decompression Sickness. We recommend you to stay away from deep tissue massages for at least 12 hours.

  • Drinking Alcohol Excessively

For some people, drinking alcohol while watching the sunset after a dive is a perfect way to end the day. Drinking alcohol excessively after a dive is not recommended because alcohol can interfere with the process of elimination of nitrogen from your body.  If you drink alcohol, your body will begin to dehydrate faster. Dehydration is one of the reasons for decompression sickness, and drinking alcohol is one of the ways to dehydrate ourselves. If you want to drink alcohol after diving, wait a few hours and keep yourself hydrated.

Here are things you should do after diving :

  • Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is one of the causes of decompression sickness, so please stay hydrated during and after diving by drinking water.

  • Eat Well

You may be hungry after diving, but you shouldn’t eat heavily. You should eat properly and healthy, also don’t be overly full.

  • Take a Rest

Scuba diving is a physical activity, your body may be tired because of muscle movement and you may also have a headache after diving.  If you are doing other physical activities after diving, it can increase bubble formation after a dive. So the perfect thing to do is to rest your body and sleep well.

  • Take Care of Your Dive Gear

Don’t forget to rinse and clean, also sanitize your dive gear and store them properly.

  • Log Your Dive

The last thing you should do is log your dive. Dive logs are proof of your experience as a diver. Reading your dive log can make you look back to your memories and specific dive also you can see how much your diving skills have improved.

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F.A.Q

Q1: How long should I wait before flying after a dive?

Following dives, it is advised to wait at least 24 hours after dives needing decompression stops and 18 hours following several dives or days of diving. For additional safety, some divers—regardless of the type of dive—prefer to wait a whole 24 hours.

Q2: Is it safe to go mountain climbing or engage in similar high-altitude activities after diving?

Mountain climbing and other high-altitude sports should be avoided at least 24 hours after diving since variations in height could cause decompression sickness.

Q3: Can I take a hot shower or bath immediately after diving?

It is suggested to wait at least 30 minutes before taking a hot shower or bath post-dive to allow your body to warm up gradually, reducing the risk of decompression sickness caused by rapid temperature changes and facilitating bubble formation in your tissues.

Q4: What should I do to care for my dive gear after use safely?

After diving, ensure that you rinse, clean, and sanitize your dive gear thoroughly before storing it properly to maintain its condition and functionality​.

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