Myths and Facts

I would say that like almost over anything else you may hear all kinds of weird things based on myths and mumbo-jumbo and scubadiving is no exception. The problem here is that having the wrong idea can be dangerous, so my proposal is to review those that represent a threat or can be hazardous to you.

a) Myth: If you suffer an illness that stops you from diving, stay shallow and you will avoid problems.

Fact: This is not true. Letīs remember that one of the most important physical changes when we scubadive is the ambient pressure changes which is greater in shallow. In other words, on the first part of the descend and on the last part of the ascend is when the body experiences the biggest change in ambient pressure, proportionally of course.

b) Myth: Nitrox is used for deep dives.

Fact: Again, not true. Nitrox is a special gas mix, with oxygen presenting a higher proportion than normally found in air, that is, it is taken from 22% (normal proportion) up to 50%. This means that the higher the oxygen level in the gas mix, the lower the level of nitrogen. This is done so you can stay at the bottom for a longer time without exceeding safe nitrogen levels in your body. But on the other hand we have to take in account that oxygen becomes toxic at deep depths, so actually Nitrox cannot be used on deep dives, specially since oxygen itīs present in a higher proportion in Nitrox than it is in air.

c) Myth: If you dive while pregnant, the fetus will be safe as long as you stay in shallow water.

Fact: Truth is that no serious scientific research has been made on this matter, so we have no idea at all on what will hapened to the fetus. So prudenty calls for avoiding diving during pregnancy.