Dive Deprivation

CREDITS | Text and Photos STEPHEN FRINK
Given the glacial pace of a quarterly magazine, we tend to not deal with the current news cycle in our articles. But lately the corona virus pandemic has dominated TV broadcasts and online news feeds, and we can’t ignore what is happening. It has brought disruption beyond our imagination; since much of the dive industry is so travel-dependent, it has had a significant impact on every sector of our industry.
Our dive resorts and live aboards were the most immediately vulnerable as travel embargoes began. Imagine that your whole business depends on people flying to your destination and getting on your boats to go diving, and then the airport shuts down or airlines severely limit their available flights. Anyone who wanted a new wet-suit, camera housing or dive computer for their trip probably deferred purchasing, so there is also a residual detriment to equipment sellers and manufacturers. These are hard economic times for the dive industry.
These are hard emotional times for recreational divers too. We don’t want to stop diving, but even places you can drive to, such as the Florida Keys, have temporary restrictions affecting tourism. For those of us who view scuba as a lifestyle, this moment in time is transformational. It will be the longest time I’ve been out of the water since I moved to Key Largo in 1978.
I was venting about all this to a nondiving friend.Beyond the obvious observation, “You not going diving is not the most important pandemic issue out there,” she asked what was so special about scuba diving. I had to stop and ponder for a few moments. For me, underwater photography and the hope to get a photo of something that’s better than any other is a lofty personal challenge that makes me excited to go diving. But in retrospect, the zen encounters I’ve had with marine life are the most resonant.
In my early years in Key Largo there was a day when the marine VHF buzzed about a whale carcass floating in the Gulf Stream. The offshore anglers first saw birds working the detritus, and then when they got near, they saw a dozen tiger sharks feasting. The whole situation was a floating ecosystem of predation. Having never photographed a tiger shark before, I hopped on a boat and hoped to get a shot.
My buddy Paul Caputo came with me, armed with a boat hook for our protection, while I carried a Nikonos III camera. We jumped in, the carcass above raining down blood and bits of flesh as the tiger sharks tore into it. We figured the tiger sharks would be so busy eating and so full by now that they wouldn’t care about us, but that’s not how it went. One large tiger shark almost immediately left the banquet and swam straight at me. He stopped still in the water, dropped his pectoral fins and arched his back while staring at me, clearly making a threat display. I looked down and saw that the wimpy camera in my hands would not be able to fend him off and thought of Paul behind me with his equally ineffectual boat hook, and I realised this was not the place for us. I gave the shark a little salute and swam back to the boat, while he swam back to his meal. No harm, no foul. It wasn’t particularly frightening, but I’ll never forget the clear and assertive communication.
I had another memorable inter-species communication with dolphins on the White Sand Ridge off Grand Bahama. The dolphins are consistently there, but the necessary freediving skill is the challenge. The dolphins get bored easily, so you must move quickly and efficiently, and a breath-hold dive can get challenging. I planned to use a small bailout bottle that Aqualung made for helicopters that ditched in the sea. It wouldn’t allow me a lot of time breathing compressed air, but it was small enough to be hydrodynamic while swimming.
My plan was to get with a pod of dolphins, swim alongside them as long as I could while holding my breath and then switch to the bailout bottle. I would breathe it down to nothing, get a few more shots and free ascend to the surface. It was such a stupid plan that I can’t believe I’m even talking about it in a dive safety magazine — once I breathed the compressed air, I would have to exhale on the way up to avoid an embolism.
I found a photogenic pod and swam as hard as I could to keep up, finning alongside and about 25 feet below them. When I couldn’t hold my breath anymore, I went to the small cylinder, which I discovered had very little useful gas at that depth. When it was all done and I had every shot I thought I could get, I began my free ascent, exhaling all the way.
The pod of dolphins had been moving in one direction the whole time and was headed out to sea. When I started swimming to the surface and reached a point where I wasn’t sure I was going to make it without suffering a shallow-water blackout, the whole pod began circling me. The dolphins formed a swirling envelope around me, staying with me to the surface. I don’t know what they might have done if I had passed out — maybe nothing — but when I hit the surface and took my first breath, they peeled off and went on their way. I felt they knew I was in trouble and were there for me at that moment.
Maybe experiences like these are why we dive and why we miss it so much when we can’t. Each dive is a potential adventure. Each dive is a lesson if we are open to receiving it. There is no 24-hour news cycle underwater. We use the buddy system, not social distancing. When we are lucky, there may even be a special encounter that puts in perspective our small and insignificant place in this global web of life.
- Alert Diver magazine 2020 Q2
Given the glacial pace of a quarterly magazine, we tend to not deal with the current news cycle in our articles. But lately the corona virus pandemic has dominated TV broadcasts and online news feeds, and we can’t ignore what is happening. It has brought disruption beyond our imagination; since much of the dive industry is so travel-dependent, it has had a significant impact on every sector of our industry.
Our dive resorts and live aboards were the most immediately vulnerable as travel embargoes began. Imagine that your whole business depends on people flying to your destination and getting on your boats to go diving, and then the airport shuts down or airlines severely limit their available flights. Anyone who wanted a new wet-suit, camera housing or dive computer for their trip probably deferred purchasing, so there is also a residual detriment to equipment sellers and manufacturers. These are hard economic times for the dive industry.
These are hard emotional times for recreational divers too. We don’t want to stop diving, but even places you can drive to, such as the Florida Keys, have temporary restrictions affecting tourism. For those of us who view scuba as a lifestyle, this moment in time is transformational. It will be the longest time I’ve been out of the water since I moved to Key Largo in 1978.
I was venting about all this to a nondiving friend.Beyond the obvious observation, “You not going diving is not the most important pandemic issue out there,” she asked what was so special about scuba diving. I had to stop and ponder for a few moments. For me, underwater photography and the hope to get a photo of something that’s better than any other is a lofty personal challenge that makes me excited to go diving. But in retrospect, the zen encounters I’ve had with marine life are the most resonant.
In my early years in Key Largo there was a day when the marine VHF buzzed about a whale carcass floating in the Gulf Stream. The offshore anglers first saw birds working the detritus, and then when they got near, they saw a dozen tiger sharks feasting. The whole situation was a floating ecosystem of predation. Having never photographed a tiger shark before, I hopped on a boat and hoped to get a shot.
My buddy Paul Caputo came with me, armed with a boat hook for our protection, while I carried a Nikonos III camera. We jumped in, the carcass above raining down blood and bits of flesh as the tiger sharks tore into it. We figured the tiger sharks would be so busy eating and so full by now that they wouldn’t care about us, but that’s not how it went. One large tiger shark almost immediately left the banquet and swam straight at me. He stopped still in the water, dropped his pectoral fins and arched his back while staring at me, clearly making a threat display. I looked down and saw that the wimpy camera in my hands would not be able to fend him off and thought of Paul behind me with his equally ineffectual boat hook, and I realised this was not the place for us. I gave the shark a little salute and swam back to the boat, while he swam back to his meal. No harm, no foul. It wasn’t particularly frightening, but I’ll never forget the clear and assertive communication.
I had another memorable inter-species communication with dolphins on the White Sand Ridge off Grand Bahama. The dolphins are consistently there, but the necessary freediving skill is the challenge. The dolphins get bored easily, so you must move quickly and efficiently, and a breath-hold dive can get challenging. I planned to use a small bailout bottle that Aqualung made for helicopters that ditched in the sea. It wouldn’t allow me a lot of time breathing compressed air, but it was small enough to be hydrodynamic while swimming.
My plan was to get with a pod of dolphins, swim alongside them as long as I could while holding my breath and then switch to the bailout bottle. I would breathe it down to nothing, get a few more shots and free ascend to the surface. It was such a stupid plan that I can’t believe I’m even talking about it in a dive safety magazine — once I breathed the compressed air, I would have to exhale on the way up to avoid an embolism.
I found a photogenic pod and swam as hard as I could to keep up, finning alongside and about 25 feet below them. When I couldn’t hold my breath anymore, I went to the small cylinder, which I discovered had very little useful gas at that depth. When it was all done and I had every shot I thought I could get, I began my free ascent, exhaling all the way.
The pod of dolphins had been moving in one direction the whole time and was headed out to sea. When I started swimming to the surface and reached a point where I wasn’t sure I was going to make it without suffering a shallow-water blackout, the whole pod began circling me. The dolphins formed a swirling envelope around me, staying with me to the surface. I don’t know what they might have done if I had passed out — maybe nothing — but when I hit the surface and took my first breath, they peeled off and went on their way. I felt they knew I was in trouble and were there for me at that moment.
Maybe experiences like these are why we dive and why we miss it so much when we can’t. Each dive is a potential adventure. Each dive is a lesson if we are open to receiving it. There is no 24-hour news cycle underwater. We use the buddy system, not social distancing. When we are lucky, there may even be a special encounter that puts in perspective our small and insignificant place in this global web of life.
- Alert Diver magazine 2020 Q2
Posted in Alert Diver Summer Editions
Tagged with Fredive, Breath hold, Breath Hold Diving, Dolphins, Bahamas, Corona virus
Tagged with Fredive, Breath hold, Breath Hold Diving, Dolphins, Bahamas, Corona virus
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March