|
One of the major and popular issues
that is continuously being discussed in the scuba diving arena is
the conservation of air under water. An emerging scuba apparatus
design is called a re-breather, which can help people address the
concern about rapid air consumption. The apparatus functions
in such a way that the exhaled air by the diver is stripped of
carbon dioxide and is re-circulated to the air chamber.
This way, one can enjoy the deep seas much longer. However, in most
cases, divers don’t have such an apparatus.
Having insufficient air under water
poses grave risks for the diver. One of the major causes of brain
damage from scuba diving activities is the prolonged lack of oxygen
that flows into the brain. Our brains rely on oxygen to deliver the
necessary nutrients for it to function and if a diver doesn’t know
how to properly manage his air, he is exposing himself to the risk
of running out of breathable air.
So, what are some of the ways
by which a scuba diver can conserve air while diving? One
of the most controversial suggestions regarding the issue is to hold
one's breath during dives to be able to conserve air. In real life,
one shouldn't make breathe holding a diving habit. A simple analogy
for holding one’s breath is it is like killing the chicken to be
able to get the eggs. It's really a matter of priority. Do you
want to conserve air from your tank while risking yourself to the
negative effects of carbon dioxide saturation? The build up of
carbon in the brain is dangerous because it pollutes the blood
stream and deprives all the parts of the body from the much-needed
gas that is oxygen.
However, holding one's breath has some
useful applications. It can be used to control buoyancy under water.
Professionals to ascend a maximum of one foot, but nothing more than
that usually use it. One should also remember that it is a "no-no"
to hold one’s breath while ascending rapidly.
A more accepted way of conserving one's
air under water is to practice slow breathing. When you inhale and
exhale, you should do it in a way that you fully go through the
process. Breathing completely and slowly is the way to go if you
really want to conserve water under water. It makes the whole
process of respiration more efficient and effective as compared to
taking short inhales and making short exhales.
Another tip (which is related
to the one given above) is that it is more advisable to make big
kicks as compared to making tiny ones. The concept behind
this is that it is a more efficient way to move under water,
therefore, you conserve your energy and your body needs less
oxygen.
Sometimes, divers usually do all the
things that are mentioned above and they still find themselves
consuming too much air. For all the air hogs out there, the problem
might not be under water. Being physically fit is very important in
scuba diving. A diver who smokes would most definitely consume much
more air more rapidly than a diver who is in good physical
condition. Looking at the issue of air conservation under water from
a more holistic point of view is perhaps the best tip that one can
imbibe.
|