Scuba Diving and Flying

Why Scuba Diving Increases Flying Risk

When diving with compressed air, the increased pressure at depth causes more nitrogen to dissolve into the body's tissues. If you ascend too quickly, or fly soon after diving, the reduced pressure can cause this nitrogen to come out of solution as bubbles, leading to decompression sickness (DCS).

Symptoms of Decompression Sickness

DCS can present with a range of symptoms:

• Joint and muscle pain ('the bends')
• Fatigue
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in limbs
• Dizziness or unsteady gait
• Breathing difficulty and chest pain

Symptoms may develop immediately or up to 24 hours after exposure to reduced pressure.

Prevention: Required Waiting Times

To prevent DCS:

• Do not fly within 24 hours of diving to depths greater than 10 metres (30 feet) with compressed air.
• If the dive was shallower than 10 metres, wait at least 12 hours before flying.
• These intervals apply to both pilots and passengers, regardless of whether the aircraft is pressurised.

Treatment of Decompression Sickness

If DCS is suspected:

• Administer 100% oxygen immediately.
• Seek urgent medical attention.
• Hyperbaric (recompression) therapy may be required.

Additional Hazards

Other pressure-related issues, such as dental pain or sinus discomfort, can also occur due to trapped air expanding during flight, especially if recent dental work or sinus congestion is present.

Crew Actions After Suspected DCS or Decompression

If decompression occurs in flight:

• Don oxygen masks immediately.
• Initiate an emergency descent.
• Land as soon as possible.
• No further flight should be attempted for at least 24 hours, as DCS symptoms can be delayed.