Man-o-War / Box Jellyfish

[SPG3K]

Quick question.

I just got my DAN information in the mail and I was reading the diagnosis and injury guide book, and got to the part where they talk about the nematocysts and such and how they cause injury to the skin, etc, etc.

Will a 3mm wetsuit protect you from a box jellyfish or a Man-o-War? A 7mm? A Drysuit?

Is there any level of guaranteed protection from the ultra venomous jellyfish stings?

 

[The Chairman]

3 mm will do fine. The chances of you running into these creatures is slim. The chances of you running into these creatures in Ga (or Fl) is less than slim.

Man of War are hydroids and related to Fire Coral. They can sting ANY exposed skin.

Box jellies are found in the Pacific with the really, really bad ones found around Australia. They can also sting any exposed skin.

Me? I don't worry about them. I just go have fun.

 

[SPG3K]

I'm not really concerned with running into one, I was just curious if my 3mm was sufficient protection should it ever happen.

I'd actually kinda like to see a Man-O-War to be honest. I think they are really, really cool.

 

[Aussie scuba chick]

Actually, they're not that cool, especially if you have any exposed skin. Even if I am fully suited up I swim away really really fast when I see 'em. I reckon some things are better left alone, and they are definitely one of those things.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I'm not really concerned with running into one, I was just curious if my 3mm was sufficient protection should it ever happen.

I'd actually kinda like to see a Man-O-War to be honest. I think they are really, really cool.

The problem is, with the smallish ones, you may NOT see them until you are stung! I've been stung while paddling my surfski on a windy/choppy day, got "zapped" on the face and hand (a breaking wave blew a small Man o' War onto me). Felt like an instant burn, like having a flame held against your skin. Luckily for me, only a small section hit the side of my face, missing my eye and mouth. A bit more got my hand. Hurt a lot, but I was able to paddle back in (about 20 minutes from shore). No adverse reaction, just a welt on my face and hand, which resolved with liberal doses of ice and beer

But yeah, 3mm, hood and reef gloves provide enough of a barrier.

 

[driftwood]

Something as thin as panty hose will protect you. Vasoline on exposed skin will also work.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

I'd actually kinda like to see a Man-O-War to be honest. I think they are really, really cool.

It's unusual to see them in calm conditions, they are usually seen when there is a good onshore breeze. This was 8 am, at the start of the dive. Noticed them just before putting our fins on. Could have easily laid back right into them. Dropped down to take a couple shots and then had a very nice dive.

Have seen them three times while diving; mid-water cruising a reef area, cruising a sandy bottom and above on the surface. Each time it was the tentacles I noticed first. If you go to this page you can click on the image for a larger view.

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/73272/ppuser/51628

 

[Gen San Chris]

Come and dive in Sarangani Bat, Philippines, its very rare we even see Cone Jellies let alone any that sting! Lucky us uh!

 

[ScubaSarus]

If you do encounter the box while protected by your suit, realize the nematocysyts can be on you suit and you can get stung while removing your suit on land. Maybe rinsing off after the dive will add a layer of security.

I stuck my 5mm gloved had into a small lions mane once and the stingers came off the jellyfish into my face. So relize not to touch them even when protected.

 

[Buoyant1]

I've seen Man O' War a few times in the Keys...just need to keep your distance their tentacles can get pretty long and you may THINK you are far enough away, but really aren't.