Avoiding and Escaping Scuba Down Currents

[jagfish]

Avoiding and Escaping Scuba Down Currents
A down current is exactly what it sounds like, kind of like a rip current turned downward. They are common when multiple currents collide, and around pinnacles and underwater "cliffs". This video explores some ways to avoid and escape from a scuba diving down current.

 

[Blackcrusader]

I was taught to swim away from the walls at a 45 degree angle and put some air into the BCD to compensate. Helped several divers in down currents at one small island I dive at in Cebu with nice cliff type walls where the currents can surprise you if you are not prepared. Eventually you swim out of the current just don't try to swim up against it directly.

 

[bradStyle]

Avoiding and Escaping Scuba Down Currents
A down current is exactly what it sounds like, kind of like a rip current turned downward. They are common when multiple currents collide, and around pinnacles and underwater "cliffs". This video explores some ways to avoid and escape from a scuba diving down current.

Hi quality video. Thank you for posting!

 

[JohnN]

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”

Mike Tyson

 

[Nemrod]

I got into two strong down currents in Cozumel last year, each a separate trip. One was a vortex. It was extremely strong and swimming across it, one moment I was swimming away for the wall, the next I swimming towards it, I was rotating in the vortex. I kicked into high gear, up, and began pumping my Oxy 18 wing. The wing overpressure was burping and I finally began going back up and was able to get away from the vortex. Once back on the boat I could see numerous areas where the water was spilling over the reef and this particular place the wall had a small canyon in it that was causing the rotating current that was clearly seen over a large area on the surface.