CESA questions

[k374]

Does PADI require a CESA to be performed from depth during the open water dives? I have a reverse block condition that requires me to equalize during descent as well as ascent unfortunately, if I don't equalize during ascent I feel sharp pains in my ears :depressed: Since CESA requires a fairly quick ascent with just a breath of air I am wondering how equalization can be incorporated into this or if it can even be done at all

 

[meierdierck]

Yes, per PADI INSRTUCTORS MANUAL-
CESA Performance Requirement
The student will perform a controlled
emergency swimming ascent
from a depth of 6-9 metres/20-
30 feet and establish positive buoyancy
at the surface. This exercise
must be conducted as outlined.
also see pages 4-6 to 4-7 for exactly how it must be done,
you must have hold of student and a line, making equalization even harder, contact PADI, and ask their advice

 

[Steve50]

Does PADI require a CESA to be performed from depth during the open water dives? I have a reverse block condition that requires me to equalize during descent as well as ascent unfortunately, if I don't equalize during ascent I feel sharp pains in my ears :depressed: Since CESA requires a fairly quick ascent with just a breath of air I am wondering how equalization can be incorporated into this or if it can even be done at all

How do you equalize during ascent?

 

[k374]

How do you equalize during ascent?

Since I am not certified yet my experience with this is only in a pool session and during my Discover Scuba dive, my ascent was only from 15ft or so and what I did was held my nose and inhaled against it which is what I do when ascending on a plane as well. It alleviates the pain but does not make it go away fully. But if I ascend superfast from 30ft I am surely going to blow my ears for sure :shocked2:

 

[Steve50]

Since I am not certified yet my experience with this is only in a pool session and during my Discover Scuba dive, my ascent was only from 15ft or so and what I did was held my nose and inhaled against it which is what I do when ascending on a plane as well. It alleviates the pain but does not make it go away fully. But if I ascend superfast from 30ft I am surely going to blow my ears for sure :shocked2:

There's no reason your ascent should be superfast in the first place. Make sure your instructor is aware of your situation. Should not be a problem.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Since I am not certified yet my experience with this is only in a pool session and during my Discover Scuba dive, my ascent was only from 15ft or so and what I did was held my nose and inhaled against it which is what I do when ascending on a plane as well. It alleviates the pain but does not make it go away fully. But if I ascend superfast from 30ft I am surely going to blow my ears for sure :shocked2:

1+ what Steve50 said. Talk to you instructor for sure...

But you'll be ascending at a normal, controlled rate when you do your CESA. You will not (and should not) be ascending rapidly. The 30' foot CESA is not hard, you can do it at a very "normal" rate of ascent.

Question: Are you able to clear your reverse block hands-free as you ascend (by inhaling momentarily through your nose against the backpressure the mask will create)? Try this during normal ascents, and discuss it with your instructor.

Good Luck & Best wishes.

 

[meierdierck]

i didnt realize you were a student, I thought you were instructor candidate...........you will also be exhaling the entire ascent, and making an "aaahhhhh" sound, this will help with relieving the pressure, i have had 2-3 students with similar ear problems, and they had no issues during the CESA, good luck

 

[Pearldiver07]

Question: Are you able to clear your reverse block hands-free as you ascend (by inhaling momentarily through your nose against the backpressure the mask will create)? Try this during normal ascents, and discuss it with your instructor.

Good Luck & Best wishes.

As a side note - if you "momentarily" inhale, the instructor will be required to restart you - The manual is quite specific that you continuously exhale as you ascend.

Now, as stated before, this ascent can be quite slow. Practice how long you can make a slow "ahhh" sound (or, as another Course Director suggested "zzzz" sound) while going up.

I actually prefer my students try to make the ZZZ sound as it easier to tell that they are making the noise and it encourages a more controlled release of air.

Anyway - you'll find with very little practice that you'll be able to make the sound long enough that an ascent from 20 to 30 feet to the surface will actually be quite leisurely. Remember also that if you start from 30 feet the air in you lungs will have twice the surface volume, so you'll have even more than you'd be thinking.

Now, with all of this in hand, you'll probably be the one in the class who shows the most control while doing this skill. I trust you'll do well.

 

[k374]

Thanks for the feedback. I will keep my ascent rate at 1ft/sec. Since I can't inhale to equalize I will try to wiggle my jaw while exhaling, that may provide some relief. Let's see how it goes

 

[Centexbear]

Yeah I did mine a few weeks ago and you aren't supposed to ascend at a rate faster than you would ascend normally....the tip the instructor gave which is easy to remember is never ascend faster than your smallest bubble.

your instructor is right there with you during the CESA so if you are having problems, just stop and don't risk an ear drum blowout or issues. My CESA was maybe from 15-18 feet.

Take a sudafed/decongestant a few hours before if possible to help with congestion/tightness./sinuses.

Good luck!