Experienced Divers: What are the most common "oh, crap!" situations?

[Litefoot]

Hello. Thanks for letting me ask a basic question. I'm a brand new recently-certified OW diver. I know that buoyancy control may be the most important skill at this point. But my biggest fear is having a panic attack when something goes wrong. In your experience, what is the most likely problem I will face? Right now, in my limited experience, losing my mask is my biggest fear because I struggle keeping water out of my nose. Is that the answer? That is, focus my practice on those scenarios that I already know will likely induce panic. What do you say?

Note: I am reading and learning form the "What would you do?" thread that is pinned at the top of the forum.

 

[Belzelbub]

Don’t put your wetsuit on backwards. Raise your hand if you have done this. ( my hand is raised). Zipper in back (most cases). Lol

I haven’t put my wetsuit on backwards. I have, however, put a Ghostbusters costume on backwards on top of a wetsuit. I just assumed the zipper would be on the back as well.

Ghostbusters costume was for a Halloween show at the aquarium where I volunteer.

 

[Shaun_Mc]

A word of warning. An AGE (Arterial gas embolism) is possible from even those depths. Please be careful and don't stand up after taking in a full breath, better yet consciously exhale while you stand

how are you taking a breath without scuba gear on? I think you need to read his post a little more clearly.

 

[Boarderguy]

how are you taking a breath without scuba gear on? I think you need to read his post a little more clearly.

Long snorkel

 

[Belzelbub]

Long snorkel

Unless the end of the snorkel is hooked up to a compressed air source, you won’t be inhaling if submerged more than a couple feet.

 

[Boarderguy]

Unless the end of the snorkel is hooked up to a compressed air source, you won’t be inhaling if submerged more than a couple feet.

It was a joke and a dig on snorkels...

 

[Belzelbub]

It was a joke and a dig on snorkels...

Thought so, but never can be sure. I seem to recall a discussion about long snorkels not too long ago.

 

[MaxE]

I hardly consider myself as "experienced". MY most common "Oh crap" moment(s) when I get a call from the charter that the trip is cancelled for weather or lack of divers

 

[BoltSnap]

It was a joke and a dig on snorkels...

You are making fun of snorkels, that's not nice

 

[SlugLife]

You are making fun of snorkels, that's not nice

I was going to look for a meme, but sometimes just marketing materials will do.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I was going to look for a meme, but sometimes just marketing materials will do.

View attachment 766532

I think Cave Diver Harry covered it well: The Sad and Sordid History of the “Dorkel” - Cave Diver Harry. Snorkels DO have a place, but that place isn't everywhere.