Flying and then Diving

[newdiver3]

Me and my dad are planning a trip to Mexico early August. I know that you are supposed to wait at least 18 hours after you dive to fly, but are there precautions you need to take when you fly and then dive? We want to dive the day after we land so is there a specific time limit? Thanks!

 

[boulderjohn]

No problem.

 

[newdiver3]

okay cool thanks! why is that though?

 

[String]

Because theres no issue. Its not like flying after diving with reduced pressure - the reverse is true.

Provided properly rested and not dehydrated theres no problem diving AFTER flying.

 

[newdiver3]

Thanks!

 

[Hawaii Scuba Divers]

Good answer but the issue is nitrogen and since you have no extra in your blood which is what happens when we dive...You can fly then Dive but not Dive then Fly unless you where using CCR since with these rebreathers you add no extra nitrogen to blood stream.. Just another Plus to Rebreathers...CCR that is..
As with all diving makes sure you drink lots of water before during and after Diving.....
Aloha Mark..

 

[PRL]

Drink alot of water. The main issue is dehydration

Me and my dad are planning a trip to Mexico early August. I know that you are supposed to wait at least 18 hours after you dive to fly, but are there precautions you need to take when you fly and then dive? We want to dive the day after we land so is there a specific time limit? Thanks!

 

[boulderjohn]

okay cool thanks! why is that though?

Let me try to sum it all up for you.

After you have a number of dives, you have residual nitrogen built up in your body. This nitrogen has to leave your body, but not too quickly. The greater the pressure differential between your body and the atmosphere you are breathing, the faster the exchange. If the pressure differential is too great, you have a real problem because of bubble formation. Thus, flying (gaining altitude, actually; the same thing would happen driving over a mountain pass) may increase the pressure differential too greatly.

Flying into a resort area has no corresponding risk. You have no residual nitrogen, and you are gaining pressure, not losing it. As far as these conditions are concerned, you have no risk whatsoever.

As others have mentioned, though, flying is associated with dehydration. Dehydration is associated with decompression sickness because is affects the ability of the blood to flow and effectively remove nitrogen from the body. Drink plenty of water, and you will have no trouble.