OW Class & Flying Afterward

[epohnawoc]

I am feeling a little anxious about my schedule for next week. I was supposed to start my OW class tonight, but I haven't been feeling well (headaches, chest pain, etc.) and was bed bound all day yesterday so my husband and I decided it was best that I not dive this week.

Luckily, I was able to reschedule for next week and start my OW training next Tuesday! I'm really excited about getting started and then completing my certification. However, these is one thing that is making me anxious - we are doing our open water dives on Saturday and Sunday and then I have to fly from Los Angeles to London (via Denver) on Monday. My flight times are well within DAN's 18 hours after diving recommendations, but I am just looking for extra confirmation that I will be okay to fly. It's just causing me a bit of unnecessary anxiety about the whole process (because I really really don't want to experience DCS symptoms in flight) which I don't want to be experiencing because I am so excited about it otherwise!

 

[EastEndDiver]

Speak with the Instructor with whom you are doing your open water dives.He is there to answer your questions.

I am not being flippant with this answer ,he will have exact times dives are completed then you can give him your flight times......then he can give you an accurate answer .

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

If you're within the 18 hours you should be okay, I've been on several dive trips, and I haven't had a problem with DCS yet, and I've always dived the day before I left to return home.

 

[TSandM]

Open water dives are relatively shallow and typically very brief. The 18 hour time period should be plenty.

 

[diverrex]

I am more than willing to make two Friday morning dives to 60 feet for 60 minutes each then fly out 18 hours later after the second dive. Your checkout dives should be shallower and shorter as previously noted. Plus I'm willing to do that at the end of 6 straight days of diving with some days more than two dives. I'm guessing you are only making four dives over the weekend.
I would not stress over it.

You are a brand new diver so it may be too much to suggest but try to make your ascents as reasonably slow as possible (30 ft per minute), do a 3+ minute safety stop and then go up the surface slowly. And assuming you may never go below 40 feet and likely not for more than 30 minutes I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I concur with the others. No need to stress on the facts you present. Relax and enjoy the diving. Have fun. All is well.
DivemasterDennis