Question Panic in the experienced diver?

It would seem to me that, as we gain experience and go through some minor glitches on dives, we should increase our capacity to tolerate issues underwater. I'm wondering what could cause an experienced (say, more than 200 lifetime dives) diver to become distressed enough to lose rational thought. Has anyone here (who meets those criteria) been through a panic event? What caused it, and what did you do?

 

[Stanleyh]

Perfect conditions for a dark narc.

Yes, but I was surprised it was only 45 feet... I mean I usually feel narc around 80-100, I guess the temperature played a big role.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Good thread. Here's my story.

Thread 'Tried to Kill Myself but Failed!'

May 29, 2023

So I’ve been on the fence on whether or not to post this……because it’s really hard to openly and publicly admit when you do something totally stupid. But then I thought more about it last night and figure that if it might provide some productive and positive food for thought and discussion…..or maybe help someone else from making the same mistake….that I really do need to talk about it.

Day before yesterday we are out on our boat and I’m doing a nice easy dive to celebrate my 68th B-day and get us a nice Lingcod for my B-day dinner. (it's a tradition thing) I’m a solo diver (certified...

• NW Dive Dawg
• Replies: 190
• Forum: Basic Scuba

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[Knauf]

It would seem to me that, as we gain experience and go through some minor glitches on dives, we should increase our capacity to tolerate issues underwater. I'm wondering what could cause an experienced (say, more than 200 lifetime dives) diver to become distressed enough to lose rational thought. Has anyone here (who meets those criteria) been through a panic event? What caused it, and what did you do?

Your question is excellent and thought-provoking, because even experienced divers are not completely immune to panic. Panic underwater is not just a matter of skill or number of dives; it’s influenced by physiological, psychological, and situational factors.


Some reasons why a diver with more than 200 lifetime dives might still lose rational thinking include:

• A sudden feeling of breathing difficulty (regulator blockage, air resistance, CO₂ buildup).
• Loss of visual or spatial reference in murky water or after losing a buddy.
• Nitrogen narcosis at depth, which slows reasoning and increases susceptibility to panic.
• Fatigue, lack of sleep, or pre-dive stress, which weaken emotional control.
• A small unexpected incident (water leak into mask, equipment malfunction) that triggers a subconscious “fight-or-flight” response linked to a past moment of danger.

Even highly skilled divers can experience a moment of panic if unfamiliar conditions combine or they feel mentally unbalanced.
The best immediate actions are to focus on slow, steady breathing, stop moving, and signal your buddy.
After the dive, honestly analyze what happened to strengthen your future response and resilience.