Post dive for contaminated water?

[northernone]

I'm in some unsavory fresh water with decently small amounts of raw sewage. I don't flood my mask, don't drink the water but otherwise anything else sensible that's required?

An ear infection last month has me more careful and vigilant with 'earbeer'.

What is your post dive procedures after diving in such conditions?

A hazmat style suit and FFM isn't practical at this point.

Regards,
Cameron

 

[Doby45]

This is easy, don't dive in it. If you are not using appropriate gear for a contaminated environment, then don't dive in a contaminated environment.

 

[Mustard Dave]

This is easy, don't dive in it. If you are not using appropriate gear for a contaminated environment, then don't dive in a contaminated environment.

^ This!

How can appropriate safety equipment not be practical?

 

[WarrenZ]

Quick bleach rinse?

 

[Bubblesong]

I hope you are not collecting seafood for your dinner.

 

[WarrenZ]

Can you give us a little more info on what your doing?

Diving in the local water hazard for golf balls is a little different than diving at the local sewage treatment plant trying to replace the sump pump.

 

[uncfnp]

Don't know common practice for contiminated dives but you might give your gear an extra cleasing dip. I've used Steramine for hard gear and Listerine for wetsuits and wing bladder post dive trips. Here is a link to a prior thread...

What chemicals for disinfecting regulators?

If really concerned, shower with Hibiclens after your dives.

 

[ajduplessis]

I would not dive those conditions especially knowing the status.

 

[oldschoolto]

When I was a young diver back in the 70's , I would dive in local canals that were far from clean... Today we would call it hazmat diving.. Just always washed my gear with water... Took a shower that night if my mother made me...

Jim.....

 

[Neilwood]

Personally I would not dive water if I know it is contaminated.

If I had to dive it, and it would be reluctantly, I would certainly prefer to dive such water with a FFM and drysuit- that way you know you have a good environmental seal on as much of your body as possible.

Diving with conventional second stage would not be a good alternative in my opinion (how often do you still taste salt water with a sea dive even without removing your reg for any reason?).

Even with a FFM and drysuit, I would want a full decontamination procedure (gear and me showered and scrubbed with a strong disinfectant such as Hibiclens afterwards) - prior to dekitting.

There is nothing down there worth dying for and I doubt there is a lot worth suffering the possible ailments of gastroenteritis, Weil's disease, hepatitis, asthma, skin infections or alveolitis (inflammation of the alveoli in the lung) for either.

Procedures for professional divers in similar conditions are well known - link.