is being able to open eyes underwater a necessary skill

[Nemrod]

I can read my SPG, I can get direction from my compass. I cannot read easily my digital computer and depth. But if I was all that worried about it I would use my SP 0-500 foot professional analog/mechanical gauge and it I can certainly read. I can tell the time on my analog watch as well. And, if I was swimming in a place with deadly jellies sufficient to blind me, I too think I would just keep my eyes closed and hit the silk. You do not need to read the numbers, you look at where the hands are.

N

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I used to love taking my mask off in tropical settings and looking at the brightly colored fish. Maybe it is an illusion, but the colors just seem much more vibrant with no mask... Better if shallow and you are close to the fish.

One thing I learned as a child is that it does hurt a tiny bit when you open your eyes in a pool. What is painful however is cycling from the air to water and back and forth. I'm not sure why, but when swimming freestyle in a pool I was always taught to keep the eyes closed when exposed to air and while catching a breath and only opening them underwater. Also, when scuba diving, you don't want the bubbles slapping you eye balls.

When the water is below 50 degrees, it is never fun to open your eyes in the water, in warm saltwater it does not bother me in the least. It is one of the skills I taught my kids when giving scuba lessons... mask off buddy breathing... It gives me so much more confidence that they will not panic and bolt if somehting happens, when I see them do this skill with no effort.

 

[kristen8416]

I have never been able to open my eyes under water. I was able to complete all necessary skills and consider myself a competent diver. My husband and I have discussed this and while it would be nice it's not going to stop me from diving. I'm pretty sure that as my buddy, my husband would assist me in making a safe ascent without my mask. I'm not freaked out without my mask on underwater. Knowing him, he'd probably give me his as he can see underwater. This is why it's very important to have a good dive buddy that you are in tune with.

 

[Nemrod]

I have never been able to open my eyes under water. I was able to complete all necessary skills and consider myself a competent diver.

Actually one of the skills is being able to open your eyes underwater for the reasons discussed.

N

 

[kristen8416]

Actually one of the skills is being able to open your eyes underwater for the reasons discussed.

N

If it was, it wasn't in the class I took.

And I don't think it's actually one of the skills...

 

[ScubaInChicago]

If it was, it wasn't in the class I took.

And I don't think it's actually one of the skills...

Sounds like your instructor took you for a ride. I would ask to see the current published standards to make sure you weren't short changed.

 

[kristen8416]

I looked up necessary skills and it is not listed anywhere? I'm pretty sure there are Instructors on this site. Could you correct me if I'm wrong and show me where it states that. I don't recall it in Advanced or Rescue Diver. I have no problem admitting if I'm wrong.

 

[daniel1948]

I never had a pool class. I got certified as a spur-of-the-moment thing at a Caribbean resort, so the "pool" portion was in shallow water next to the dock. My instructor (PADI) told me that I did not have to open my eyes under water. I asked him if he opens his eyes, and he said yes. So I decided, partly because it scared me, that I should force myself to do it, and I did. It burned a little bit, and my instructor, noticing my discomfort once I had my mask in place again, blinked rapidly at me to signal that I should blink, and that took care of the burning.

Opening my eyes underwater was not fun or enjoyable. I would not do it for a lark. I will do it whenever I'm practicing the skill of removing and replacing the mask, in the hope that the reflex of opening my eyes will increase the chances of finding a lost mask before it drifts away.

 

[kristen8416]

Yes, I agree that it's beneficial but I'm not aware of it being "required" as a skill.

 

[oldschoolto]

And, You should change out to your spare mask every few dives ... I'll just take my mask off and open the right side BC pocket and remove the spare mask.. Put the main mask in the pocket... Zip it closed and then put the spare mask on and clear it... A few minutes later do it again, going back to my main mask... Simple skill training that takes no time away from the dive..

Jim...