Can I use a console under water when not screwed into a 1st stage ?

[St.Mark]

cheers, St.Mark the noob here... was yesterday at a nearby lake, testing some of my neoprene gear, lycras, goggles, nose clip.. water temperature 17C°, cloudless and sunny weather 20C°.

Q1: I was wondering how scuba divers can wear dive masks under their neoprene hoods ? i didn't manage to wear a mask under my hood, and when wearing it on top the hood, it leaked.

Q2: I own 2 diving consoles, one beuchat in blue and another noname brand that has all 3 gauges (depth, compass, pressure) and additional thermometer. however i don't own a wrist depth gauge. Can i take one of the consoles underwater to check the depth I'm at. I don't know if they have a valve that closes up unless it gets high pressure feed from a scuba tank, or if they're just gonna be flooded. I don't wanna get water inside the hose and destroy the whole console..

Q3 i have a noseclip for apnoe that is DIY, just a nail bent into shape and wrapped with cotton. it works very well. what I don't have is ear plugs. do divers ever wear ear plugs ? do apnoe divers ever wear them, if so, what type ? my ear hurt badly even at 3-4m depth.

 

[Chilly_Diver]

Yes, you can wear a mask under a hood. I don’t prefer it, though some do so.

 

[boulderjohn]

cheers, St.Mark the noob here... was yesterday at a nearby lake, testing some of my neoprene gear, lycras, goggles, nose clip.. water temperature 17C°, cloudless and sunny weather 20C°.

Q1: I was wondering how scuba divers can wear dive masks under their neoprene hoods ? i didn't manage to wear a mask under my hood, and when wearing it on top the hood, it leaked.

Q2: I own 2 diving consoles, one beuchat in blue and another noname brand that has all 3 gauges (depth, compass, pressure) and additional thermometer. however i don't own a wrist depth gauge. Can i take one of the consoles underwater to check the depth I'm at. I don't know if they have a valve that closes up unless it gets high pressure feed from a scuba tank, or if they're just gonna be flooded. I don't wanna get water inside the hose and destroy the whole console..

Q3 i have a noseclip for apnoe that is DIY, just a nail bent into shape and wrapped with cotton. it works very well. what I don't have is ear plugs. do divers ever wear ear plugs ? do apnoe divers ever wear them, if so, what type ? my ear hurt badly even at 3-4m depth.

1. Some divers do wear masks under hoods, but if your masked leaked while wearing the hood, it is because its skirt was over the hood at some point. The mask should be completely on your skin. Run your finger around the edge of the hood while your mask is on to make sure none of it is under the mask.

2. Do you use a computer? That is what most people use for a depth gauge. If you use a console, it should not be too hard to check your depth there. The only thing you need to connect to the first stage is the pressure gauge.

3. There is one brand of ear plug that I know of that can be used by divers. Don't use any other, unless you want them in permanently. Your nose will be inside the mask and will not need any kind of plug. You don't want a plug--you need to exhale to equalize the mask and clear it.

 

[Magnus Lundstedt]

You can take the SPG out of the console, and use only the depth gauge.

 

[Scubatude]

Hi St.Mark,

I get the impression you are asking these questions as free (apnea) diver, not a scuba diver.

1. Most diver put the mask on over their hood, so the mask strap is over their hood but the mask skirt, the part that touches your face, is directly against their skin. Once you put your mask on over your hood, simply pull the edges out a bit all the way around the mask to ensure you have no neoprene under your mask.

2. If the console has a pressure gauge, water will enter if it hook up and pressurized. Water will cause the gauge to rust and malfunction. Depth gauges and compasses designed for use underwater are fine to take down with you.

3. Scuba divers do not use nose plugs. Breathing out of your nose helps to equalize the pressure created inside the mask as you descend. Clearing water for your mask is also done with a technique that involves exhaling through your nose.
There is one brand of ear plugs divers can use, called Doc's Pro Plugs, however if you are experiencing pain on descent you should A) See a doctor, and B) Talk to your diving instructor about proper techniques to equalize your sinuses and ears.

There are very good reasons that diving, either apnea or scuba, require training and certification. There are techniques and protocols that divers learn through proper training to minimize risks and enhanced enjoyment.

 

[rhwestfall]

you shouldn't take a console underwater if it is not connected to a pressurized first stage - that is likely to ruin your pressure gauge. In your case of free diving, consider getting a wrist worn depth gauge (it is possible to remove the depth gauge from the console, and put it in a wrist mount boot).

 

[Coztick]

Um, no one is going to explain that the OP's ears hurt at 3-4 meters because he is not equalizing against the water pressure?
St. Mark, you must learn to equalize the pressure across your ear drum or you will most certainly damage your ears.
You will get better instruction from more knowledgeable people than me so I leave it to you to research.
Do not dive until you can equalize.

Sincerely, Kevin

 

[Coztick]

You can just remove the depth gauge from the console.
Don't submerge the pressure gauge.

 

[yle]

Um, no one is going to explain that the OP's ears hurt at 3-4 meters because he is not equalizing against the water pressure?

I think Scubatude explained it here:

if you are experiencing pain on descent you should A) See a doctor, and B) Talk to your diving instructor about proper techniques to equalize your sinuses and ears.

There are very good reasons that diving, either apnea or scuba, require training and certification. There are techniques and protocols that divers learn through proper training to minimize risks and enhanced enjoyment.

 

[Coztick]

I think Scubatude explained it here:

Ya, that explains it.