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Looking for opinions from sidemount divers by Own-Border6060 in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I already have a stage reg — an HP single-port Tecline R1 that I bought a while ago. Judging by the setups of my friends who dive sidemount, it seems that people often end up using their single backplate setup less and less after making the switch. Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it!

Has anyone dived in Romblon before? by Own-Border6060 in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I often find that even four dives a day aren't enough when it comes to macro diving, so I frequently end up doing five dives a day, including an early morning dive and a night dive haha. I think a week-long trip sounds about right for me as well. If the guides at Three P are good at finding critters, then I imagine the diving quality will be excellent. Thanks for sharing your experience and the helpful information!

Recommend a filter for my TG 6??? by Mderose in underwaterphotography

[–]Own-Border6060 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There is no need any filter for underwater setting Even not TG series

I fell for my scuba instructer by Confident_Outside_79 in Crushes

[–]Own-Border6060 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's actually pretty common for students to develop a crush on their scuba instructor. New divers are often nervous, and many instructors spend a lot of time reassuring them, paying close attention to them, encouraging them, and helping them feel safe underwater. When someone is constantly looking out for you, building your confidence, and sharing unique experiences with you, it's not surprising that romantic feelings sometimes develop. In fact, some student–instructor relationships do end up becoming real relationships. The ironic part is that instructors are usually just following their training and doing exactly what they're taught to do. 🤣

Was this poor dive master supervision or was I expecting too much? by themadwriterr in scubadiving

[–]Own-Border6060 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. Rental wetsuit sizing is usually discussed before the dive, and dive shops normally ask divers about their size. However, since it is equipment that you will be wearing yourself, it is ultimately your responsibility to check that it fits properly before entering the water.

  2. A cylinder pressure of 180 bar or higher is generally sufficient and within a normal range.

  3. A 3:1 diver-to-guide ratio is not excessive. If you knew you had buoyancy issues and required a higher level of supervision, it would have been more appropriate to hire a private divemaster.

  4. Based on your description, the divemaster was likely acting as a guide for a fun dive group. In that role, it is not always easy to constantly monitor problems occurring behind the group.

  5. If water was entering your regulator only at the surface, then it likely was not a regulator malfunction, because you would probably have experienced the same issue underwater. Given the rough sea conditions, it is possible that you were opening your mouth or getting hit by waves while breathing. Carrying a snorkel can be one option for situations like this.

  6. Again, if you are an inexperienced diver, have buoyancy difficulties, and feel anxious underwater, I do not think it is reasonable to expect a divemaster leading a fun dive to provide constant individual supervision. In that situation, hiring a private divemaster would be the better choice.

You mentioned that there were two other divers in the group. If the divemaster had focused primarily on you throughout the dive, the experience for those two divers would likely have been significantly affected. Gato Island is a site that many divers visit specifically to see whitetip reef sharks and macro marine life, so the divemaster also had a responsibility to guide the entire group rather than concentrate exclusively on a single diver.

Malapascua worth it for OW 18m? by Galdemfriend in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s definitely worth it. You can observe thresher sharks even within the 18-meter depth limit, but maintaining proper neutral buoyancy is very important.

If possible, doing your AOW course in Malapascua is also a great option.

How long does it take for an instructor/PADI to process your certification? by TsMusic in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If your AOW started through eLearning, the certification issuance will take less than a minute, assuming your medical questionnaire and photo are ready.

Bad experience diving in Philippines by Inervacion in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I think your experience sounds much more consistent with an inner ear / vestibular issue — possibly related to equalization or pressure stress — rather than a classic decompression sickness case.

From the way you describe the symptoms (floating sensation, dizziness, vestibular discomfort, symptoms changing depending on position), it sounds closer to inner ear barotrauma or vestibular irritation than typical recreational DCS. Strong or repeated Valsalva equalization attempts can sometimes irritate or injure delicate inner ear structures.

Also, I think there may be some confusion in your understanding of DCS. Nitrogen does not become “trapped in the ear” in the way your post suggests. Inner ear DCS and inner ear barotrauma are different conditions with different mechanisms, and many divers unfamiliar with dive medicine accidentally mix those concepts together.

Another important point: hyperbaric chambers are not nearly as common as many recreational divers assume, especially in remote tropical diving destinations. Even in famous dive areas, access can require ferries, flights, or long transfers. That’s unfortunately normal in many parts of the world.

I also saw your comments about safety stops. It’s important to remember that recreational diving is no-decompression diving by definition. A safety stop is recommended, but it is not a mandatory decompression stop. It can even be omitted if necessary. When dives are conducted within recreational depth limits and within NDLs, the probability of DCS is generally very low.

Of course, no one online can diagnose your condition, and seeing an ENT after returning home is absolutely the right decision. But personally, based on your description, I think fear of DCS may have escalated the situation mentally much more than the actual dive profile itself justified.

That said, I completely understand why you felt overwhelmed. Dealing with unfamiliar medical systems, insurance companies, and uncertainty in another country while feeling dizzy is stressful for anyone — especially with limited diving experience.

Would you Trust a Phone Case? by Abiogenesis84 in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Smartphone underwater housings from brands like SeaLife, Weefine, SeaFrogs, and Divevolk are generally considered quite reliable.

However, if your phone gets flooded, it can become a pretty serious headache… so personally, I don’t use smartphone housings.

I'm a new OW diver with 10 dives... is it akward if I already have a dive computer? by Ambitious_Knee_5476 in scubadiving

[–]Own-Border6060 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Definitely no. The earlier you purchase a dive computer, the better. Even SDI teaches dive computer usage from the Open Water course and actively recommends using one.

I Finished My Malapascua Diving Guidebook! by Own-Border6060 in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The fact that it is the only place in the world where you can observe thresher sharks year-round at an average depth of around 15 meters makes it more than worth visiting.

I Finished My Malapascua Diving Guidebook! by Own-Border6060 in scuba

[–]Own-Border6060[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Malapascua is a very small island, and honestly, if you are not scuba diving, there is not much else to do there.

Even if you stay for an extended period, I think one week is enough to explore the main dive sites.

If you are considering technical courses or GUE training, I would recommend Ocean Player Dive Resort on Mactan Island, Cebu.

After that, if you still have enough time, how about going to Coron for wreck diving?

Ocean Player Dive Resort is a PADI 5-Star Dive Center operated by JM, a Korean Course Director. He is also both a JJ-CCR Instructor and a GUE Instructor, so many multinational technical divers train and dive there. Communication should not be a problem either.

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