After working hard all year long, the expected moment has arrived. You have made your dream vacation plan. Tickets are ready. Let the vacation begin.
The ocean is calling you, the sun is warming you and the atmosphere is beautiful. After a great day of diving, there is nothing like an ice cold beer and a cigarette lit under the stars, right?
I am not judging anyone and I absolutely sympathize with you. Maybe you have motivated yourself all year long with the dream of this week. One beer, maybe one more. Let’s make it three …
But here is the part that people don’t usually talk about… Alcohol and Smoking can be your biggest risk in your next dive.
As an instructor who has met hundreds of divers in different locations, one of the most important lessons I have learned is this. Your habits on land follows you underwater.
Let’s talk honestly about why alcohol and smoking are two things that every diver should take seriously.
I’m not just talking about diving immediately after drinking alcohol (which is something that should definitely not be done). Drinking out of control the night before can have serious effects on your dive the next day.
What Does Alcohol Really Do to Your Body?
Dehydration – Alcohol is a diuretic – it draws water out of your body. Dehydrated tissue holds nitrogen longer and makes it harder for your tissues to properly off-gas. This increases your chances of Decompression Disease (DCS).
Impairment of the body’s ability to thermoregulate – Alcohol dilates blood vessels. This can cause you to lose body heat faster underwater. Combine this with colder water temperatures and you could be at risk of hypothermia without realizing it. I had the opportunity to observe this much more closely in Iceland where I am currently working as a diving instructor.
If you want to read more about the effects of cold water diving, you can take a look at Thermal Regulation for Divers.
Brain Fog – Your body may feel fine but your brain may still be hazy. Your awareness, reaction time and judgment are affected. You may get misleading results when checking data that is important for your diving safety – air, depth, etc. You may risk the life of your dive partner or dive group.
Increased Nitrogen Absorption – Some studies show that alcohol can affect nitrogen solubility in tissues. Although no serious effects have been observed, the risk is still there.
Hangover Symptoms
Headache, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth… these are not just hangover symptoms. They are also symptoms of potential DCS or other diving-related problems. If you are hungover, you may miss the early warning signs of something more serious.
“Drunk” Even if you are not, you may not be fully fit for diving.
Smoking and Diving – More than a Bad Habit
Unfortunately, smoking is also very common among diving instructors. However, this does not mean that smoking is safe.
Decreased lung function – Your lungs are your life support underwater. Smoking reduces air exchange, increases mucus and limits airflow – all of which affect your breathing rate and air consumption.
Higher Risk of Air Trapping – Damaged alveoli in the lungs (common in smokers) can trap air, especially during ascent. This puts you at risk for lung over-expansion injuries such as arterial gas embolism, one of the most dangerous diving injuries.
Slower Nitrogen Excretion – Smoking affects circulation. Poor circulation means slower nitrogen excretion. This means a higher risk of DCS, or Decompression, even if your dive profile is conservative.
On top of all this, smoking compromises your immune system and your ability to heal. If you get sick or injured, your recovery will be slower and more complicated.
I have seen divers cancel dives because they felt “bad” after consuming too much alcohol overnight and didn’t want to admit they were hungover.
I have seen divers who had difficulty breathing calmly because they had smoked too many cigarettes.
I have canceled dives when I noticed divers on the boat showing signs of dehydration or confusion.
Many of these situations could have been prevented.
It’s not just about being physically fit. Under the water you need a clear head, steady breathing and sharp awareness. Alcohol and nicotine cloud this.
Every diver wants to come back from a diving trip with good memories. Not with medical bills or trauma. You don’t need to be an angel, but it is worth acting wisely.
My Tips as a Diving Instructor
Drink more fluids than you think you need. Drink plenty the day before and on the day of your dive.
Avoid alcohol at least 12-24 hours before your dive and stay within your limits. Reduce or quit smoking if possible. Avoid smoking at least when you are diving.
Be honest during Diving Medical Declarations. This is for your safety. Not to judge you.
Listen to your body. If you feel sluggish, tired or out of sorts, skip the dive. The sea is not going anywhere.
It was a long article but I tried to write it in detail because I believe it is really important.
Diving is breathing. It is about confidence. It is about going deeper into a world where your only life support is the air you carry and the lungs you have.
Don’t let a drink or a cigarette steal that from you.
Take care of your body, respect diving and the underwater world will reward you with unforgettable moments.
Anıl Avcı, Diving Instructor
@theaquaticnomad
