Ear Protection for Scuba Divers - Scuba Tech Tips: S05E07

[@jlramos3d]

Doc's ear plugs saved my wife's live on board on Belize a couple of years ago. Great advice, as always!.

[@DD-bx3gm]

Alec, you're not the only one who is weird as far as clearing your ears. I've been a public safety diver since 1975 and I pinch my nose to clear the right ear and swallow to clear my left. Thanks from Los Angeles, for your great easy to follow videos.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

What a relief. I'm not weird, just different, thats what my wife says. A

[@Yamanistudies]

Many thanks for the videos. I have just passed my Open Water PADI instructor exam. For my theory exam preparation I watched many of your videos to get a good understanding of equipment related theoretical knowledge. Keep the videos coming.

[@gavelben]

I'm not a doctor, and I know regular doctors aren't versed on scuba stuff. But ears are ears. I had issue equalizing last trip and had water trapped after. Was using all the above mentioned methods to no avail. Went to the doc today and was told absolutely do not use alcohol, yes it's advertised for it, but it has more negative effect. The ear is not supposed to be dry, nor is the wax, if water doesn't naturally dry out, there are other issues at hand. Like in my scenario of clogged ear canals from q-tip use. Once flushed my ears of crud. Doctor said best way, especially if diving. Few times a month put mineral oil in each ear for about 20 min then drain out, it dissolves the wax, in which case there should no longer be issues with trapped water. Also you can use mineral oil before a dive to help lubricate the ear so water will move in and out freely. But alcohol is a no-go and a temporary fix but long-term issue

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are quite right Ben. Alcohol should only be used to 1. dry the canal if all else fails 2. kill germs. It is NOT a cure nor a regular treatment. In either such case, get to your doctor. Mineral oil actually helps keep the ears dry. It acts as a lubricant to coat the canal like grease on a bearing. But it too should not be a regular treatment. The ears produce wax because it's necessary. One drop of mineral oil before a dive, if you have problems getting water out, is a good idea. Alec

[@Bravehaldir]

Excellent Alec! Great tips! My ears are always a real problem, in my case, a terrible sinusitis. By the way, you are ten thousand times funnier than Jimmy Kimmel! It's impossible not to laugh with your videos. Big hug from Japan!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again Lawrence. Alec

[@dime275]

Just signed up for scuba certification class. Very excited. Thanks for the great videos

[@OverlandTT]

dime275 Enjoy it, it's awesome. Never hold your breath!

[@tekatarinator6636]

OMG,likewise...

[@misterkaos.357]

Good 'ol Doc's. They work like a charm!

[@pjneslo8979]

Hello Alec, I'm commenting here from Rhode Island and I just would like to say how great ALL of your video's are. I plan on going diving for the 1st time when I travel to Florida this coming June, well hopefully I get certified. Also, I actually watched a few episodes of Sea Hunt and which sought of remind me of Gilligan's Island, which was my favorite growing up. I admire your dedication to everything dive related.You sir are a great man- Thank you.!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If you're in the Keys in Florida, look up Horizon Divers in Key Largo Nice people, small groups and very convenient. Thanks for watching PJ. Alec

[@TheBishopDEL]

I’ve been an open water instructor since 1968 and have never heard about Doc’s Pro Plugs. Sounds like an excellent solution for any diver particularly for concerns about getting anything in ears in any type of water - I.e. bacteria, microbes, or anything that might infect or be harmful to ears.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They are a great fix for very cold water to prevent vertigo. Never an equalization problem if fitted right.

[@brianmarko5361]

Alec: Your videos are awesome! Thank you and Kevin so much for taking the time to do them!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like them! We do it for fun and education, hope one sticks.

[@Juiced2528]

Try chewing gum before your dive to loosen the muscles in your jaw to equalise.

[@ronbeatty516]

You are a wise man. Thanks for all you do for the rest of us!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Only you and my grandchildren think so but I appreciate the vote. Alec

[@johnmcguire5917]

This is a old post, every diver should see this, if even for the after dive ear treatment. I've seen so many people on liveaboard boats have their trips cut short. "Thankyou"

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

When I used to book dive trips, ear drops were as important as passports. No one wants to sit on the boat/shore watching others dive. Thanks for the reminder John.

[@JohnDoe-dj3xh]

Otitis Externa (eh, close enough). not a doctor either, but more than half way there. love your videos, really just got into diving recently and your videos are super helpful

[@CarlBlock-hc1fz]

Great videos Alec. Your manner of info/tech teaching is simple and informative.

[@TomKnudsen]

Hi Alec, first thank you for the referal to the PADI Course Director that answered the post about the Dive Master Skill Test. Been away but shortly going to answer him. Anyway back to this post. What comes to mind is that besides being a legend in the diving community, you seem to know a lot of int. characters within the diving community. So my suggestion is this, why not make a whole new series about them. Before you scrap this idea away, please allow me to elaborate. There are many legends or contribuators to the sport of diving still out there, not sure if any of them do the same on You Tube, but it seems to me they should. If not and most likely not they are not. So in order to collect those individual stories, experiences, happenings, etc. Why not ask if you could "interview them? Well let's not get hung up on the interview part, but you could either talk about them or with them. I bet there are som pretty neat dive stories or cases out there worth highlighting. Also interviews oer say nowadays is quite easy to do, especially online with neat stuff like Skype, split views etc. Heck you could even record such a conversation. Anyway, you know what I mean, point being of course there are so many int. things, characters and stories that rather be forgotten needs to be remembered or shared with all us scuba youngins. So there is a segment for you Alec, I bet you already know whom to talk to now, who has that story, or what happend with you and that guy on that particular dive and so on.... Kinda like a Alec Peirce, Dive Hunt Series he he. Well then, hope I'd triggered some ideas. Love from Norway. Best regards Tom...

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's a good idea Tom. In fact, shortly you're going to see an interview with a guy from Sea Hunt. I'll see what I can think of and share this with Kevin. Thanks Tom.

[@GarnettM]

I`m glad you mentioned this stuff I get that problem never knew what to use , Going pharmacy now Thanks .

[@davidncw4613]

Fun stuff, I have enjoyed every vid so far.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad to hear it!

[@tomvanzanten479]

After my A.O.W., my ears were sore after 2 days. I thought it would pass, but on the 5th day it was unbearable, so I went to see the doctor. It turned out that I had a really really bad ear infection in both ears. After some droplets and 2 months of time, I went to the doctor again for a checkup as I felt like I wasn't able to hear very well with my left ear anymore. The doctor told me that I punctured my eardrum, and sent me to the hospital... My ears are back to normal now :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You hit the two big ear problems at once; infection and a hole. That makes for a lot of pain and healing. Infection can be reduced by cleaning or drying ears each night after diving. There are lots of drops available for 'swimmers ear'. The burst ear is a problem you need to work on during the descent. Equalize early, even before your head goes under water, frequently and if any ear pain, STOP and up a bit. Signal your buddy/guide for help. Repeat ear bursts may cause long term hearing problems so please work on comfortably controlling equalization during the dive. Hope you get to dive again.

[@tomvanzanten479]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you for the advice! It's much appreciated! As for diving, I have a relaxed swimming pool session planned during the Christmas Holliday :)

[@la5150hi-lophoto]

I was in a hurry to avoid surface current and I didn't take my time on descent...boom...my ear drum burst. Just like that...lessons learned...take time to equalize very early.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A lot of divers wait until they are 15-20' down or until they feel pressure. Too late!! The greatest rate of pressure change takes place in the top 15'. You should equalize from the surface every 5' until your reach 25' and then you can relax. Thanks for the lesson LA. Alec

[@hearsejr]

Hey Alec, I ran across some one today that really got me to thinking.. I was in the Dollar store, looking at a little tube of those cheap army guys, well this one had frogmen in the set. And a mid 40's dude standing next to me, said he watched a video of a guy that made his own scuba set up useing a bicycle pump and 2L coke bottles. And he said the guy actually went diving with it. I pointed out that was impossible. He then proceeded to explain it was possible and the only reason we don't see everyone doing it was because dive shops are hiding the technology and charging us huge rices for these tanks and oxygen mask that only cost about $2 to make ourselves ... Then he started talking about how some inventer turn a dust mask and two CO2 cartridges into a portable scuba system. Normally this wouldn't bother me at all except I was telling a lady and her young son about scuba diving when this guy walks and start jabbering about how he was trained by the government on how to scuba dive and how he used to carry his oxygen tanks on a over land hike to lakes out in the middle of no where and would dive to 500', and how he seen fish so big they could swallow people whole. He said they had that since the early 60's. I have gone to the 250' mark in my commercial stuff in 1989, and I didn't even see a fish... It was pitch black untill I got my light turned on! By now he pretty much scared the crap out of that lady and kid. I decided to show her one of your videos... The one where you were in a pool talking about free flowing regulator, and something in your voice or the light hearted way you talked about scuba, calmed her down to the point of considering to let her son try taking a jr diver experience as soon as the virus mess is over and stuff gets back to normal. I can not believe how misinformed some folks or on that little spare air bottles and how they think they can pump up a tank.... Or co2 cartridge, or 2 liter cola bottles.. with enough air to go diving with. Could you do a video on some false stuff that's seen in movies but is totally fake? I tried to get her to ask questions more related to real stuff but she was asking what do you do when you see a shark.. will murray eels electrocute people and if you go too deep will you get the bends... And I explained about the tanks are not oxygen, but it's dry clean compressed air. I offered to show her my gear and let the kids breath through my regulators, and put on my stuff, but she was a bit concerned about the virus, and politely declined for now but this summer she is game to take the kids to the dive shop for some pool time.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh this made my day. Thank you so much for sharing. If only I knew his secret before running a dozen dive stores. As for pumping up tanks, a future video on hand pumping scuba tanks will cover that subject. Thank you for sharing this story, its a doosy!

[@alaind831]

I use Pro plus for windsurfing for years - after landing hard on one ear and feeling very groggy - didn't pierced ear drums but could have very easily... but din't know you could use them for diving as well. I still get water in mine but maybe they aren't sized exactly right then, then it is hard to get it out. protect against the cold (wind and water in 50s) preventing 'surfer's ear' bone growth that many get and loose hearing until surgery.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think Doc's Plugs come for diving and for watersports (NOT for diving). The only difference is that the diving ones have a tiny hole in them for equalization. They're great. Alec

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

great tip Alec. I always struggle with my right ear and I always hsve it like fuzzy.... never went to a medic.....

[@niels-aikerechenberg6501]

I use castor oil before I go diving. Two drops in each ear 👂🏻

[@africantwin173]

when i have a painfull ear from diving or from my wife yelling at me , i use Sofradex for max 5 days. before saltwater dives i use some organic oil with vodka 40% and vinager. nb alcohol and diving can be very bad when pressures above 9 Bar.

[@seangillen920]

Alec, I enjoy your videos and advice so much. I need to drive to Richmond Hill from London soon. All the best! My Wife tried 2 different sizes of pro plugs recently in St Lucia and she lost one plug from both sets. They did work though. She has trouble equalizing.

[@searcaig]

My ear beer recipe is 75% alcohol and 25% white vinegar post dive day, then an oral rum and coke.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I love both recipes!

[@rhtrps]

Hi Alec, Rodney Hardcastle-Taylor again, I grew up in Santa Cruz which is where doc from docs pro plugs is from! I met him surfing one day and he was very nice. He actually invented pro plugs to prevent surfers ear for surfers which is due to the cold water and the bony growth caused by the constant exposure to cold water. Surfers ear is very painful to have surgically corrected. Of course his pro plugs are useful and swimming and other water sports too. I was also wondering if I could get some more information on the bend O-Matic as I have one and I've always wondered exactly how to use it or how it works just out of curiosity of course. I also have a shark stick from Farallon but mine is on a long pole unlike the short one that you have. My sharks stick even comes in a bag with two sections and two CO2 cartridges. And in closing I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your tech tips! & the sea hunt stuff too! I enjoy history and I love to learn about the history of scuba diving and the early equipment.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Doc is a wonderful guy all right. I've met him several times. I'm not sure if he's still with us. He was getting pretty old last time I saw him, about 4 years ago. His Pro Plugs are also a great invention and we recommend them to divers who have chronic ear problems.Unlike normal, ear plugs which you must NOT wear while diving, Doc's Pro Plugs allow you to equalize but they keep water out of the ear. Good luck. Alec

[@troop1026]

Awesome as always Alec. Montana Mike.

[@rontourage7384]

Thank you Alec for this information!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@bigbadboogie6842]

As You descen with a NON VENTED plug the pressure increase on the outside (water pressure as depth increase) but pressure inside plug is still athmosperic IF plug is sealing totally from water, meaning that the plug will be pushed deeper into You ear the deeper You go..... From what I have heard water WILL GO IN also with docs proplugs, but it will stay warm as it wont go out, basically preventing divers ear (bone build up in ear canal)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The orifice on the Docs ProPlugs is tiny so IF any water goes in, it will be minimal. It should only allow for pressure equalization. Alec

[@steveschiff5926]

I've been using Docs Proplugs since the start of this dive season, and so has my girlfriend because we both struggle with clogged ears after diving which is just annoying. We both found them to be great at keeping water out of our ears. Sure you can use a homemade or commercial solution to clear your ears after the fact but why not prevent rather than fix? The video says they come in clear and shows each plug with it's own leash. They are available in red also, easier to see if dropped, and mine connect with one long leash. Good thing because when diving without a hood, one fell out and my diving buddy pointed out it was floating in the breeze. I'm going to try tying the leash to my mask strap for convenience and to avoid loss.

[@alihartono7073]

Thanks Alec for another great scuba videos! They really help me a lottt as a newcomer in the scuba diving world. I'll be taking advance adventurer certification next days, inspired by you nevertheless. Salam from Indonesia,

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You just made me a happy man Ali. All I want to do is entertain and inspire people to dive. Alec

[@alihartono7073]

Live long and prosper mr Peirce..

[@davidncw4613]

Btw my fav trick for keeping the ear pipes open is spicy food, very spicy. A natural decongestant. When there is tears n snot running like a river and chili burn clear out in to the ears.....perfect!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Interesting! That is new to me but I can't do it with my sensitive tummy! Thanks for sharing David and good luck.

[@nuclearthunder50]

Hello Alec, I love your videos. Once in a while, I'll get swimmer's ear after diving without earplugs, but I can pressurize fine - I've been getting this since I was a kid swimming in the pool. Nothing too bad yet but I'm looking into the earplugs - i typically used the full seal type for swimming. Do you have any thoughts on the JBL Hydro Seals Aqua Plugs vs. Doc's? Thanks - Tim in Palau

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I like Docs. They were invented and perfected over time by a doctor. They have been around a long time and have been successful. I'm not going to say that there aren't other similar good products but why not get the ones that all the others compare themselves to in order to prove they are just as good? I suggest you might try a solution using something to keep your ears protected from the water with using a 'device'. There are lots of OTC medications available that coat the ear with glycerine to protect it from water. Most also have alcohol to dry the ear and kill germs in the water. Maybe your doctor is a good source of information. Some divers make their own ear solution that they claim works. A couple of drops of something like that before and after the dive might just do the job and be easier to use. Worth looking into. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@MauricioGarcia-mk5bz]

Great video. Ty

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tedrick79]

DAN, divers action network, has no cases of barotrauma due to foam earplugs. None. I have been using foam earplugs while diving for a decade, foam earplugs, foam. They keep the water out of my outer and middle ear. So far as I have read and experienced in 60 some odd dives they have no downside. I wouldn't use hard earplugs though, that might cause severe barotrauma if it gets pushed in. It shouldn't, but it could. I tried the doc earplugs and they let water in and I got a middle ear infection for my trouble.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Only plugs with vents can be used and since foam is porous, it does equalize but not as fast as Doc's. Thanks for sharing this alternative.

[@454chevy454]

My grandma had the best ear problem solution... warm pure virgin olive oil .i still take small bottle with me on dive trips it works i promis

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Probably tastes better than Glycerine too!

[@teslafreak]

I ended up with problems after dive class. Left ear, then right a few days later. I had to use antibiotics and steroids in them. My doctor said to just use over the counter swimmer drops from now on.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Usually the pool. Swimming pools are the most insanitary things in existence!

[@aholatom]

Cool but I don't get it. If these plugs have holes in them that won't let water in but will let pressure in, what is this pressure made of? I mean pressure can not just appear from nowhere, it must be some molecules coming from somewhere that builds up a pressure depending on how many molecules there are in a certain space. And outside the plugs there is only water. Are water molecules transformed to air molecules by the plug or what magic is in play here?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

LOL. The holes are just the right size that air will pass but not water. Water for several reasons will not pass through holes as easily as air - think Goretex. Water is subject to surface tension as well which tends to slow the movement of it. The science may not be clear but they work. Alec

[@mor29il]

Alec, I know its a relatively an old video, but it helped me after getting actually a wave in my ear after surfing which concluded with an ear infection (nothing serious but hurting and annoying) ...3 doctors ..3 different subscriptions,I digress...anyways I also dive, and meant to go a week after this thing... I love the way you explain things in your video's and being super caring to my health this one helped me a lot...did this solution (I actually used olive oil instead after heating it a bit to a dissolving it prior to putting it in a bottle for this use) as suggested for my next trips, and going to try these vented ear plugs... Anyways...cheers for your super professional videos. :-) I'd be delighted (if you want...) if you can join my FB group in this link: facebook.com/groups/1764752293803602/ Its actually a community for surfers & divers which is a community (not an adv. group...no money involved...) although its in Hebrew you are very welcomed to join ...cheers

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Nice site - Israel's Wind, Surf and Dive Community. My Hebrew is a bit rusty and the translations are hilarious but it looks like you have a lot of fun. Warm olive oil should be perfect and so suitable to Israel too. Thanks for sharing and good luck. Alec

[@kamperzoid]

Thank you for the info. just order a pair for me :)

[@johnthomas2070]

Great tips

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks John. Alec

[@chriscannon4628]

I've got a tube in one of my ears. One thing I'm still not sure about is whether to use a vented plug in that ear or a non vented plug. I have tried a vented Doc plug once before and could not get 3 feet under before feeling water coming in my ear canal. The product says water will only come in after 20 feet but I'm reluctant to believe that it's true. Your expertise would be helpful.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A very good diver friend of mine had tubes in both ears. There's no reason that should affect your diving at all. The tubes are there for a couple of reasons - sometimes to drain the ears or more commonly, to replace the Eustaion tubes to allow equalization. Technically, you ought to be able to clear your ears more easily than a diver without tubes!!. If going deeper than about 10-15' you cannot use a non-vented plug. It will not allow equalization and may get lodged deep in the canal. Doc's Pro Plugs (I knew Doc. He was quite a guy.) work really well for some people but everyone is different. Some water will still come in. Is a bit of water in the ear canal a problem? Usually a bit won't hurt so long as it runs out easily after the dive. Check with a diving doctor - he has to be familiar with diving to be able to give a definitive answer. At one time while doing some light commercial diving I had an ear problem and was able to carry on by using a mixture of alcohol (to dry and to kill germs) and glycerin (to make the canal slippery so water would come out easily. Check with your doctor first!! Good luck. Alec

[@forcebewithyou7746]

Are these a good idea to wear in your ears if you’re wearing a dive hood?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Do you mean Doc's Pro plugs? Absolutely as they have a vent to equalize air pressure when diving. A.

[@saulsanchez9856]

Thank you, thank you, thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are very welcome

[@Alvinyokatori]

Hurting my ears is biggest fear as somebody wanting to get into it, I can control my ear flaps on command since I was a kid tho

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Equalization is key to safe scuba diving which is why in Open Water training there is so much time spent on this skill. Hope you can dive with those ear flaps. A

[@kungalekchung1071]

Ear plugs isn't better in diving?

[@newbreedian]

fannntastic! thank you,

[@SFROFRO-if4xj]

Thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Ajesh. Alec

[@johnpoe8887]

from time to time, water gets trapped in my ear after a shower because wax has built up in my ear canal, and i always know when it happens because after the shower i can't hear and that trapped water hurts. I get out my ear canal bulb, get a bowl or just close the drain on a sink and fill it with body temperature water, and i stick the bulb in the water, squeeze it and it fills, bend forward, turn my head side ways right over the sink, stick the end of the bulb in my ear and squeeze and i continue until the wax flushes out. Doesn't take to long and enough wax is flushed out that water is no longer trapped in my ear canal. I will soon be learning to dive in an open water class...............

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I use a similar system that I got on the internet. It's actually a syringe with a big plastic barrel that can shoot warm water into my ears. It's sold as an ear wax remover. I like it because I can make the warm water run into my ear for several seconds to melt the wax and I can repeat that until I feel all the wax is gone. It's the same as what the doctor does to clean your ears. I wouldn't recommend it for everyday use but when it feels the ears need cleaning or before a big dive trip, I use it. I use it while still in the shower. I use water that's quite warm from the shower head and add just the tiniest bit of soap as well. It sure cleans them out! There's also drops that will clean out the wax too. I'd suggest you check with your doctor before using anything. He may have an idea too. Alec

[@johnpoe8887]

I have been successfully removing the wax from my ears for a long time now. I shared the need to remove wax to keep water from being trapped for those that watch your video, because you didn't. I don't need or want your advice.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sorry John. Didn't realize you were an expert. We share ideas here. ideas that might be useful. It works both ways - you share your ideas; we share our ideas. You don't have to follow out ideas if you don't want to but, you do have to accept that we are entitled to share our ideas just as we accept yours. I suggest that if you don't need nor want our advice that you ought not be a subscriber. Alec

[@johnpoe8887]

not interested in hot air, so i will not follow..........

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well, John, Tech Tips, whether about ears or not, is a U-Tube channel for scuba divers. If you are a diver there might be something of value for you, from my video or from the comments of viewers. If you're not a diver John, there's probably little of interest here for you. Just as I have no interest in banjo music and don't follow you, you're probably right to not follow Tech Tips. Take care. Alec

[@JKCDLT]

Is anyone else able to flex a muscle in their head to equalize?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Heads have muscles? Where can i get some? Alec

[@Gioyoji]

Does this prevent hearing loss in water pressure?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Nope. This is simply a preventative measure to reduce the likelihood of an infection. Alec

[@Gioyoji]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter so hearing loss is normal for divers? :(

[@brendonnashca]

My instructor said I should hold my breath while ascending to help clear my ears.

[@brendonnashca]

My instructor says I should turn my tank valve all the way to the right then back 1/4 turn to save air and dive longer.

[@brendonnashca]

How much weight do most people carry? My instructor tells me I need at least 30kg to “keep me down”.

[@brendonnashca]

How many people have done their nitrous certification?

[@brendonnashca]

Instructor says I can be a better diver and save money if I service my own gear. They say you can find anything you need at any hardware store.

[@brendonnashca]

I can only find one of my instructors on the PADI honours list. Should I be concerned? Does this mean the other instructors are not as good or have they just not been recognized yet?

[@newbreedian]

a little weird but helpful tidbit my Dad taught me. Much like it is useful for jellyfish stings and sea urchin jooks, if you have water stuck in your ear and cant get it out use your pee/urine. Cup your hand, pee in it and tilt your head and put the urine in and then tilt head back down and jump a little. lol Sounds funny and a lil gross but WOW it works instantaneously. Saved my ears numerous times. Never knew of that alc/glyc solution. But in a pinch, pee works. Note: Do it in the shower, 9be careful about the jumping part. way less gross. hahaha

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yeah. I can see myself offering a cup of piss to a diver on a boat!! "Here. Pour this is your ear!" LOL I've heard a lot of odd things so nothing surprises me now. Urine on stings I know is common and MIGHT help although it's more likely any relief is from the warmth or even a placebo effect. Stings are usually the result of alkaline released under the skin so anything acidic will relieve the pain by neutralizing the alkaline venom. Unfortunately not everyone's urine is acidic. Better to use vinegar or even seawater. The ear?? Go for it but stay away from me. Take care. Alec

[@newbreedian]

Hahahaha the generous pee guy on the boat is for sure guaranteed to be invited back! Hahahaha not! That would be hilarious though. Lol

[@AlecPeirceAtTheRanch]

I'll blame your dad!

[@MMABeijing]

makes total sense actually "Because urea in urine breaks down into ammonia, urine has been used for the cleaning properties of the ammonia therein. In pre-industrial times urine was used - in the form of lant or aged urine - as a cleaning fluid.[25] Urine was also used for whitening teeth in Ancient Rome. " source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urine, check the section "cleaning".

[@saltwaterdrinker]

Well...that’s enough dive related videos for the day.

[@alexkurbiel5158]

Hi Alec, I've been looking into getting PADI certified and I'm just curious about Scuba 2000s rates for the course, I live in the Kitchener ON area and the closest shop to me is Tri-city Scuba and they happen to charge around 600 for the course. I was just wondering if it would be worth it though to drive out Toronto and the only thing that is stopping me is just cost, as you seem so knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you and have a great day.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm not at Scuba 2000 any more Alex (nice name!). I'm retired remember? But, the course fee was $375 for the last 15 years and that includes everything - PADI Kit ($120 value), class, pool, all equipment (you don't have to buy or provide anything) and even lunch both days! It's a weekend program, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5 both days. You're only an hour or so from Scuba 2000 so it may well be worth it. We get lots of new divers from KW and farther. And, I think as thousands of happy divers have, you'll find it's a great course - small classes, patient instructors and the best training facility in Canada. Call Helen at 1-800-324-3483 (7 days) and tell her you were talking to me and that you get a special rate. Good luck. Alec

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If I may offer another perspective Bogy, that would be another 25,000,000 (that's 25 million) souls. That is to say, while there are certainly some philosophical differences and even some practical differences between the dozen or more scuba certifying agencies in the world, it's NOT possible to say without prejudice that one agency is better than another. The one thing that can be said with conviction is that PADI has revolutionized the sport and a PADI Certification Card is the only one at the moment that is accepted without reservation anywhere in the world. Heck, PADI has professional facilities in over 150 countries and trains divers in over 200! The basic scuba skills, the ones that give the diver the ability to dive in relative safety within recreational diving limits, are the same with all agencies. Agencies may present the information and skills in varying ways and may require more or less proficiency in those skills but there is actually very little difference. New divers are concerned about 2 things: 1. Can I become a scuba diver? 2. Can I use my new card on my vacation? With it's abundance of AV aids and inclusive, advanced teaching methods (which other agencies do NOT provide), PADI makes entry into the sport of scuba diving easy and enjoyable for virtually everyone. And, the sheer size and universality of the PADI brand ensures the new diver can enjoy his new sport anywhere, within the limitations of his training as stated. GUE offers an alternative approach which emphasizes perfection in the same skill sets and an attitude of constant awareness. That's great! But, if the same criteria were applied to other more necessary life skills, there would be few drivers on the road (not a bad idea!), definitely less people on bikes or motorcycles, a lot less planes in the sky and .... you get the idea. Perfection may be admirable but, even with GUE, not likely to be achieved in any training course and, human nature being what it is, the time and money spent on such a course is soon lost in the rigors of life except for those very few overly dedicated souls for whom perfection is the goal, not enjoyable participation in a social sport. What PADI achieves is presenting basic theory and vital skills to allow people to enjoy scuba diving. It also establishes guidelines at every level to ensure divers do not exceed their limitations. The rest is up to the individual. An avid diver will develop those skills to the level he needs and, if he feels the need, will explore the hundreds of other courses available through PADI to increase his skill set and enjoy other aspects of the sport. The vast majority of scuba divers today enjoy making 2 scuba dives while on vacation once a year. For those divers, the vast majority, the PADI course is not only sufficient, it is correct. I have been teaching scuba diving from before the establishment of PADI; I am a certified instructor or instructor-trainer for 7 agencies; and, I am very familiar with not only the philosophy of GUE but their methods having conducted GUE recruitment seminars at our facility and enjoyed the company of many GUE certified divers. Certainly GUE has merit but NOT to the exclusion of other fine training agencies and certainly not to the detriment of PADI. I personally heartily recommend a GUE training program to any diver interested in improving his scuba skills to an above-average level. Take a PADI course first to enjoy and explore the sport and receive your PADI C Card - your ticket to dive.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I too don't intend to argue agencies. I've been there for over 50 years and it's a moot point. At one time divers were self-taught and survived just fine thank you so please don't tell me scuba diving is hard. PADI is #1 by a great margin. In fact, PADI trains more divers than all the others COMBINED. And through the same time frame, scuba has become recognized as a safe sport. That didn't happen by accident. In any agency, the divers and the instructors are the bottom line. I wish I could tell you that all PADI instructors were perfect but that's simply not the case. Please tell me that all GUE instructors are perfect because, if you can do that with conviction, this discussion over. But you cannot do so no more than you can tell me that GUE divers never make mistakes, whether environmental or physically harmful. The PADI Instructor training program is excellent. It is in fact, not a shoe-in nor is it 'for life'. I can easily give you names of dozens of excellent divers who were NOT able to meet the requirements to become a PADI Instructor and, I can give the names of dozens of PADI Instructors who have had their teaching status revoked. The criteria to become a PADI Instructor are clear and unequivocal. Their program is copied by most other agencies. As to the PADI Specialty or additional skill programs, I'm sorry that you have not enjoyed them (or have heard that they are not good) but that is a reflection on the instructor, not the agency. I am a supporter of GUE. BTW, having the word global in your name means squat otherwise IDEA which is apparently International from it's name and larger by far than GUE would be on every diver's tongue yet few recognize it. While you claim to have no grudge with PADI your words belie that - "trading your VISA card for a C Card", "PADI instructors are poor quality on average", "there is no way to fail", "the course is rushed", "only PADI divers damage the environment", etc. Such dishonest and unsupportable phrases make it clear that the experience you had with your PADI Instructor was not good and you feel compelled to say so from a position of authority, expertise and morality but it is clear from your words that you possess none of these qualities. I have seen and heard these same falsehoods from other GUE divers and can only infer that the pursuit of excellence includes adopting an attitude of superiority. Not good. Divers who think they are better divers are often the ones cause problems for themselves and for others. I think this topic is best continued on a Scuba Forum where such ideas can be argued ad nauseum, and to no real benefit. It has little to do with the intent of this media. Thanks for your input and I suggest we now leave the new diver to do his research, his due diligence if you will, and decide what is the best course (pardon the pun) for him to take in becoming a scuba diver.

[@alexkurbiel5158]

Well first I'd like to start off by thanking each of you for you advice and opinions, Secondly I would like to say that after some consideration and research I will be choosing PADI over GUE, now this is due to price and my personal opinion of it being redundant as I am already familiar with certain concepts of diving like respecting the environment and such. If I find PADI is not to my liking I'll consider getting certified with another like GUE. Again I'd like to thank both of you for your time and have a nice day.

[@seikibrian8641]

+ Bogy 1 Kinoby "...GUE IS AS SOCIAL AS PADI IF NOT MORE (you said it's not which is absurd)..." He didn't say any such thing. He said GUE is better for divers whose goal is more "perfection" rather than "just participation."

[@imnotbuddha]

Alec found a way to tell us to, stick it in your ear.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ha!

[@nicoscuba]

will we see Kevin one day ? :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Keep watching. I try to sneak him in but of course, since he does all the editing it's hard. Alec

[@cjman7]

Very informative video, however the thumbnail is very disturbing: Your eyes are staring into my soul and it's disconcerting. Going to need to do some introspection after this.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I knew you were watching Jack and wanted your rapt attention!! Alec.

[@andrewmcinnes5447]

1st pro mask works well covers your ears keeps ears dry....

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

For divers with ears that are sensitive r that fill with water and can't dry easily, the 'Pro Ear' mask works well. I don't suggest every diver use it. Thanks. Alec

[@loganironside343]

Ive been told by my doctor to use hydrogen peroxide

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) has been used for many years as a disinfectant. Lately, it's been shown to a poor choice for that application because it destroys newly formed recovering skin tissue. It can even leave scars if used over a period of time. I know about this since I was raised to think of it as a good disinfectant too. I always thought that the bubbling was a sign that it was working - apparently not!! If it has been a while since your doctor recommended it, check again. Since it's only value would be as a disinfectant, the alcohol is most ear treatments solutions would do the same job. Take care and thank for watching. Alec