[Scuba diving: practical aspects]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Quantitatively Measuring In situ Flows using a Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus (SCUVA)
Published on: October 31, 2011
1Service de Cardiologie, C.H.I.R.E.C., Site Clinique Edith Cavell, U.L.B.
Abstract:
Keeping in mind some fundamental physic's laws permits to better understand the risks of scuba diving. Essentially, it concerns Boyle's-Mariotte's law (pressure/volume relationship), Dalton's and Henry's laws on the gases partial pressures. Contra-indications of scuba diving depend on the possibility of accidents due to preexisting diseases. The most frequent accidents occur in the O.R.L. and pulmonary systems with the risk of barotraumas, and also in the cardiovascular system with the risk of fainting, uncontrolled ascent to the surface and even drowning. The aptitude test is essential to evaluate and minimize these risks with judicious advices. Generally, complementary tests are performed. In some cases, diving must be limited to "recreational diving", and sporting deep diving, where the conditions are more tiring and hard, must be discouraged. A list is added to the paper, to assist those with any medical problem related with scuba diving, to find informations and advices.
Related Concept Videos
Buoyancy and Stability for Submerged and Floating Bodies
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Physical Principles Governing Gas Exchange
Gas Laws Governing Respiration
The behavior of gases is guided by Dalton's Law of partial pressures and Henry's Law.
Dalton's Law asserts that the total pressure exerted by...
Density and Archimedes' Principle
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:

