Scuba diving is an incredible experience that takes you to a world like no other. The underwater realm is like a kaleidoscope filled with amazing colors of life. It’s teeming with fascinating marine creatures that will astound you.
For scuba divers, the sea is a giant playground where you can escape the humdrum of day-to-day life. Admit it, we all need a break from the tiresome monotony in exchange for some fun and excitement. Do you agree?
Dubai is home to wonderful dive sites. Diving in Dubai is ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Whatever level you are, we have something in store for you. Come join us and we’ll take you on a memorable underwater adventure.
How Long Can You Stay Underwater
If you’re new to diving, you must be wondering how long you can stay underwater. It may seem like a straightforward question but there’s no fixed answer. The time you spend underwater may depend on several factors.
1. Tank Volume
One of the most widely used tanks in recreational diving is 80 cubic feet (12 liters) but there are also other scuba tank sizes. For instance, there are 10-liter tanks ideal for children and divers with petite body frames. Some tanks come in greater tank volumes like 15 liters. Divers who go deep sea diving or engage in long dives use tanks with a greater volume. All other factors being equal, a scuba tank with a greater volume of air will enable you to stay longer underwater.
2. Depth
When you descend, the pressure around you increases but this increase in pressure does not affect the compressed air inside the tank. But the water pressure does not compress the air that comes out of the tank and makes its way through your regulator hoses and second stages. This means that the deeper you descend, the faster you will use up the air in your tank. Join us on our next deep sea diving Dubai and we’ll teach you how to best conserve your air.
3. Air Consumption Rate
Your diver’s Air Consumption Rate (ACR), also referred to as Surface Air Consumption Rate (SAC rate) or Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV), is another factor that affects how long your scuba tank will last. Generally, tall or large divers have larger lung volume, thus, they need more air and often have higher air consumption rate compared to short or petite divers. Female divers are also known to have smaller lung volumes which often give women an advantage in ACR.
Your Air Consumption Rate may also be affected by your experience level, buoyancy control, and even stress. Some dive sites may require more exertion which may also affect your ACR. Some great ways to conserve your ACR are mastering buoyancy, relaxing, and focusing on slow and deep breathing during your dive.
These are the top three factors that determine how long the air in your scuba tank will last during a dive. Get in touch with our dive center Dubai and we’ll be glad to give you more information and tips.