SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam 2026 - Free Scuba Diver Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary risk associated with flying after diving is decompression sickness due to altitude changes. After scuba diving, your body absorbs nitrogen while under pressure. If you ascend too quickly or fly shortly after a dive, the decrease in atmospheric pressure can cause nitrogen bubbles to form in your tissues or bloodstream, leading to decompression sickness. This condition can result in a range of symptoms from joint pain to more severe neurological effects, depending on the severity of the bubble formation.

Understanding this risk helps divers plan their activities. It is recommended that divers wait a specific period after their last dive—typically at least 24 hours—before flying to ensure that excess nitrogen has safely dissipated from their bodies, reducing the risk of sickness related to pressure changes.

Other potential concerns like loss of taste, seasickness, or increased nitrogen absorption do not directly relate to the dangers of flying after diving as they don't pose the immediate risk of bubbles forming due to rapid pressure changes.