Ear Clearing issues on Return
Incident Date
2024-08-26
Incident Description
On a Training Dive in good conditions from the Resurgence to Edmunds Rift Junction the TD AC had ear clearing issues ( right ear only ) on the return down the shallow route at the point of the pot down to the deep / shallow junction. Divers spent some time going up and slowly down the pot to a depth of 12m. AC found ear pain intolerable at this point. MBT checked gas and turned both divers around to surface in Wookey 20 to discuss options.
Option A overland back to show cave in 20 or try again down deep route so depth is obtained faster. After a brief “ear” rest MBT departed followed by AC who cleared ears little and often and this time had no problems achieving depth and finished the dive back to resurgence with no further ear issues.
Lessons Learned
AC reported slightly blocked nose first thing in morning but thought nothing out of the ordinary when it all cleared before diving. Ear inspection with doctor recommended to check for any issues.
This is the second diver MBT has had in Wookey with ear clearing problems. Generally due the caves aggressive depth changes.
Factors |
|
Line Management |
Negligible |
Gas Management |
Negligible |
Equipment Management |
Negligible |
Equipment Failure |
Negligible |
Training |
Minor |
Medical |
Minor |
Planning |
Negligible |
Procedural Error |
Negligible |
Cave Environment |
Major |
Weather |
Negligible |
Other Factor |
Negligible |