What should I do about getting a bloody nose while scuba diving?

Question

I went diving for the first time in Fiji a few months ago (I know I am insanely lucky), and everytime I got to depth my nose started bleeding. Normally I wouldn't care, but there are a lot of sharks in the waters of Fiji and most places where I would consider going diving. Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions? Should I be worried about getting mauled by a shark?

Thanks

Answer 1

This happens to novices because I think they're not equalizing properly.  Too much force probably.  You're using more force because you're stressed and not relaxing.  There may be other reasons but try to relax and equalize gently and frequently - BEFORE you feel a squeeze.  This also happened to me occasionally when I started diving.

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With sharks I wouldn't say you have NOTHING to worry about. You can dive in high risk areas and increase the chance of a confrontation, but general recreational diving doesn't carry a risk of shark attack.

Answer 2

Bloody noses are not unheard of but also not a normal part of scuba. You should look into it with a Dr. who is familiar with diving. As far as sharks go... You have nothing to worry about. I have been a working diver for 11 years and the movies and TV has given them a bad rep. You have nothing to worry about.