Medical Adviser Warns Of Mental Risks In Deep Scuba Diving

14 January 2026

SEPANGGAR: Scuba divers are urged to be mindful of their mental state while going deep diving, said scuba diving medical adviser Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li.

“There is a need (for scuba divers) to know and understand how depth affects our mental status.

“For seasoned divers, we must play a role in educating others about the dangers of deep dives.

“We should be informing people of the risks involved,” he said to 14 members of Sabah Dive Squad Club after experiencing being in the state-of-art hyperbaric chamber available at the Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces hospital here yesterday.

The club, led by its president Sim Fui, stayed in the chamber for about 40 minutes with brief period at the maximum simulated depth at 40 metres.

At the depth of 30 and 40 metres, those visitors were tested with questions from the hospital's First Warrant officer Almudi Eskal to show that their mental state could be altered during deep dive.

Dr Eugene Tan also briefed the entourage on other complications related to scuba diving ksuch as decompression sickness and barotrauma.

The Internal Medicine Expert at the hospital said the million-ringgit hyperbaric chamber could help to reverse diving medical emergencies and other conditions related to skin injuries and infections, carbon monoxide poisoning, severe anemia, sudden hearing loss among others.

Meanwhile, Sim said the rare opportunity brings awareness that is essential in preventing accidents and ensuring long-term enjoyment of the sport.

“This practical exposure provided invaluable insights that cannot be obtained through theory alone.

“More importantly, it reinforced the critical importance of safety, discipline, and sound judgment in recreational diving.

“This visit strongly reminded us that while we may dive with passion and emotion, we must always dive with rational thinking and respect for our personal limits.