Use a descent line.

Pulling yourself down an anchor or mooring line helps control your descending rate more accurately. Without a line, your descent rate will probably accelerate much more than you realize. A line also helps you stop your descent quickly if you feel pressure, before barotrauma has a chance to occur.

Stay ahead.

Equalize often, trying to maintain a slight positive pressure in your middle ears.

Stop if it hurts.

Don’t try to push through pain. Your Eustachian tubes are probably locked shut by pressure differential, and the only result will be barotrauma. If your ears begin to hurt, ascend a few feet and try equalizing again.

Photo: Sandy Orka