opinion on submarine trip

[Peachjoy]

I’m very lucky to be going on holiday to the Caribbean in November. I would like to take part on a 150 foot descent, air conditioned submarine trip to view marine life.

There is no mention of medical risks or cautions on the websites.

I have ET, platelets circa 680, medication Aspirin 75mgs.

Has anybody had this experience please?

[FAM_KT]

Hi Peachjoy,

I would speak to your consultant doctor about anything doing anything like that on holiday - the main thing would be make sure you have the right amount of holiday.

I have a Portal Vein Thrombosis and have been advised not to do any deep sea diving - but I would be unsure on the submarine only as it would be pressurised I assume like an aircraft but I’m no expert.

Hope you have a lovely holiday and finger crossed you are able to do all they things you plan 😊

[Peachjoy in reply to FAM_KT]

thank you FAM_KT, I will be seeing my expert next month, so will check.

Yes, very sadly, I was once told I’m not allowed to Scuba dive, but as you say, this air conditioned vehicle should be like going on a plane. Certainly there is no mention of any cautions from the company.

[hunter5582]

Presumably the changes in air pressure on the sub would be no different than what we experience on an airplane. Can't see why it would be a problem.

Note that with PV I asked my MPN Specialist about scuba diving. He said it was fine for me to do so. I am not planning on any deep sea diving as that could be a different issue.

Enjoy your holiday.

[EPguy in reply to hunter5582]

If it's a normal submarine, there should be normal air pressure, like at sea level

"The hull of the sub creates a pressure container, so the outside pressure doesn't affect the inside pressure. Thus, the interior of a submarine is at normal, surface air pressure"

quora.com/What-is-the-air-p...

You might ask the operator to confirm it's a normal sub.

--

In contrast an airliner usually simulates a low pressure of 8,000 feet, that's why we feel so much ear effects on a plane. (trivia factoid, the 787 jet is more comfortable being held at a higher and less dry pressure equivalent of 6,000 feet.)

[Peachjoy in reply to EPguy]

Thank you. Yes, I will contact the operator for confirmation.

[EPguy in reply to Peachjoy]

You are fortunate to feel well enough to take that sort of trip, so do the final checks and enjoy. I am no longer able to take long trips and do miss it greatly.

[Peachjoy in reply to hunter5582]

thank you Hunter5582, I’m really looking forward to my holiday.

[katiewalsh]

hi. I tend to be very cautious & would be unwilling to assume a vacation sub to see things beneath the surface would be pressurized at the same degree of care as a typical submarine or airplane. I think you need to ask your doctor. Have a great vacation- where are you going? Katie

[Peachjoy in reply to katiewalsh]

thank you Katie. We are doing a weeks cruise in the Caribbean 😁

[Wyebird]

rather than get there and be faced with disappointment of being told your health won’t let you go if get a letter from your consultant. Sounds amazing

X

[Peachjoy in reply to Wyebird]

I am seeing my MPN expert Beginning of October, I will definitely be asking him. Thank you Wyebird