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[–] 11 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (4 children)

Depends on how deep the person is, but since they're scuba diving in somewhat shallow waters (no wet suit, at the bottom but can see, etc.) not a terribly high amount.

If we assume 50 metre depth and 1 metre diametre plug:

p=ρ×g×h+p0 = 1022 kg/m3(9.8m/s2)(50m)+101kPa = 602 kPa or 87 psi for you Americans.

Area plug = πr2 = π(0.5m)2 = 0.785 m2

F = PA = 602 kPa x 0.785m2 = 472.6 kN or 106 238 lbf

So, far above what a person could pull, but not absurd amounts considering the sizes involved.

Edit: fucked up my units and force formula, whoopsie.

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