Open Water Scuba Diver

There are several good reasons to dive with a buddy. The top of that list is safety. If you have a challenge and are in tune with your buddy, support is by your side. If you become incapacitated, your buddy can provide assistance, make a rescue, and call for help if needed. If the BC […]

Many people with disabilities can dive successfully with a bit of extra training and thoughtful dive planning. Numerous instructors are specially trained and certified in adaptive scuba techniques to support divers with a range of disabilities. For these individuals, scuba diving can greatly enrich life experiences. If you face similar challenges, be sure to let

Scuba equipment out of the water is heavy. Depending on the amount of weight needed, it can range from 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kilos). Some divers are challenged carrying all that gear from the point of assembly to the water for the entry. The following suggestions may help. If you have spine

In some cases you will be diving from a small boat, possibly an inflatable boat. The entry into the water is easy. As you sit on the edge with everything in place (including your regulator in your mouth), you simply roll backwards holding everything in place. It is important to not let your gauge console

There are perhaps two best alternatives for exiting the water. Keep in mind, different situations may require a modification of either of these two methods. First, is the process of coming up a ladder as if on to a dive boat or on to shore at a dock, lake or quarry. In this instance, if

One important condition that greatly affects divers is water clarity. We are very dependent on good visibility for enjoyable diving. Poor visibility can cause added stress further reducing enjoyment. So, if you have a choice, head to the clearest water available with your buddy. Many divers feel that limited visibility is not a hindrance since

Before entering the water, especally from a boat. Ensure you know how and where you are going to exit the water. The choice of entry is very dependent on the location, depth of water, and water movement. The objective is to enter the water with the least effort and in the safest way possible. If

Prior to making any dive, it is mandatory to do a Buddy Check. This is a simple process that only takes a minute or two. Here are some important areas to consider: Part of the buddy-checking process is developing a consistent pre-dive ritual that becomes a habit reducing the likelihood of missing something. It is

The way you propel yourself is really important and helps lead to total diving comfort. As we have already seen in this chapter, streamlining your body and gear is important. Using your hands does not help your efficient movement in water. Actually, bringing your hands forward can create drag that counteracts the forward movement you