What makes somebody an skilled diver? The variety of logged dives they’ve? The variety of certifications? What number of years have they been diving?
A PADI Skilled definitely qualifies due to their in depth coaching. The identical could possibly be stated a couple of PADI Grasp Scuba Diver™. However what about:
- Somebody with 500 dives — all of them in calm, heat water?
- Somebody with 200 dives — logged over 20 years?
- A dive skilled — who hasn’t been diving in ten years?
I deliver this up as a result of, a couple of months in the past, I used to be sharing tales with another dive professionals. As with every job, you sometimes work with somebody who makes issues more durable than they have to be. Please don’t misunderstand, working as a dive information is likely one of the most enjoyable jobs you may have; however each on occasion you meet an thoughtless buyer.
Overconfidence Is on the Root of Many Divers’ Errors
Yearly, Divers Alert Community (DAN) releases an annual report about diving accidents and fatalities. 12 months after yr, the primary reason for incidents is diver error.
Listening to the dive guides’ tales, I famous overconfidence was a typical theme. Divers with lots of, even 1000’s, of dives ignored diving fundamentals similar to:
If the guides noticed somebody making a mistake, they might specific their concern. In lots of instances, the diver would cite their expertise as justification. For instance:
- I don’t have to do security checks anymore.
- This reg at all times leaks a bit bit.
- That is how a lot weight I at all times dive with.
Sadly, when divers don’t observe basic scuba diving pointers, they put themselves, their buddy and the dive information in danger.
Different Errors Skilled Divers Make
Because the dialog between the dive professionals continued, extra points surfaced. I’m embarrassed to confess, I used to be responsible of this subsequent one.
Diving With the Masks Strap Too Tight
One of many dive guides (who was additionally a dive teacher) described working with a diver who wore their masks so tight that their nostrils smashed right into a pig nostril.
“They’d tighten the strap as a result of their masks was leaking. However the issue isn’t that the masks strap is just too free. The masks leaks as a result of they hold exhaling by means of their nostril and breaking the seal.”
As she was speaking I assumed, “Oh no. It’s me.” Over time, each masks I’ve owned leaked a bit bit on each dive. I assumed it was as a result of the masks strap simply loosened itself typically or due to my Asian facial options.
I by no means achieved pig nostril, however the dive information’s remark made me notice — the issue wasn’t the masks. It was me. (Hello. I’m the issue, it’s me) On my subsequent dive, and each dive thereafter, I made a acutely aware effort to not breathe out of my nostril, and you understand what? My masks stopped leaking.
Utilizing the Low-Stress Inflator (LPI) Deflator Button Completely
If you wish to empty air out of your Buoyancy Management Machine (BCD), you might have a couple of choices on most BCDs:
- Maintain the low-pressure inflator (LPI) above your head and press the deflate button.
- Pull down on the LPI hose to launch air from the shoulder valve
- Tip ahead and pull the rear dump valve on the backside of your BCD to dump air from the rear valve (typically known as the kidney dump)
Many divers solely use the LPI above-the-head technique. This can be a downside for a couple of causes. It solely works when you’re in a head-up place with a completely prolonged LPI hose. In the event you neglect to tilt to the proper or don’t lengthen the hose absolutely, this technique doesn’t work nicely – or in any respect.
It’s essential to be aware of – and use – a number of deflation strategies. For instance, when you’re diving in a horizontal place together with your shoulders barely decrease than your hips, you may’t use the LPI to vent your BC as a result of all of the air will probably be down by your butt, not at your left shoulder. If one in every of your weight pockets falls out or you have to dodge a clueless diver coming at you with a digital camera, you need to be aware of the place that rear dump valve is on the backside of your BCD.
Skipping a Refresher After Not Diving for Years
In the event you haven’t been diving shortly, a scuba refresher is a enjoyable and inexpensive manner to make sure you keep in mind important scuba diving security abilities. You may refresh your information on-line with PADI ReActivate® and schedule pool time with a PADI Skilled. (Plus, the web portion of the PADI ReActivate program is free with a PADI Membership membership.)
However how lengthy is “some time”? It relies upon. Somebody with fewer than 10 dives who hasn’t been underwater in a yr or extra ought to do a refresher, however a PADI Teacher who hasn’t been diving in a yr might be positive. I say, “in all probability”, as a result of a refresher is rarely a nasty concept.
Backside line: In the event you suspect your abilities are rusty or your physique has undergone some adjustments, a refresher is at all times a good suggestion.
Selecting the Incorrect Dive Vacation spot
Considered one of diving’s well-known guidelines is “by no means exceed the degrees of your coaching and expertise.” We educate this rule within the Open Water Diver course and repeat it in lots of programs thereafter.
Right here’s the tough factor: There are well-liked dive websites in Fiji, Indonesia, Palau and elsewhere with ripping currents. Simply because a vacation spot has heat water doesn’t imply each dive website is a placid coral backyard. Sadly, you may’t inform simply by pictures if the dive journey you’re reserving can be going to be a cardio exercise.
I’m not saying don’t go to Fiji/Palau/Indonesia. I’m saying: In the event you don’t like kicking in opposition to present, otherwise you’re not as match as you was, don’t e book a dive journey that can check your endurance. All three nations provide diving alternatives for divers of all expertise and health ranges.
Movies will be considerably useful. Within the video beneath, watch from about 13 seconds to 30 seconds. You’ll discover a diver’s hair being blown again and one other diver’s bubbles going diagonal somewhat than straight up. About 10 seconds later, you’ll see some coral and marine life being blown round by the present. However, Indonesia is a large nation, and underwater situations differ primarily based on the realm during which you’re diving.
Backside line: Do your analysis about diving situations in any vacation spot earlier than making a dedication.
To make sure you e book the most effective resort or liveaboard itinerary in your most popular type of diving, contact PADI Journey®. Their pleasant and skilled consultants may also help you select the perfect vacation spot in your pursuits, expertise stage and price range.
Dive Extra, Study Extra, Repeat
Because the saying goes, “A superb diver is at all times studying.” This is applicable to new divers and skilled ones.
Though there isn’t a transparent rule about what makes somebody an skilled diver, we all know what makes somebody a safer diver. It’s somebody who listens to the dive information, will get their gear serviced, follows the foundations and retains their abilities sharp.
Associated Studying
