Scuba Diving

About Scuba Diving - Interesting Facts on Scuba Diving

2010-11-29T09:55:00.000+07:00

Scuba refers to Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Air assisted underwater exploration was first born around the 1700's when scuba pioneers used dive bells and sealed suits whilst air was pumped from the surface. However, this was a luxury available to a handful of pioneers.

It is only with the advancement in technologies that people were able to explore the seas using self contained underwater breathing apparatus.

The break came in the 1960's following years of research and experimental testing by the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau for which the aqualung was developed hence sport diving was made accessible to people like you and me.

Scuba diving gear continued to evolve later within the 1970's and scuba systems were enhanced by the introduction of buoyancy compensation devices, improved valves and pressure gauges. Through these technological advances, scuba diving has ballooned as a recreational sport. Scuba systems have since been improving through Engineering and innovation in design to provide safer,reliable and more comfortable equipment.

For this reason scuba diving is ever so gaining popularity and is today established as one of the greatest outdoor recreational activities and as a result has become a multimillion dollar industry.

Although you may have seen documentaries, movies or photos of the underwater world, you will soon find out that it is quite impossible for a non-diver to fully appreciate or understand what scuba diving is all about. The sensations and the feelings that you get once you are immersed into a new dimension are inexplicable and there are absolutely no words to describe it.

Besides seeing beautiful and fascinating aquatic creatures first hand, the sensations you experience when you breath underwater and feeling of floating weightless are unique to diving. Once you have gained the necessary diving experience, the mystery of diving will be replaced by excitement and more adventures.

You might also want to learn some interesting facts about scuba diving. Did you know that the Deepest Open Circuit Scuba Dive (unofficial) is that of 330m set by Pascal Bernabe. It took Pascal, 10 minutes to descend down to 330 meters but it took him 8 hours and 49 minutes to resurface.

For more facts about scuba diving check out this article at http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com/facts-about-scuba-diving.html.

This article is an excerpt from a series of scuba diving articles appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com under the scuba diving section of the site.

Kris Mifsud- A keen enthusiast, with a life long passion for all types of water sports.
Editor and publisher of http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com - a comprehensive Scuba and Snorkeling guide to techniques, equipment and reviews.

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Three Basic Tips in Scuba Diving

2010-02-27T22:34:00.001+07:00

Here are some basic steps to ponder upon before getting yourself wet.

Mental Preparation

You have to prepare your mind that exploring underwater is far more different from above the ground. You also need to consider the change of climate, the surroundings, and elements awaits you below. For first-timer, I recommend taking scuba diving lesson first. Gathering sufficient information first about scuba diving would be a great help for you.

"According to a North American 1970 study, diving was (on a man-hours based criteria) 96 times more dangerous than driving an automobile. According to a 2000 Japanese study, every hour of recreational diving is 36 to 62 times riskier than automobile driving " (Wikipedia)

Physical Preparation

You have to be physically fit before going underwater, meaning you don't have colds or something otherwise you will only be putting your self at risk because it basically give you a hard time to equalize the pressure in your ears when you have colds or if you have fever your metabolic rate increases and could make you to breathe air more faster and may result to disorientation and you don't want that to happen.

Financial Preparation

Scuba diving is not that expensive but it will really cost you. Of course you need to secure you own diving gears such as mask, fins, wet/dry suits, air tank with regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive computer, compass, bootis, diving weights, underwater gloves (optional) and wristwatch (optional). You can also rent diving gears if it is available in you area.

While in diving range you should be aware that not all living creatures underwater are harmless so avoid just touching anything that fascinates you. You also need to avoid exerting to much effort to eliminate the possibility of getting decompression sickness and most importantly never dive alone.

Johanne Vergara invites you to check and subscribe to: http://artfashionista.com.

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Scuba Certification is Important to Go Scuba Diving

2010-02-18T01:42:00.001+07:00

With most vacation spots offering scuba diving today, scuba diving is today growing into a popular pastime for many people. This is why scuba certification schools are today much more easily accessible than past years.

Today, it is mandatory for scuba divers to attend a scuba diving course for scuba certification. In this course, they are usually taught basic information about diving like diving physics, working, understanding and the use of compressed air in the body, understanding of air consumption and how to plan repetitive dives.

It is not sufficient for the candidate to only learn all this. To become a certified scuba diver, they also have to prove that they know how to use all this information and how to properly and safely use scuba diving equipment.

Visit local dive shops

The best place you can turn to for information about these and other certification courses are the local dive shops. Take a look at the prerequisites of the different courses, and of course compare its rates and terms before you finally choose the right course. You will find that scuba certification courses range between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars; so choose according to your requirements and budget.

A typical scuba certification course starts with a few weeks of lecture and textbook study for you to understand the basics and fundamentals of scuba diving. The next step in the course would be to go on a few training dives in swimming pools. Once you are comfortable taking dives in the swimming pool, you will have to go on supervised dives in open water.

Your laminated license and log book

If you are comfortable with open water dives, and the instructors are sure you are competent enough at scuba diving, you will receive your scuba diving certificate. With your certificate, you are given a laminated license and a log book.

The license permits you to buy scuba equipment while you use the logbook to prove that you have sufficient dive experience to dive charter operators. If you haven't logged any dives in two years, most charter and tour operators insist you take a refresher course.

Basically, it's better to talk to the scuba diving instructor before signing up for a course so that you can take a look at the equipment and facilities you will be using. If possible, get recommendations from previous students of the course.

Check its refund policy

Ensure that the instructors of the course are licensed from recognized organizations. Find out if the course offers any refund before you pay for it. This is because though most organizations may not give you a refund in the middle of the program, they let you complete the course later on, under a different instructor.

No matter what your budget or requirements are, it is important that you get a scuba certification before pursuing the sport. This is because scuba diving is a dangerous sport that can lead to serious injury and possible death if you don't have the right training and know how to use the right equipment.

Kelly Hunter owns and operates Phlebotomy Certification and also writes about Pharmacy Tech Certification.

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What Are the Top Ten Must Visit Caribbean Scuba Diving Locations?

2010-02-18T01:41:00.003+07:00

Ask almost any diver for their 5 favorite dive locations and I'll bet they mention at least a couple from the Caribbean. There are many incredible Scuba Diving Locations in the world, but none quite like the Caribbean. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly the conditions are almost without fail perfect. You will so rarely see a day when the diving is anything less than amazing that you might consider it a sure thing. This is no doubt a large factor in the popularity of these islands, not just for Scuba Divers but for all holidays makers.

But in my opinion it is another factor that puts the Caribbean ahead of the rest of the world, and that is the diversity. Where else in the world can you find such a varied and interesting array of Scuba Diving opportunities so close together. Indeed it is possible in a week to dive as many varied sites as you could in several holidays elsewhere. From Sting Rays the size of table tops, to Russian warships. From Giant Sea Turtles and Moray eels to wild walls and diverse reefs.

So without further ado I am going to tell you about my personal top 10 Caribbean Scuba Diving locations, and the beautiful thing is this. You could hit every one of these incredible spots in a single 2 week holiday!

Curacao
Want to swim with dolphins? This is the place to do it. With Beautiful clear waters it is possible for small groups of divers to interact with dolphins. It is even possible to stroke them!

Bonaire
Bonaire is designated a Marine park, which means that diving here affords the chance to enjoy unspoilt nature as it should be. This is also a great spot to explore some ship wrecks.

Dominica
Adventure dive site like no other. Lobsters, Rays, Eels, vertical walls, swim throughs and some incredible plant life make this location a must see for every scuba diver.

Montserrat
This truly unique scuba diving location gives you the chance to explore post-volcanic waters where nature has truly been left untouched and unspoilt. Visit Monserrat for a true underwater paradise.

Saba
This Marine Park was designated a protected before any human interference could harm it, as a result this area is totally untouched and a fantastic place to see pure nature. It is not at all uncommon to see sharks and even whales in this beautiful location.

Turk and Caicos
Walls, Barrier Reefs, Coral, Shipwrecks, Whales, Sting Rays and a trench over 6,500 feet deep make these islands one of the most jam packed and diverse scuba diving locations in the world, an absolute must.

Grand Cayman
One of the top rated sites in the world, Grand Cayman is famous for Sting Ray city where you can swim with Manta Rays the size of table tops only 12 feet from the surface!

Cayman Brac
If you like exploring wrecks then Cayman Brac is another unmissable site. Home to the western hemispheres only Russian Warship wreck, an incredible vessel which is now home to numerous sea creatures and plant life.

Cozumel
This Mexican dive site boasts the second largest coral reef in the world, but if that's not enough to keep you happy there are numerous caverns and caves to explore. Not to mention sea turtles and 6 foot long moray eels.

Belize
Home to 'The Great Blue Hole,' the largest ocean sink hole in the world. This perfectly circular pit is so deep and so dark that it can be seen from space! It is strange to see such a deep pit literally in the middle of a group of islands surrounded by serene blue lagoons. On top of that it is also possible to swimming with the worlds biggest fish, the Whale Shark.

With all of these incredible scuba diving locations it is easy to see why the Caribbean is considered by many as the best place in the world to go Scuba Diving.

For more tips related to Scuba Diving Holidays. Including the best scuba diving locations, planning scuba diving tours and lots of other helpful information.
Please visit Scuba Diving Holidays.
Thanks for reading.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_H_A_Johnson

Passions of Scuba Diving - Free Diving

2010-02-18T01:41:00.001+07:00

The Passion Of Diving

For many people that have been diving for a number of years I feel have lost touch with the peace and incredible beauty that is held within the holds of our magnificent oceans. Due to the nature of my business I speak with many divers, Scuba Divers, Free Divers along with hunters and spear fishermen. Generally hunters and gatherers look upon our oceans as being a means of providing food or the enjoyment of catching Crayfish along with the sport of hunting. But for the videographer, photographers, conversational divers as well as new divers I feel they see the ocean in a whole different light.

I have only been diving a few years now clocking up over 800 dives yet I still marvel at the glorious creations that are held within this watery world that I feel so at peace in. Even the sharks that cruise the depths all have a unique role to play in the everlasting life cycle as long as man does not break and kill this life source of our planet. I am a hunter and gatherer only taking what I need for any one day ignoring what I am allowed to take as taking that much in my eyes would be plundering an already endangered eco-system.

Some divers have expressed a feeling of sadness when departing from the ocean for surface intervals or time back in the routine of life and this is another aspect that I relate to overwhelmingly so. As being in the sea exploring the creatures that gaze upon us as if we are the ones on display gives me great satisfaction and inner peace. Others have described deeper emotional feelings of being more loving and willing of expressing their feelings after diving towards a partner or companion. Is this because of other desires, pressures or are these people just more in tune with our nature and our planet. I like to think that it is because we are passionate and caring for the life force of our oceans and land.

Free divers seem more in tune with our aquatic realm than scuba divers as they are at one with the oceans free of any instrumental devices to keep them there. They are and seem to be more accepted by all aquatic life in this capacity.

Ask yourself, what do I really feel when I go diving, what do I take from the sea and then think about the ways and things you do to look after her and protect her. I think many people will discover that we take our oceans for granted and we give back very little, so I ask you all to take more care, support groups that clean her look after her and bring you knowledge of the importance of all creatures within her bounds.

Hi, My name is Paul Morris and this is my story of how I faced my fears of sharks with Phil Keoghan of No opportunity wasted. Since then I have created and built on own website hoping that others can learn more about the Great White Shark and Diving in New Zealand.

My New Zealand diving website covers the following areas and more. Spearfishing, Freediving, Scuba diving, Dive charters, Medical, Conservation, Great white shark research, Cuisine Recipes, Shark attacks, NZ shark attack files, Kayka fishing NZ, Underwater photography, Competitions, Charter operators, Dive shops, Dive wrecks including the HMNZS Canterbury, Lady Divers, Blogs, Community area. I could go on but please come and see for yourselves and email me if you are planning on coming to NZ to Dive.
paul@diveplanet.co.nz
http://www.diveplanet.co.nz/index.asp

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Diving in Puerto Galera - The Top 6 Things to Do to Make it a Great Experience!

2010-02-18T01:40:00.001+07:00

Diving in Puerto Galera is a must for any serious SCUBA enthusiast as well as for those just about thinking of taking on the underwater sport. With its awesome dive sites teeming with excellent coral reefs and excitingly vibrant marine life, Puerto Galera, dubbed the Pearl of Mindoro, is also part of the "center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world" according to Environmental Biology of Fishes. Underwater photography and videography find subjects in several wrecks, colorful Nudibranchs, sponges, and sea fans, and the main attraction of South East Asia's Coral Triangle.

But diving in Puerto Galera (PG) is not only about the experience of "getting wet." The whole package is what counts. Here are a few tips that would make your diving vacation a truly memorable experience.

Book in Advance and Plan your Trip

There is truth to the saying that "He who fails to plan, plans to fail." No matter how much promise a trip or a destination gives you, there is much more to be gained from a well thought out venture. Read about PG from travel books and travel resources online. Search the web for travel reviews. Ask friends who've actually gone diving around these parts.

Map out the trip down to the smallest details from the best places to stay in, the best dive shops to dive with, and all your booking options. You may be surprised to learn how much discounts you can get if you book in advance. While knowing the best dates to book for your vacation could mean either you'll have the whole place almost exclusively to yourself or there will be a lot of other divers you could network with. Any of the two would be good, depending on your overall plan.

Go with the Best Dive Center Possible

Once you're done planning your trip and reading about PG, you'll have a list of some dive centers you can go with. Some of the best dive shops in PG can be found in Sabang. Most often than not, they are the ones that really look good. That is, those with new equipment, a clean compressor room, equipment cleaning areas, and well kept interiors. If it feels and looks great, you'd know the shop actually invested to provide quality service.

The centers to go with are those with clear information ready all over. These are the ones that have printed material on dive sites, rates, courses and those critical to the day such as tide and weather information. Also consider their extras. The best often provide towels, hot and cold showers, and beverages. In addition, go with the SCUBA shops that can actually handle several guests all at the same time. This ability comes in handy when it comes to the next tip, which deals with diversification

Diversify

There are over 40 dive sites in Sabang, PG alone. Each of them offers a unique diving thrill ranging from sea life colors to drifts, caves and underwater hot springs. Talk to the dive masters/guides and tell them you'd like to try out something different every dive. It has been my experience that they would be extremely happy to take you around.

Another way to diversify is to take day and night dives. Avid water adventurers know for a fact that it a different wonderland at night and during the day. And don't limit yourself to just diving. Remember, it's your whole stay that would determine whether you had a great time or not. That said, try out other activities.

Explore Other Activities in Between Dive

While PG is clearly a SCUBA diver's paradise, there are quite a number of other activities available to make your stay filled with a variety of experiences. Take, for example, snorkeling. A special pleasure on its own is to have a banca take you around a small area of water to witness marine life with a different perspective a lot of divers may have already forgotten.

All the other activities will be listed in a separate article but here's an overview. In PG, one can do nature tripping to Tamaraw Falls, go golfing at Ponderosa Golf Course, go island hopping to the many tropical islands around, experience the night life of Sabang, and lots more. In between dives, taking on other activities would in turn be a great way to network with other divers.

Network with Other Divers

There's no best resource to information than personal experience. So I should say, whenever you can, talk to the regulars of PG. If a great time is what you're looking for, they'd know what to suggest. There are many ways to network with them. Of course, it already happens in the dive centers. Another would be in day bars where you can have beer with all sorts of diver folk. One more way would be at the resort, while having coffee or having meals.

Stay at the Best Resort

And it goes without saying that the whole diving experience is pretty much affected by where you stay. Waking up in the morning with a backache because of a bad bed, or getting really bad customer service from a hotel staff could very much define your mood the whole day thereby affecting your diving experience. It is highly advisable to stay at a quality resort and you'll be very happy to see everything else fall into place.

Find out more about diving in Puerto Galera and the top activities in Puerto Galera by going to the Mermaid Resort website at MermaidResort.com.

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Full Steamer Wetsuit Or a Shorty - Which Should I Get?

2010-01-29T21:38:00.003+07:00

First and foremost is the predominant weather conditions, as well as the water temperatures, well at least the averages. The activity of the wearer, as well as the required functionality are additional determining factors as to whether a full steamer wetsuit or any other variety of suit would be suitable for the specific circumstances and use by the individual concerned.

Activities that require the use of a wetsuit include sports such as jet skiing, surfing, scuba diving, triathlons, water skiing and so forth. Any water sport really may be enjoyed with a wetsuit or similar protective gear, and offers the wearer protection from the elements, specifically the colder water, but this functionality extends further too. Many scuba divers prefer the full steamer wetsuit, as the entire body is protected from immersion within deeper and therefore colder waters, whilst the additional protection from stinging sea creatures, such as jelly fish can also be accomplished. In additional to this accidental scrapes, bumps and scratches against the objects around and within which divers explore are largely minimal, thanks to the protection of the full steamer wetsuit.

The surfing fraternity is somewhat divided in terms of which is the best suit for their needs, when considering either the full suit or a shorty one, and it really comes down to personal choice at the end of the day. Whilst some surfers find the full suit tends to inhibit their freedom of movement when out surfing, others say that the shorty is more prone to causing rashes on the upper arm and thigh areas. So as one can see this is really an issue of personal choice here.

With the latest designs and advancement of technology within manufacturing these items, the full steamer wetsuit and the shorty have essentially become available as one suit, specifically referring to that of the detachable suit. This type has removable arm and leg pieces which converts the suit to either a full steamer suit or a shorty, however as stated the advanced design has progressed significantly to almost provide a near seamless functionality within this type of suit, as compared to older versions which were bulky and only attached via zipper 'joints'. This type of suit is ideal for those that frequent both warmer and colder water regions, offering the functionality of both the full steamer wetsuit as well as the shorty, and a combination of the two.

Besides the functionality, use and personal choice in terms of these items, one of the most important aspects is the fitting of the item, which should fit snugly, but not too tightly. Additional gear that is extremely helpful with either the full steamer wetsuit or the shorty is that of the rash guard, which are a great help in preventing any chaffing of the rough neoprene against the skin.

From the Full steamer wetsuit to shorty suits and rash guards Baby Wetsuits has an extensive range to suit all your needs.

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The Allure of Wreck Diving

2010-01-29T21:38:00.001+07:00

As long as there have been shipwrecks, there has been wreck diving. And why not? What is more mysterious and fascinating for divers to explore than the hulk of a ship that sunk long ago? Divers cite many reasons for the allure. There's always the chance - albeit a slim one - that divers will discover a sunken treasure among the wreck of a ship. Mostly, though, divers like the ambiance of swimming above the wreckage of a ship.

However, wreck diving, while an amazing experience, can also be dangerous. That's why there are certain safety steps scuba diving enthusiasts should take when swimming through the remains of old ships. Those divers who don't practice these safety steps might find themselves unexpectedly trapped in the wreckage they find. Divers should not attempt wreck diving until they've logged several underwater hours and taken several long diving adventures. Exploring a wreck may require divers to dip far below the surface. Divers without enough experience can suffer serious injury on these deep dives.

Once divers have earned this experience, there's one more step they should take before attempting wreck diving; all divers should take special training. It's easy to find reputable classes that offer training in this area. It's too risky for divers to explore shipwrecks without first receiving the basic information on what to expect and how to keep safe when exploring sunken ships. Divers rely on special equipment when wreck diving. Classes teach divers how to use this equipment properly to protect themselves.

For instance, divers who are exploring shipwrecks rely on powerful underwater lights. They also use long reels of line that help guide them out of the sometimes confusing maze of a shipwreck. Those participating in wreck diving also use bring along extra tanks of air in case of emergency.Most wreck divers follow a simple rule: They don't touch or disturb the wreck in any way. There is a safety reason for this. It's easy for divers to cut themselves when handling pieces of wreck. Remember, most submerged ships come with sharp edges.

There's a second reason, though, for not disturbing a wreck: common courtesy. By touching a portion of a wreck, you may alter it. This alteration may lessen its beauty, spoiling some of the fun for the wreck divers that follow in your wake. It's best to adhere wreck diving's unofficial hands-off policy. If you've never done any wreck diving in the past, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Exploring a sunken ship is an adventure you won't soon forget.

Glen enjoys getting into the ocean whenever he can, and he always takes a scuba computer with him when he does. You can read up on dive computers here.

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Scuba Diving on a Closed Circuit Rebreather - How it Works

2010-01-29T21:37:00.001+07:00

In this article we are going to discuss the workings of the Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR), with a focus on the APD (or Ambient Pressure Diving Limited) Evolution and Inspiration models.

Who makes the APD Inspiration / Evolution Rebreather? Ambient Pressure Diving is based in Helston in Cornwall, England and owned by Martin Parker. The whole production, assembly and testing of their Closed Circuit Rebreathers is conducted all in one factory. No actual figures are produced regarding production numbers but I would estimate in the realms of 90 to 150 units per month are produced.

So, how does a Closed Circuit Rebreather work? The CCR has several key elements. The diver puts the mouth piece of the breathing loop into his/her mouth. The diver breaths out and the expelled air leaves the breathing loop and enters the exhale counter lung which is located on the right shoulder. Any moisture or water droplets are removed by a baffle plate fitted into the entrance of the exhale counter lung. The air now passes from the exhale counter lung to the base of the scrubber unit which is contained in the back mounted case. As is passes through the scrubber the CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) is removed/converted into heat and moisture. The cleaned air passes in front of three oxygen cells. These cells measure the level of oxygen in the gas compared with the amount of oxygen that should be there according to the integrated computer - More about this later. An oxygen solenoid adds a precise amount of oxygen according to the computers requirements and the gas passes to the inhale counter lung, mounted on the left shoulder. The diver breaths in and draws fresh air from the inhale counter lung via the mouth piece and breathing loop.

The idea is to have either one lung full in you or one lung full in the unit, never both. This is called loop volume management.

Managing buoyancy when diving on a Closed Circuit Rebreather - With conventional scuba you breath in and go upwards, breath out and go downwards. However, with a CCR it has the correct amount of loop volume and the integrated BCD set to suit the current depth. Then, it will not matter how fast or slow the diver breaths he/she will stay still - Cool:-)

Diving on a Rebreather. CCR's work on fixed Set Points or Partial Pressures of Oxygen (PPO2). The two standard Set Points on the APD units is 0.70 and 1.30 however they can be fully adjusted above or below the surface. A Set Point of 0.70 means that at the surface (Sea Level) the diver would be breathing the equivalent of 70% Oxygen. If the dive was at 10 metres he would be breathing 35% Oxygen because at 10 metres there are 2 Atmosphere (ATA) of pressure (0.70 / 2 = 0.35). So at 60 metres there is 7 ATA the diver would be breathing 10% Oxygen - not good, this will not support life but you get the idea.

This is why we have two Set Points. On a typical 40 metres dive the Diver travels down to 40 metres on a 0.70 Set Point. Change to 1.30 at depth and continue all the way to his/her Safety Stop at 6 metres. Then they would change back to 0.70 prior to leaving the Safety Stop. However, this all changes when doing decompression diving.

Normally, for dives to a maximum depth of say 45 metres they would have two cylinders fitted into their rebreather. One of pure 100% Medical Grade Oxygen and one of Air or 21% Oxygen. This cylinder is referred to as the Diluent, so this set-up would be an Air Diluent CCR. For deeper dives the Air Diluent would swapped out for different mixtures of Trimix (Helium, Nitrogen and Oxygen). Cylinders for the APD Evolution and Inspiration are either 2 or 3 Litre in capacity filled to 200 Bar.

Longer dives on a CCR - Depending upon depths and the particular user the units are capable of diving to 150 metres (correct training required) for durations of 2 to 6 hours.

These are amazing pieces of equipment and great to use for scuba diving.

Borneo Dream is the only provider of TDI Closed Circuit Rebreather courses in Borneo (based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah). If you want to find out more about learning to dive on a closed circuit rebreather (CCR) then go to http://www.rebreather-training.com

I was born in North West England and spent my childhood there. I achieved a MA Hons Economics from Cambridge University and subsequently spent time working for in England, Europe, the Seychelles and now in Sabah, Borneo.

I spent 15 years working for a Global Clearing Bank and was involved in both launching new businesses and running the operations for established businesses. I left the banking world behind to follow one of my passions in life - scuba diving - and, along with my partner, to create Borneo Dream.

Borneo Dream is an authorised PADI, SDI, TDI and BSAC Dive Operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo. We provide the best range of scuba diving trips and courses along the west coast of Sabah.

Find out more about us at http://www.borneodream.com

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How to Teach Sub Aqua Skills

2010-01-29T21:36:00.000+07:00

Scuba is thrilling, exciting and interesting. It can also be very safe if taught properly. If not the dangers are only too apparent and the risk of injury or death very real.

Only a few people are killed each year diving. The details of the incidents always show that most could be avoided if the divers had known better what to do - or not to do. Sub Aqua teaching by the leading training bodies such as BSAC, PADI and many more is of a superlative standard. This includes the superb level of training of instructors who in turn must teach the novices. The trouble is that a few training agencies do not insist on such high levels of safety and even some of the best can occasionally miss the under performance of one or two of their instructors.

The time when a new recruit first starts learning to dive is the best occasion for lecturing the safety ethos. A new and open mind is more ready to soak up the safety culture than a seasoned diver who probably taught himself to dive years ago.

Each lesson will start with an opening talk for a few minutes, irrespective of whether it is a dry practical, in the swimming pool or in the sea. At the start of the briefing are the safety issues relevant to that lesson and to the site being used. When learning to remove a regulator underwater it may seem obvious but a student is warned to hold their breath for a short while until it is replaced! Safety warnings may seem like overkill at times and may be repeated but they do have the desired effect.

Teaching skills are important, especially for new students waiting like sponges to absorb all the new knowledge you have to give them. Skills are best learned when demonstrated in small bits before putting them together for the complete procedure. Each part of the skill must be taught in a way that it is safe to execute. If you commence with little bits and build up this can be achieved much more easily.

Mark Jenner is a British Sub Aqua Club dive leader and enjoys teaching scuba diving. He has dived abroad a number of times and enjoys writing about scuba diving equipment

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