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Continuing Education...Its for Everyone!

6/21/2016

Once you have completed your Open Water SCUBA certification, you are ready to explore the underwater world and take part in exciting adventures. It is completely acceptable to end your training there, and many divers do, but what are you missing out on? There are many excellent diving locations that require additional certifications to visit.

Have you ever wanted to explore a calm and quiet underwater cavern? The cavern diver certification may be for you. Want to learn how to get that perfect underwater picture you have always dreamed of? The underwater photographer or underwater videographer may be for you. Is that shipwreck you saw pictures of calling your name? Then a wreck diver certification could make that dream come true. Not sure what your dream is? The advanced diver course provides an introduction to many of the specialty courses available so you can make your choice based on what interests you most. Regardless of what your underwater dream is, there is a course to make it come true. So what are you waiting for...get out there and have some fun!

Diving beyond your certification and/or comfort level is never a good idea. It can put you in a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. Each year, experienced divers die in diving related accidents. YOUR LIFE IS PRICELESS! Get certified before you dive to stay alive.

There are continuing education opportunities for those who are not interested in furthering their diving education as well. CPR and First Aid certification can come in handy if you or your loved one find yourself in an emergency situation anywhere. An Oxygen Administration certification can be especially helpful for those who are divers or spend time around divers in open water as many diving emergencies are treated with Oxygen (O2). The time to get certified is not after an emergency occurs; it is before one happens so you are prepared and can help prevent further complications and may even save a life!

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Diving Etiquette: Because diving is a social sport!

6/7/2016

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General Guidelines from Divers Alert Network (DAN)

Know your dive preferences- make sure you know and communicate what you hope to accomplish on the dive and that your dive buddy understands this. No one wants to be pressured into an unsafe or uncomfortable situation.
Discuss your dive location: Be flexible and don't complain!- Make sure you know what skill level and equipment you will need to dive at the location you choose in advance so you can be properly prepared and equipped for the dive. Also know that sometimes plans need to be changed without warning for a variety of reasons, including safety of the dive site. Make the best of the situation instead of complaining. Feel free to politely ask questions about the new location and the reason for the change if you need to.
Don't talk during the briefing- Other divers are not going to be able to get the information they want and need if all they hear is your voice. The briefing may also alert you to any changes in the dive plan so you can be prepared before heading out for the day. Often a briefing will cover the local plants and animals that you may encounter and any special information about them you may need to know, such as if a coral is poisonous or not.
Check your "air"- The best way to avoid an out of air emergency is to check your air and your buddy's air. Make sure it is filled completely, turned on, and that there are no leaks in the equipment. Remember that not all tanks are filled with the same gas mix, so understand what new gas mixes change about your dive as needed.
Be mindful of the surrounding environment- Be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of other divers, both underwater and on the surface. If there is a designated "dry" or "wet" area, do not violate these spaces, stick to what is posted, it is probably there for a reason. Always be respectful of cultural differences, regardless of where you are diving. Many places have their own set of customs and traditions that they want respected, regardless of your opinion or feelings about them.
Use correct terminology- SCUBA, like many other sports, has its own lingo. Using terms correctly can eliminate confusion. Do you know the difference between "goggles" and a "mask" or "air", "gas", and "oxygen"? These terms are similar but mean different things in the world of diving, so be sure to know what your buddy refers to items as and also make sure you agree on underwater communication as well. Nothing is worlse than trying to say you need assistance and they think you are trying to tell them you need to end the dive.
Manage your time- Try to show up on time and to leave on time. This helps other divers stick to their plans too. Allow extra time to get dressed and assemble your gear so you don't feel rushed. If you are unsure of your pacing, watch the crew and/or instructors to see what they are doing.
Keep your equipment together- Space may be limited on the boat so try to streamline your equipment to keep it inside your designated space. Keep your gear out of the walkway and never leave your gear unattended. It is important to also never place heavy objects on other objects or on an uneven surface. Doing so could cause the object to fall on someone and seriously injure them.
Take only what you brought in- Keep the diving environment clean and pick up after yourself. Make sure you take all of your belongings with you and that you do not accidentally grab items that belong to others. Also make sure you do not take "souvenirs" from nature as this can really damage the underwater environment. Leave only bubbles is a great way to look at it.
Be a courteous photographer- It doesn't matter if you are in a class or on a vacation, be respectful of other divers wishes. Not everyone wants to be on your social media page. Make sure that getting your "perfect shot" does not cause harm to the environment or you or your buddy. It is best to give warning of a photo before you take it so people have a chance to turn away or prepare themselves for the photo.
Communicate with your buddy- Not every agency has the same lingo or hand signals. Make sure to check with your buddy about what signals they will be using and be sure to share any of yours too. You should feel comfortable with your buddy and having open communications can help this relationship be simple and effective for both of you.

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Continuing Education...Its for Everyone!

Diving Etiquette: Because diving is a social sport!

General Guidelines from Divers Alert Network (DAN)

STC Dive Center

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