We all know how important scuba skills are, and most of us are highly aware of the importance of staying safe as we enjoy the underwater environment. For most of us, there’s always a little room for improvement; with that in mind, we offer these important tips for improving scuba skills and safety.
Take Every Dive Seriously
No matter where you’re going or what maximum depth your dive profile calls for, take every single dive seriously. An accident can happen at any time and any place, and is most likely to occur when you drop your guard. When it comes to scuba diving, ignorance is never bliss.
Never Omit Pre-Dive Checks
Running pre-dive checks ensures any potential problems with equipment will reveal themselves before you get into the water. Be serious about your checks, make them habitual, and never skip any steps. Besides ensuring your equipment is in good working order, ensure that you yourself are completely fit to dive.
Assess Your Mental State
Pre-dive jitters happen, and that’s fine. Be sure you assess your mental state before each dive; keep tabs on yourself during dives, too – if you are feeling at all doubtful about what’s happening, or if you are starting to experience nitrogen narcosis, take the appropriate steps to set yourself aright.
Focus on Conditions
It’s vital that you maintain awareness of weather and sea conditions, and to focus also on any dangers the natural environment may present, be they tides, currents, or marine life of some type. Make plans for dealing with potential problems in the event they are encountered, and you’ll be much safer overall.
Be Judicious and Self-Aware
Don’t do something just because everyone else is doing it. Stay within the boundaries of your training and experience, and don’t take risks. If you feel a certain area is dangerous, or if you feel an activity is overly complex, do not partake in the activity. Even when diving with a group, you are responsible for your own safety . Remember, you can call a dive at any time, for any reason.
Carry Signaling Devices
No matter where you’re diving, keep signaling devices on hand. You can easily purchase a kit that contains a variety of devices; a SMB, a whistle, and a mirror give you different methods for ensuring you are spotted if you become separated from your group. Consider carrying an emergency beacon – these devices allow rescuers to find you rapidly in the event a problem arises.
Carry the Right Equipment
Knowing about conditions at various dive sites will enable you to determine which equipment you’ll need most on a certain dive. If you’re not sure what you will need, ask the dive operator for a checklist of recommended items. In many cases, lists are provided on dive companies’ websites.
Select Dive Buddies with Care
Choosing the right partner is a matter of safety. Don’t just consider whether you and another person are able to get along; consider whether their diving credentials are a good match for your own, and look for someone who shares similar interests. Once you have chosen a partner, discuss emergency plans, be sure you’re on the same page where hand signals are concerned, and be open about any past injuries or issues you’ve experienced while diving. When diving with a new buddy, practice skills together to build confidence in one another.
Never Ignore Warning Signs
At many dive sites, including popular shore dive sites and cave sites, you’ll find warning signs. Perhaps they’re there to inform you that stinging animals are present, or perhaps they are to caution you against proceeding past a certain point. In any event, paying close attention to signs is one way to ensure you’ll enjoy safer diving.
Plan Your Dive, and Dive Your Plan
How many times have you heard this one? It’s well worth repeating. The plan should be clear, all divers in the group should understand it, and any doubts should be taken into consideration before the dive commences.
Practice Skills
Stay sharp by practicing basic skills on a regular basis. Be sure you’re with a responsible buddy or an instructor as you do this; if you are not yet certified, be doubly cautious, even if you’re only working on flooding and clearing your mask in a backyard swimming pool. Always practice skills at a level you are comfortable with, and never practice skills in unknown territory.
Know Your Limits
Know your limits and stick within the bounds of training at all times. Don’t be ashamed of them, either. Every diver started as a novice, and skills were gradually acquired through time, training, and consistent practice. Build your skills, ensure you are comfortable with an activity before moving on to the next one, and you’ll eventually be a comfortable, confident diver.
Don’t Ignore Certification Requirements
Some of the worst diving accidents happen as a result of human error. Error in many cases consists of divers going beyond the limits of their certification; entering overhead spaces without proper training is one example of a common mistake. If you are not certified for certain conditions, don’t make the mistake of diving.
Take Advantage of Refresher Courses
If it has been a long time since the last time you went on a dive, consider taking a refresher course. Not only will you enjoy greater confidence, you may learn about new equipment. You may even make new friends along the way.
Don’t Ignore Injuries
Don’t ignore injuries, even minor ones; this can lead to greater problems. Never try to be your own doctor, either. If something does not seem right with you physically, get medical attention. Ensure you are well-rested before diving, and you’ll be more focused and less prone to injury.
Conserve Energy
Conserving energy also allows you to conserve air. Swim at a leisurely pace, maintain a streamlined posture to avoid drag, and take slow, deep breaths while relaxing. If you need to go a long distance, consider investing in a DPV; before using it, ensure you are familiar with all associated procedures.
Remember, the best way to improve scuba skills and safety is to practice consistently. Stay well informed, and never pass up training opportunities. By following this practical advice, you’ll be well-prepared for potential emergencies, and you’ll enjoy diving more and more as your confidence improves.