Scuba diving is more popular today than it has ever been. If you’re thinking about becoming a diver, you might feel a little bit nervous, a bit excited, and even a tiny bit afraid of what might happen to you while you’re underwater. The good news is that today’s instructors don’t just do a great job of making sure that class participants learn what they need to in order to become divers and stay safe; they also do a great job of making training a fun, interactive experience. Here, we take a quick look at ten basic skills you’ll learn to master in basic open water training.
How to Clear Your Mask
While there are defogging solutions available, foggy masks happen to the best of us, and they usually happen at the least opportune time. Knowing how to clear your mask is an important skill – and it’s also slightly challenging since you will need to fill your mask with water. Don’t worry though – you’ll be able to breathe through your regulator the whole time. This skill involves slowly, steadily allowing water to fill your mask, then exhaling to clear the water from it. You will be breathing in through your mouth and out through your nose – something you probably already know how to do!
How to Remove and Replace Your Mask
Despite the fact that your mask is normally well-sealed to your face, there are certain times when you might have to remove it or when it may accidentally come off. Knowing how to remove and replace your scuba mask before an incident like this happens will save you from certain panic. During this portion of the class, you will remove the mask from your face, allowing water to enter it. Keep breathing normally as you hold the front of the mask with one hand and the back of the mask with the other. Once you have removed it, it’s time to carefully reapply the mask to your face. Begin by rotating the strap to the front of the mask, then by applying the seal to your face. Pull the strap over your head as you continue holding the mask to your face, then clear your mask and reset the seal.
Clearing Your Regulator
There are some times when water may enter your regulator. You can easily clear it using one of two methods. In the exhalation method, you simply exhale sharply into the regulator. In the purge button method, you place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth, using it as a splash guard to cover the hole in the regulator. Then, slowly push the purge button located on the front of the regulator. After you’ve finished, breathe carefully to see if any water remains in the regulator. Repeat the clearing action if so.
Recovering Your Regulator
If for some reason you lose your regulator, you will need to find it immediately. While releasing a continuous flow of tiny bubbles from your mouth, tilt your body toward the right, bringing the regulator hose over your arm. Extend your arm in front of your body, using a sweeping motion. Touch your right thigh, then slide your hand back to your tank and bring your arm forward to hook the regulator over your right arm. Slide your left hand up your right arm and you’ll find your regulator. Place it in your mouth and begin to breathe carefully; you may need to clear it to ensure it is functioning properly.
Handling a Free-Flowing Regulator
If your regulator goes into free flow, you must be able to continue breathing without damaging your lungs. Tilting your head to the right, slowly pull out the left side of the mouthpiece. Hold the right side tightly in your mouth. Push the purge button on the front of the regulator, take a breath, and let go of the purge button. Put the mouthpiece back into your mouth; it should be working normally at this point.
Using Weight Properly
Using the right amount of weight helps to ensure that you are able to move properly through the water. Since your tank will become more buoyant during your dive, you will need to add approximately two pounds to compensate for it. Inhale from your regulator and hold your breath. Hold the deflator above your head. Push the deflate button and let all the air out of your BCD; you should now be floating at eye level. If you begin to sink, that means you’re carrying more weight than you need. Remove a unit of weight and restart the exercise if this happens. If you are floating above eye level, you need more weight. Add a unit, and start over.
How to Disconnect the Low Pressure Inflator Hose
If your BCD inflates due to a jammed inflator button, you’ll need to deal with the problem immediately. Hold the inflator in your right hand while holding the inflator hose in your left. Hold the quick disconnect valve between your thumb and forefinger, pulling back the slide lock. Pull the low pressure hose away from the inflator. Your BCD will stop auto-inflating. Release air via the dump valve to adjust your buoyancy. For the remainder of the dive, you will need to manually inflate your BCD.
How to Make a Giant Stride Entry
When diving into deep water from a stable platform, it’s best to use a giant stride to enter. You will place your right palm over your regulator with your index and middle fingers holding your mask; your left hand will be placed over your weight belt buckle. With one fin slightly over the edge and the other at a 45-degree angle to your body, you will be ready to go. Just look straight ahead and take a leap by pushing yourself forward with your back leg. You’ll float comfortably in the water; if not, add a little air to your BCD.
How to Descend and Ascend
To get to the bottom and to make your way up to the surface, you will need to know how to safely descend and ascend. These skills take practice to master, but are fun to learn. So pay close attention and follow all steps exactly as your instructor tells you. In no time at all, you’ll find you are able to move through the water column with ease. Happy diving!