Tips for New Divers

Guam Date-Time:
 

 

Are you brand new to diving?

We'd like to share with you the comments from experienced divers when we asked the question:  What advise would you give someone newly certified? 

This was done on our email list. As we received comments specifically on this question we'll add them below.   the only editing we've done is to make the text as readable as possible (no font changes).

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Even though I have only been on the teaching side for a short time, I do have a lot of time guiding and working with instructors as their DM. Now, as than, I have always told new and old divers to "STAY WITHIN YOUR LIMITS". If you are a new O/W diver, your training has taught you how to dive safely to 60 ft. If your an Advanced diver  (SDI, PADI or any other) Stay within the max depth that you were taught. No matter what level of training you have, stay within it.

If you are diving with someone that has more training than you, your buddy should dive within your limits. On the same note, if you have more training, don't talk your buddy into diving outside of their training.

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DIVE WITHIN YOUR LIMITS!!

?1.  Don't fall under the notion that deeper =  better
>
> My favorite dives on Guam were all above 80 feet.  Gun Beach, Barracuda
> Rock, Double Reef, & Coral Gardens come to mind. The truth is: more bottom
> time = better!
>
> 2.  Develop a good air consumption rate while diving shallow.
>
> Ever wonder why most divemasters and instructors use compact 60s or
> standard 67s?

> Practice, practice!  See if you can make a compact 80 last for over 50
> minutes at 40-50 feet depths.  (Don't blow your dive
> profile/plan/computer!)  This may take a while, but so what!  You'll be
> gaining valuable experience over these several dozen dives.  After a time,
> you'll have the skill to dive deeper, more safely, and have plenty of "air
> to spare".  You'll even consider dumping that big old "smoker's tank" and
> purchase a light, small and slick C60!
>
> 2B.  Take all the classes you can!
>
> 3.  Be sure to make your first night dives shallow.
>
> The darkness can make one forget to check his gauges as well as make one's
> air consumption rate skyrocket. The Blue Hole at night is twice as risky as the Blue Hole during daytime.
>
> 4.  Take advantage of the free weekend shore dives! Dive MDA on shore and on the boats!  I led and participated in many as shore dive during 1996-1997.  They were THE best way for newer folks to gain some experience.
>
> 5.  Don't be ashamed to dive your Open Water training sites for practice.
>
> Outhouse beach and Piti Channel at night are actually not too bad.
> Besides, you'll be familiar with the place already!  (Just remember to lock your car or have it guarded.)

> 6.  Listen to Jim Miller and Pete.

> OK this sounds a little brown-nosy, but--They've seen it all--Although
Pete might not always remember your name despite the fact that you crew(ed) his
boats 4 times a week for 18 months!  Who is that man Smithers?

> 7.  Be safe and enjoy each and every dive on Guam and Micronesia.  Before
> you know it you'll be back in Minnesota shopping for a snowmobile or ice
> fishing shelter-- but at least the power stays on 24/7/365!
>
> --Wishin' I was a divin' but happy to contribute!

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After my certification I went diving. About 60 dives in relatively short time. I did pretty much stick with the given limits, used a computer all the time. The OceanicII DataPlus (I think) locks out upon violation, making diving impossible for at least a 24hr or even 48hr period. Never got there.  Then I went on to advanced training, followed by a number of specialties. Fist Aid and rescue about 1 year after  first certification. As a newly certified diver I tried to ALWAYS be conscious of my surroundings, keeping up situational awareness. This becomes "normal" and serves well.  

Right after first certification it's like back when you got your first drivers license: you're still learning. Give it some time. Stay safe during this transition time, you do not have an experienced instructor with you.  I would think that after some experience (and getting comfortable with gear and diving) the time for more training comes.

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Continued training right after first certification, IMHO, is overkill and gives no time to get "things sorted out". In training you learn to deal with the everyday things like flooding mask. But it's not extensive enough to make a "second nature"-thing out of it. And then in advanced training you're trying to deal with the compass (for example) and at the same time you're distracted by ordinary beginners problems. No good. A certain number of dives with only your buddy gives you proficiency and training. I would advise anyone to go dive, safely, gain experience, then go for advanced training. Additional training means NEW experience, building on the already learned basis. It expands your experience, knowledge, practice and therefore ultimately your safety.  

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After 8000+ dives and issuing over 3500 dive certifications, I think I may
be qualified to respond to your question regarding advice to the newly
certified diver.

Diving has certain inherent risks. It is how we manage those risks that
allows you to eventually become an "old, not so bold diver". You can never
learn all there is to learn about diving in your open water course, so the
following are steps that can allow you to eventually become an "old, not so
bold diver".

1. Dive as much as possible to gain experience and confidence while
reinforcing the skills and lessons learned in Open Water.

2. Expand your diving horizons gradually, and make certain you have the
training and experience to attempt new diving challenges.

3. Learn about new dive sites and listen to dive briefings before going on
the dive.

4. Dive with mature and responsible dive buddies.

5. Don't ever be afraid to say "NO" to a diving situation you are not
comfortable with.

6. Continue your diver education. Set a goal of at least becoming Rescue
Diver qualified and learning emergency management skills. Be able to treat
an injured diver with oxygen and first aid and be able to perform CPR if
necessary.

7. Own your diving equipment; keep it in good working order; service it in
accordance with mfg recommendations.

8. Don't be hesitant about seeking the advice and counsel of more
experienced divers or dive professionals.

9. Read educational and informative diving literature.

10. Treat other divers with respect and consideration, but remember you
alone are responsible for your actions and conduct while diving. Your
actions and/or inactions may influence the safety of others and you must
accept the responsibility and the consequences of those actions.

11. Don't ever forget the objective is to have FUN...but in a safe manner!!

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1. Bouyancy, buoyancy, buoyancy.......................... 

2. Learn to clip off equipment to keep it from dragging and learn to clip/unclip without looking at it. One can buy ready made clips or use large o-rings, cable ties and snap hooks to fashion whatever works. Take a lesson from the cave diving community and have "no danglies." >

3. Be familiar with ones equipment. 

4. Buoyancy, buoyancy, buoyancy

 

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1) Know your tables. Understand your tables. Do not rely on a computer. They are an electronic instrument and don't think. Only you can think for yourself.  

Don't rely heavily on your buddy or your equipment. Learn the art of self

suffciency. Buddies can suck and gear can fail. If you can save and take care of yourself, you are a better buddy. Realize that you may be the person saving your buddy.