This is the second installment in a series I have called "Back To Basics" , in which we refresh our knowledge and understanding of some basic procedures to ensure safe and enjoyable diving. This time around, let's take a more detailed look at how to best plan and be prepared for fun in diving.
Dive PlanningRemember, as a certified diver, you have obtained the skills necessary to dive safely and unsupervised within the limits of your training. However, usually we find ourselves diving within a group that is lead by a divemaster. The divemaster is there to supervise activities both on the boat and in the water, take care of logisitics including emergency planning and preparation, orient divers to the site by sharing knowledge and points of interest of each site, as well as to inject some fun into your overall experience. Really good ones may even cut mangoes for you while you soak up the sun on the boat during the surface interval! While the divemaster will provide recommendations and a broad dive plan based on his knowledge of the site conditions, he is not there to plan individual dives for each and every certified diver. Detailed dive planning is left to each and every diver/buddy pair to plan for their dives based on their experience and training.
So here are some basic points to remember when planning your dives, to ensure safety and a fun and memorable dive experience:
1. Set an objectiveTogether with your buddy, agree on an objective for the dive. This will help you understand each other better when communicating under water. If one of you is an avid macro photographer, and the other is without a camera and wants to search out big stuff in the blue, then even more so you need to agree on your objective.
2. Plan your dive within your experience and trainingNo two divers are the same, and so do not just follow a profile that someone else has planned for themselves. It may not be appropriate to your experience or the level of your training. If one buddy is more experienced than the other, always plan the dive within the level of experience and training of the less experienced diver.
3. Agree on a general course and profileWhile the divemaster may have briefed his broad plan for the dive, you may decide you just want to hang out in one area along the planned route because you want to spend the whole dive photographing lobsters in the first bay. This is fine. But agree to this, and do let your divemaster know. Agreeing to and sticking to a general dive profile will allow you to manage and use your time effectively under water, as well as assist you in managing your air consumption for a safe return to the surface.
4. Agree on a buddy separation procedureSeparation can happen in certain conditions. But if you and your buddy agree on what to do if you get separated, you will be able to manage the situation calmly and effectively should it arise.
5. Know each others' quirky handsignalsWhile a buddy pair are likely to be in agreement on some of the basic handsignals given their basic training, it is good to review and share these with each other. Sometimes your buddy may have some different "expressions" he likes to use underwater, which if you are unfamiliar, could cause great confusion.
6. Computer vs TablesUse both in your planning. Your computer will assist you to stay within your planned profile during the dive, but you need to know what your limits are while you are drawing up your plan and before you descend. The table or wheel is the best tool for this pre-dive planning. And unless your RDP melts in the sun, it wont fail you. Your computer might.
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns while drawing up your pre-dive plan, your Divemaster is more than happy to assist you and offer advice (and probably a few slices of mango too!).
Happy and safe diving always!
Johari
DM#479744
