When people imagine all of the possible things that could go wrong while diving, they are usually dramatic scenes that play out underwater. Similarly, people think of dive ‘skills’ relating to underwater techniques. It’s actually not the case, many dive accidents and incidents occur while divers are on the surface or returning to it.
It’s easy to be lured into a false sense of security while at the surface and able to breathe unaided, however, it’s not a time to drop your guard or become distracted. The surface can harbour just as many hazards as the underwater world.
The majority of surface incidents can easily be avoided by developing and practicing good scuba surface habits. Surface habits can be broken down into two main sections: predive and post dive. Let’s take a look at what these involve:
Good Scuba Surface Habits: Pre Dive
Here are some solid skills, techniques and procedures to master before every single dive!
Pre Dive Safety Check
This is when the dive really begins. If either you or your buddy are not fully prepared for the dive, you are more likely to encounter problems. Check that your equipment is secure, your weights are in place and you know how to release them, no straps or gear is trailing and your tank valve is open.
Boat and Dive Site Briefings
Listen! These briefings will usually contain important information about entry and exit methods as well as any surface swim and boat pick up information. If you are not familiar with boat diving, take the PADI Boat Diver Specialty Course to learn more.
Entries
Enter the water with all gear in place – including your mask and regulator. You should have a reasonable amount of air in your BCD so you will float at the surface and you be prepared to add more after you have made your entry.
Surface Swims
If you need to make a surface swim to your descent point, switch to your snorkel and keep looking up to check you are on course. Maintain buddy contact at all times.
Proper Descent
When you are ready to descend, use the 5 point method from your PADI Open Water Diver training. If you switched to your snorkel, remember to change back to your regulator pre-descent!
Good Scuba Surface Habits: Post Dive
Here are skills, procedures and techniques to follow post each and every dive…..
Surfacing
Remember the 5 point ascent from your training? There are good reasons for it. Remember to stay close with your buddy and confirm you are planning to ascend. Ascend slowly and underneath the surface marker buoy. Keep looking up and listening for any surface boat traffic. Keep your BCD inflator hose above your head to release air and control your ascent speed. When you breach the surface do not drop your inflator, immediately inflate your BCD.
Stay Positive
Whenever you are at the surface ensure that you remain positively buoyant. You should not need to kick or expend energy to keep your head above the surface. Remember you have multiple options for achieving positive buoyancy: Inflate your BCD using the inflator hose, orally inflate your BCD, or in an emergency, drop your weights.
Stay Together
When divers are on the surface they are much more visible in numbers than individually. Stay together and close to the surface marker buoy. Being visible will not only assist your boat to see you but other boats too. Keep your mask on and snorkel in.
Stay Alert
It’s easy after a dive to get swept away in the excitement but it’s also easy to get swept away in surface currents. Keep an eye on the shore if you have it in view to check if you are drifting. Stay close together and keep watching all around you. Listen for boat engines and keep a constant eye out for your boat. Once your boat comes into view keep it in your vision and be ready to follow the boarding procedure.
Gear Removal
If you are removing your gear in the water, remove your weights first, followed by BCD. Do not remove your fins without having contact with the boat either via a trail line, ladder or other means.
Follow the Briefing to Exit
Follow the exiting procedure as directed by the crew. They know best how to reboard their boat. Stay clear of the ladder while other divers are climbing it to avoid being in harm’s way, should they slip.
Stay Calm
While this may not be a dive skill per se, staying calm is key. Once panic sets in it becomes easy to forget your training and make mistakes. Advancing your dive training and becoming a PADI Rescue Diver is a great way to learn about staying calm as well as recognizing panic in others, and how to deal with it.
We hope you have learned something new - or refreshed your exiaing knowledge about the importance of staying safe at the surface and the best ways to achieve this! Never take being on the surface as being 'safe' and remember your training on every dive!
Are you Ready to Dive with Us in Nusa Lembongan?
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida have something to offer everyone. If you’d like to take a PADI course while you are here we have a purpose built onsite dive training pool and you’ll be amazed by the reefs, marine life, and our professional team. Imagine drifting over stunning reefs and surrounded by fish – it’s all possible, and safe with some good surface habits in Bali!
To make a reservation or for more information please feel free to contact us on info@world-diving.com or use the button below...
We are looking forward to introducing you to underwater Nusa Lembongan soon!
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