Planning Dives Effectively
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When you plan your dives effectively, you can add unexpected additions easily and safely. You know your margins for error, how much time you can stay and adjust appropriate.
Things to Take into Account When Planning Your Dives
Diving closer to home often takes less preparation as you already know the rules of the area as well as what is available. When you are going on a long distance trip, you need to research where you can legally dive, equipment rentals, weather, hotels, transportation times and availability.
Weather
Checking out seasonal weather conditions for your desired location can make or break a vacation dive. If you hope to dive for lost items you will want to know the local laws regarding treasure hunting and possible export. Knowing local support for refilling tanks, renting and repairing equipment is extremely useful.
Backup Destinations
Before departing for a long dive trip, having a backup location is a great precaution. Though, changing from the Hawaii to Australia usually isn’t practical, having one or more alternate locations in the same general area can be fabulous backups if your original destination is unavailable for some reason.
Boat Rental or Charter
Apart from researching hotels and flights you’ll want to book a charter or rent a boat. Making arrangements in advance is recommended especially during high travel times. Diving boats are often booked in advance.
Finding a Buddy
Follow the basic safety rule of having a buddy, and remember that having at least three divers can be extremely helpful. Diving can be dangerous and it may, for example, be necessary for one diver to surface for help while another stays with the third. A diver can be stuck, injured, in need of air sharing or a slow ascent. That person should have company while his buddy surfaces for help when possible.
Actual Dive Planning
In any dive, there should be one and only one leader. Usually that will be the most experienced diver and he or she should help plan the dive and guide the others under the water. There is still some freedom of movement, but keeping together helps minimize confusion and maximize safety.
Everyone should agree in advance on the major location, entry and exit points, activity and length of the dive. It may look exciting in the movies, but arguments under water are the quickest way to danger. Let that danger stay in the theater. Discuss with your dive partners a contingency plan that incorporates what to do in the most likely scenarios.
That could be swift underwater currents, injury, equipment failure, head pressure, fainting or a number of other possibilities. That will vary with location, diver experience, quality of equipment, etc.
Knowing where and when to dive — and for how long can make a huge difference. Follow that dive plan to the best of your ability for maximum safety. Changing your dive plan really should be from emergency need, not whim. You’ll be safer and able to dive new places next time.
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