Welcome Atlantic Edge Dive Center Refresher Course Welcome

Atlantic Edge Dive Center Training Equipment Service Travel Let Atlantic Edge’s super staff be your dive consultants! Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Let’s Get Started Paperwork Liability Release Scuba concepts, science and theory Quiz 1A Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Effects of Increasing Pressure Air spaces most affected by increased pressure – ears, sinuses and mask As water pressure increases with descent, volume decreases If you continue to descend you will feel a squeeze on your air spaces To avoid discomfort – equalize early and often Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Equalization Techniques Equalize every metre/few feet while descending before you feel discomfort Pinch your nose and blow gently - wiggle your jaw If you have difficulty equalizing Ascend a few feet and attempt to equalize Be patient and gentle, or end the dive Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Effects of Decreasing Pressure Expanding air can cause lung over expansion – lung rupture Lung over expansion can lead to severe injuries including paralysis and death To avoid this, permit the pressure to equalize - breathe normally Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Most Important Rule The lungs can be injured by even minimal pressure changes if you hold your breath It’s important to always breathe continuously when using scuba - even in shallow water The most important rule in scuba diving is to “Breathe continuously and never, never hold your breath”. Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Decompression Sickness Bubbles blocking blood circulation after diving is called decompression sickness (DCS) Variables: Depth, dive time and diver condition Use extra caution with: age, obesity, lack of physical conditioning Stay well hydrated Dive within the limits of dive tables and computers Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Safety Stops A safety stop provides extra time for your body to eliminate nitrogen – a good idea on any dive A safety stop is required if: The dive is 30 metres/100 feet or deeper Within three pressure groups of a no decompression limit You reach any limit on the RDP or your computer Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Emergency Decompression If a no decompression limit is exceeded by: 5 minutes or less - ascend to 5 metres/15 feet and remain there for 8 minutes, do not dive for at least 6 hours More than 5 minutes – ascend to 5 metres/15 feet and remain there for no less than 15 minutes, do not dive for 24 hours Stay within safe dive limits Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Nitrogen Narcosis Nitrogen narcosis: Impairs a diver’s judgment and coordination May cause a false sense of security May cause a disregard for safety May cause anxiousness and poor decisions Immediately ascend to shallower depths to relieve the narcosis Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Flying After Diving Flying after diving recommendations: Wait a minimum surface interval of 12 hours prior to ascent to altitude If you plan to make daily, multiple dives for several days or make dives requiring decompression stops, you should wait for an extended surface interval beyond 12 hours Atlantic Edge - Refresher

BUOYANCY: Positive, Negative & NEUTRAL! Why? Safe on surface Streamlined UW Protect the environment Variables? Body weight, size & composition Equipment Water: salt v. fresh How do you determine your optimal weight requirements? Fine tune with your breathing! New Open Water student, perfecting her buoyancy in Turks and Caicos.

Overexertion Know your limits and pace yourself to avoid breathlessness If you experience overexertion symptoms underwater - stop all activity, breathe deeply and rest Hold onto an object for support, if possible, and relax until your breathing returns to normal Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Heat Loss Underwater Left unchecked, body heat loss can lead to hypothermia To avoid hypothermia – wear exposure protection suitable for the environment When you begin to shiver continuously – get out of the water immediately, dry off and seek warmth Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Surface Problem Management Control or prevent surface problems by: Diving within limitations Relaxing while you dive If you have a problem at the surface – immediately establish positive buoyancy by inflating the BCD or dropping weights Call for help if needed Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Buddy System / Dive Plan Avoid problems : Agree on entry, exit points and dive objective Agree upon time & depth limits Review communications Discuss emergency procedures Discuss how to stay together & what to do if separated… … Search One Minute then Surface! A dive plan: Is simple and should be flexible Takes only minutes to discuss Can offer plenty of options depending on what you find underwater … Plan your dive and dive your plan! Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Local Wisdom To dive in an area for the first time - get an orientation to the local area The PADI Discover Local Diving experience is one way to do this Find out: What’s interesting about the site What to watch for Unique dive skills or procedures Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Fragile Environment Minimize accidental damage : Swim next to reef rather than above it Watch your buoyancy – don’t dive over weighted Turn sideways to look under ledges Keep your hoses secured Respect all Marine Life! Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Aquatic Animals Avoid potential problems with aquatic life: Treat all animals with respect Be cautious in extremely murky water Avoid wearing shiny, dangly jewelry Remove any speared fish from the water immediately Wear gloves and an exposure suit Maintain neutral buoyancy – move slowly and carefully Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals Atlantic Edge - Refresher

Test Your Knowledge Test your understanding of Diving Theory with a Quick Quiz Quiz 1A

Now, Let’s Get Wet! Pool Review the basics Check out your gear Fine tune your buoyancy Review Sticker for logbook Nitrox or other Specialties Atlantic Edge - Refresher