BSAC Ocean Diver Training Going Diving

Going Diving Aim Understand the practicalities of going: Buddy diving Overall diving organisation The role of the Dive Manager The dive plan Going on a dive Pilotage and vision underwater

Buddy Diving Diving as a buddy pair = Safety & Enjoyment Monitor each other and assist if necessary Help in kitting-up, entry, exit and de-kitting Develop diving skills with more experienced buddies Share, compare and learn from diving experiences Discover the type of diving you enjoy

Overall Dive Organisation Dive Manager The Dive Manager: is responsible for all diving on site Selects suitable site Arranges the buddy pairs Gives dive brief Buddy pair: Lodge dive plan with DM Lodge dive details with DM after dive Buddy pair DM Dive Brief Buddy Dive Plan Max. Depth Max. Time Dive details

The Dive Manager’s Role Responsible to the Diving Officer/Lead Instructor Assessing risks Buddy pairings Diving grade and depth limitations Monitor conditions Information and Safety Brief Dive site information Hazards to avoid Surface support cover, Assistant Dive Manager Separation procedure In assessing all the risks the Dive Manager can abort diving at their discretion

The Dive Plan - SEEDS Safety Exercise - dive objective Equipment Fit to dive Within capabilities Exercise - dive objective Depth & time (tables or computer) Breathing gas - Rule of Thirds Equipment All present and working Discipline Agree who is dive leader Stay together Separation procedure Signals - normal & any special

Before the Dive Confirm dive plan with the Dive Manager Dive duration Planned depth Dive objective etc. The buddy brief - recap the plan Dive objective Depth and time Breathing Gas “check points” Signals Separation procedure

The Buddy Check Buoyancy Air Releases Direct feeds working Dump valves working Controlled by dry suit or BC? Air Check primary demand valve Check easy access to octopus and ensure it is working Releases BC Dry suit direct feed Weight belt or weight system

Going on the Dive Plan (SEEDS) Brief Kit up Buddy check De-kit Debrief Log details Entry Exit Descent Ascent The Dive

The Dive - Entries Shore Shore or large boat Small boat Wade in Assist with fin fitting Shore or large boat Stride or forward roll entry Sufficient water depth Clear of other divers Small boat Backwards roll entry Clear of other divers Following entry Diver to give OK to surface cover

The Dive - Descent OK/down Stay together Clear ears Shelf or wall Shot line Stay together Shelf or wall Clear ears Buoyancy control Check depth Check breathing gas Check octopus Check buoyancy OK to continue

During the Dive Stay together Monitor conditions Monitor depth Monitor breathing gas Monitor buddy Keep to plan Separation procedure If unhappy at any point - abort the dive

The Dive - Ascent Signal OK to buddy Signal OK to surface cover Controlled 1 min. ascent to surface Buoyancy control 6m check depth Stay together Buoyancy control OK/up

The Dive - Exits Shore Shore or large boat Small Boat Wade out Assist with fin removal Shore or large boat Steps or ladder Mask, demand valve, gas in BC Stay clear of diver on ladder Small Boat Remove weight belt Remove scuba equipment Fin upwards into boat

Post Dive Dive details Buddy dive debrief To Dive Manager for Branch/Centre records For own dive logbook Buddy dive debrief What you have seen What you have learnt or experienced Any areas for improvement/more practice Any kit configuration adaptations for future dives

Dive Flags The International ‘A’ Flag American Sport Divers Flag I have divers down, stay clear and reduce speed American Sport Divers Flag Divers below, stay clear

Underwater Pilotage Underwater features Mentally map the features On outward journey for return journey Monitor depth

Refracted rays pass from water to air Vision Underwater Underwater “vis” = horizontal range of vision Air Focusing of the eye in air and underwater Actual object Apparent image Refracted rays pass from water to air

Colour Underwater Absorption of colour underwater 5m 10m 15m 20m 25m

Colour Underwater Natural light With artificial light Suspended particles, ‘turbidity’, reduces light and visibility

Summary Diving is an adventurous sport and its risks need to be assessed and managed to make it as safe as possible The importance of buddy diving Understanding dive organisation Understanding the role of the Dive Manager Preparing, briefing and checking before the dive Diving the plan Pilotage and vision underwater