As a scuba diver, you are now entering a whole new world. This world is nothing like the one out of the water. This world has its own set of laws and when you enter it a diver has to know the laws and stay within them.

When hearing and seeing become limited you have to carry your own limited air supply according to the depth that you have planned for and the deeper you go the colder it will get.  Here in the Northwest the water temperature hovers around about 50 degrees at the surface. So keeping warm is an issue also. Many divers use Argon gas to accomplish that task. I have to tell you it really works. One of the first things I check after the air pressure and the 02 content is the Argon.

Looking through a mask makes objects appear closer. I have taken lots of pictures and have found that many of them taken when I first started are out of focus. I was just too far away to get the shot and I will never get to see it again. Remember, the deeper you go the more light that will be lost. Color is removed by the water and a gray color is left. A good lighting system is a must. I have watched and used several until I found the ones I wanted to dive with. Remember that color is removed the deeper you go. You want to be able to see your gages when it’s really dark down deep. Safety dictates that you have a good back up. It’s just good advice.

Over the years I have used many lights. Here again check with your dive shop and get the light that best suits you. I can provide you with some information on this; get one that has a canister that you can attach to your tank or some where on you gear or one that attaches to your hand.  That frees up your hands from holding onto a light. Like the rest of my gear I have several that work well. I also have the others in my “save a dive” kit just in case. I also carry a smaller one in my dry suit pocket in case one fails and believe me they will fail. At depth a light is a must and when one fails you will have your back up and will be able to continue your dive.

Sound changes when under water. It’s faster and you can’t tell from where it’s coming. You can’t talk to your dive buddy even if you’re holding on to him. It’s important that you have worked out your communication by hand, light or slate beforehand, or some other means before entering the water. This will save a lot of confusion if you need to communicate. An underwater sounding device is like all the other equipment you need, for example, a scooter, and they aren’t as expensive. I like the type you can use both above and under the water, just in case you need to get the attention of your support boat or someone on land.  

Safety is always an issue when diving. I like to stay close to my dive buddy while diving. You are the visitor in a foreign hostel world, which is in most cases cold and dark. It has unforgiving laws and as a visitor, we must be comfortable in this environment and ready to follow those laws. Make sure that your equipment and you are ready to visit. Stay warm and have a good light and back up and review your hand communication. Now you are ready to dive.

 © 04-05-2005 G.McK.