Question

[Cod]

Hey all, been a member for a short time and usually just lurk the forums reading up on things.

My daughter and I were certified back in September / October, before cold weather, and haven't been back in the water since.

We have a cruise planned this summer to the caribbean and had planned on scheduling a couple of dives at two of the stops. I'm going to try and have at least 1 or 2 dives under our belts before the cruise but i'm not sure if we'll have time, she's 17 still in school, life etc. etc you get the point.

So my question(s) is will we be ready, will the dive shops take us being recently certified?

I know we think we're ready and that everybody has dive #1,2,3 etc. at some point in their dive history but i just don't want to make a mistake.

Thanks for your input.

 

[scubaflier]

only you will know if your ready
take it easy dive when and where you feel confident dont let yourself be pushed into something you dont feel good about its up to you to make that call

 

[Brian Sharpe]

If you've been out of the water for a while I would strongly advise you to, at the very least, spend some time in the pool just making sure you're comfortable with the gear spend a little time refreshing your skills.

If you can make time for some additional dives between now and your departure even better. I have no idea what your local diving situation is but many shops will offer DM led mid-week dives when the weather permits and organize other local dives on the weekends.

Not only will you and your daughter be safer divers & less likely to crash the coral etc etc - you'll be more relaxed and have much more fun with your dives.

 

[Mattleycrue76]

If the dives you're wanting to do are within your training level the diveshops should have no problem with you participating. If you are anxious about the dives it would be good form to discuss this with the dive op. ahead of time.

 

[Cod]

I'm going to try and get a couple of dives before we head out but like I said real life sometimes gets in the way.

My concern was basically the Dive Op taking us out with our inexperience and possible first time ocean dive....trust me i plan on telling them we're completely green / noobs / inexperienced whatever you want to call it.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[RJP]

My daughter and I were certified back in September / October,

So my question(s) is will we be ready...

If you're certified divers, by definition you [-]are[/-] should be ready to do the types of dives that would be arranged for passengers on cruise ship stops.

 

[Herk_Man]

I'm going to try and get a couple of dives before we head out but like I said real life sometimes gets in the way.

My concern was basically the Dive Op taking us out with our inexperience and possible first time ocean dive....trust me i plan on telling them we're completely green / noobs / inexperienced whatever you want to call it.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Even if you can just go to a local pool that is scuba friendly (YMCAs often have scuba nights) and get a dive in, you will be better off.

And don't be shy when you get to the dive location about letting the shop know you've had a break in your diving. The DM should be good about going over some basics and will know to keep a little better eye on you. If you know for sure what operation you will be diving with, call ahead and let them know your situation. Believe me, you will not be the first one in your situation for them to deal with. And they will be much more happy to deal with someone that is up front about their experience and limitations than all the ones that try to hide it and end up causing problems.

 

[jbtut]

Where are you going diving? The reason I ask is that Cozumel is a popular destination and drift dives do add a bit of complexity to a first real ocean dive. Not that I would avoid it, just make your DM aware of that.

It wouldn't hurt to get back into a pool for an hour one night. I think most dive shops will have some sort of open pool night or a training night that you could go along and just play around in the pool a bit while they are training.

 

[JKPAO]

You have the right attitude! You are the only one to know how you feel. When you sign up for the dives tell them your dive history or lack of... They should be able to help you along.
As you said, everyone had to start at dive one. Good Luck and safe diving!
See you topside! John

 

[Ron Parker]

Before you embark, I would highly recommend you and your daughter make the time to complete a refresher course and a few dives under supervision of dive professionals. May I ask where are your cruise destinations.