1st time in salt water

[farmir]

Other than depth >130ft and sharks, what are the things I need to remember to consider when diving off Hawaii? My training and only other dive experience (3 dives) has been in fresh water quarry with depth of 35 feet.


Brian

 

[DBailey]

1. Check your weight. You'll need more in salt water. But don't make yourself too heavy.

2. Watch your depth. It is easy to sink more than you intended to (especially if wall diving). Don't chase after anything (besides exerting yourself and going through air faster) since you can end up a lot deep than you intended. I went after a turtle once, luckily I had set my computer to beep when I hit 75 feet (had 10 dives under my belt at that time).

3. Watch the waves/surf. If boat diving, be careful of the waves when near the boat so the waves don't push you into the boat. If shore diving, be careful going through the surf with all the gear on.

4. Regarding the sharks, don't look like a seal or sea lion.

5. Be careful of any currents. Plan your dives with any currents in mind.

6. Go out on a charter, or with another experienced diver. Otherwise, get an excellent breifing and find out as much about the site as possible before jumping in.

7. As a new open water diver, remember that your recommended maximum depth is 60 feet. Lots of additional considerations need to be taken into account for anything below 60 feet.

 

[MechDiver]

Other than depth >130ft and sharks, what are the things I need to remember to consider when diving off Hawaii? My training and only other dive experience (3 dives) has been in fresh water quarry with depth of 35 feet.

Brian

Saltwater requires more weight than fresh and tastes awful. Be very careful of anything on the bottom. There are things there that can hurt you, so don't touch.

Hawaii does not have real warm water (about 78F) so you may need a 3mm suit for anything more than one dive.

 

[miked]

Hi Brian,
there are some simple things(if any are too obvious,sorry)

1) IMO there are more differences based on the size and depth of the body water than the "type"of water.
of course, deeper means more caution and attention to gauges(depth,spg, timer, etc).
Also there ocean has currents,while a quarry??

2) You'll probably need to carry a bit more weight( presuming you are not overweighted for fresh water.)

3) Don't drink the (salt) water! but bring water to drink.

4) The salt water may sting if it gets in your eyes-this is normal, and a very temporary. condition.

5) Let the DM (if there is one-if not it might be a good idea to hire one at first)know of your level of experience. Usually,they like to know in advance,m and can help you gain experience safely.

6)Generally,most sharks are more cool than a bother-generally.

7)If you are going to be diving form a boat-do a search of the board for "boat etiquette"(sp?)

8) (also for boat dives)-Think ahead re seasickness prevention. Be aware-it can happen to almost anyone.

9) As always, if you feel uncomfortable with a situation-you are NOT under any pressure to continue.

10) You might want to check in with some of the board members who live in Hawaii for more site specific info.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Mike

edited to add: I see some of the other posters have covered some of my suggestions-sorry for the repetition,but I type very slowly :06:

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Well in your quarry diving you probably wore full 7 mil suits with hoods and gloves. I use a 3 mil shortie there and I'm very comfortable. I use about half of my mainland freshwater weight since I don't have much rubber on.


I reccomend wearing tropical gloves as there are pointy stingy things down below. Bring a camera if you can. Record those memories. If you are going to Maui I suggest using B&B Scuba for your boat diving and equipment needs.

Have fun and I'm jealous.

 

[H2Andy]

lots of good advice above, i'll add my 2 cents:

1. be aware of the waves/current.

2. be aware of your location. try to keep yourself oriented to the boat at all times.

3. be careful when getting back on board. this is probably the place you'll get hurt.

otherwise, have fun!

 

[scubacowboy]

Pay special attention to rinsing your gear

 

[MgicTwnger]

Pay special attention to rinsing your gear

Ditto!

 

[10X]

I had my first saltwater dives in Hawaii earlier this year. Aside from all of the above great advice, here's a couple things I did. You can take it for what it's worth since I'm a newbie at diving.

Before going, I contacted the dive shops I was using and let them know my experience (or lack of it).

When on board the boat I kept my mouth shut and listened to what the DM was telling me.

I followed the DM's directions, even though others were not.

I stayed with my group, even though they may not being doing a dive exactly as I would have wanted. I figured I needed to learn, both good and bad, and can go from there on future dives.

I was using a camera and shot in the auto mode rather than manual, so that I didn't hold up the group. I still got good pictures and will get some great ones on future dives.

I did not to run into or over anyone, tried not to touch the bottom or have any lose gear that might drag and stir things up.

I didn't do anything I was uncomfortable with. There were a couple swim-throughs that just looked small for my 6-1, 235lb bulk, so I swam over rather than through.

In spite of all of this, I still made a couple of mistakes. I contacted the DM when aboard the boat and discussed how I might better perform. It was a learning situation and I was going to take every advantage of his experience to help me.

Dive safe and have fun. I'm going back to Hawaii next year since I still need those great photos.

 

[VTernovski]

Other than depth >130ft and sharks, what are the things I need to remember to consider when diving off Hawaii? My training and only other dive experience (3 dives) has been in fresh water quarry with depth of 35 feet.


Brian

I am surprised nobody mentioned Gas management rules! :58: rule of thirds, minimum gas reserve (rock bottom); make sure you have those squired away before you hit the boat.