Asking your opinion

[TexasGabby]

Facts: I certified open water 2 1/2 years ago, deepest dive was 30ft. - did not do any extra dives because sister got sick with cancer - brother died - mother died - then sister died - sooooo - long story short - I haven't followed up with diving.

Now - I'm going to go to pool and dive two days to get back into the swing of things and am flying to Cozumel for my first ocean/drift dive.

The dive operator is scheduling me for my first dive an 80 footer....I'm not soooo sure about this one. I have been completely open and honest with them in my emails.....

I have requested the services of a private divemaster - especially on my first day - but I still don't think I should do a 80 ft dive..

How do you folks feel about this???? curious

Thanks - just concerned if I'm doing things right

 

[mainmanpaul]

I actually did the same thing you are about to do. I got my OW and did I think one dive before heading to Cozumel. Dove the Santa Rosa wall and Paradise Reef. The following are just my impressions of my Cozumel dive as a rookie.
1. The dive boat guys will not look after your well being.
2. The dive boat guys will not look after your well being.
3. don't forget your deco stop and take your time in doing it. I was always the last one leaving the deco stop.
4. Stay close to the dive leader. He's the only guy guaranteed not to be forgotten.
5. Stay at 80 feet and resist going deeper. If you dive down to 120 feet chances are they will let you.
6. The current moves pretty well so they toss you off the boat like paratroopers jumping out of a plane. Otherwise everybody will be very spread out.
7. Bring your own gear if you can. The retal gear was ok but not the best.
8. The disposible underwater cameras won't go to 80 feet but they work at 50. Get 2 and get the ones with a flash.
9. Have fun a look at everything. The Santa Rosa wall is way cool
10. Buy a tee shirt at the dive shop.
Hope this helps

 

[tkrock]

I think the better question is how do you feel about this??? If you don't feel comfortable don't do it!!!!!!! Even if you question in anyway!!! In the long run it's your life not theres!!!! Although they might help you do this or that, if panic sets in, no one can often help. You go straight to the surface or a million things can happen. Then before you know it your in real trouble. You may be physically capable, but mentaly if you already question, just don't do it. Take your time and do some more dives. Plenty of things to see at or above 40ft. And if I'm not mistaken, assuming here, your OW cert probably only is good for 60ft anyway. Yes thousands of divers ignore that rule, but it's there because you have only have been trained to handle conditions in that amount of depth. I must stress it's all about you not them!!!!

 

[Louie]

Hi,

It's great you've decided to get back into the swing of things.

Also, I think it's good that you're doing refreshers in preparation for your diving holiday.

So it's been a while and you're not feeling too certain about your upcoming dives in Cozumel - normal. Now (excuse my metric-centricism) the "limit" you were told for OW diver was 18m - is that around 65ft? Limits are not set in stone and many operators are flexible with them but as you said it's been 2 1/2 years and your deepest dive was 30ft.

I've never been to Cozumel but I can guess that conditions can be a bit more demanding than a pool and you may not feel up to a 80 ft dive.

Remind the operators you want a DM or that you want to start shallow. You're more than entitled to do so. I myself would not take someone who's had time away from diving, hasn't done the depth and isn't comfortable on a dive of 80ft (especially if there's current or other demanding conditions). Instead, I would be much happier to do a tuneup with them or start out on easier dives.

Have fun.

 

[RICHinNC]

Any time you are concerned.....then dont. If all you have is your OW card...the boats I dive here in NC wont take you out on a deep dive. I would really put some thought into this. Are you going to use rental gear you are not familiar with? Are you diving basically solo....hoping the dm is watching you? No one going with you dives and has experience at depth? Dude, you have plenty of time to go deep....just make sure you are ready...and can come up properly.
rich

 

[Doc Intrepid]

my first dive an 80 footer....I'm not soooo sure about this one.

When you hear a voice inside you saying that you're not ready to do a dive, listen to it.


There are plenty of dives down there that won't cause anxiety when you jump off the boat. If you are anxious and uncomfortable, it often isn't fun...

I suspect you'll have more fun if you work up to the 80' dive over a few days...

 

[TexasGabby]

I think the better question is how do you feel about this??? If you don't feel comfortable don't do it!!!!!!! Even if you question in anyway!!! In the long run it's your life not theres!!!! Although they might help you do this or that, if panic sets in, no one can often help. You go straight to the surface or a million things can happen. Then before you know it your in real trouble. You may be physically capable, but mentaly if you already question, just don't do it. Take your time and do some more dives. Plenty of things to see at or above 40ft. And if I'm not mistaken, assuming here, your OW cert probably only is good for 60ft anyway. Yes thousands of divers ignore that rule, but it's there because you have only have been trained to handle conditions in that amount of depth. I must stress it's all about you not them!!!!

Thank you soooo much for all of you folks support - I think I will tell them I want to keep at 45-50 ft. I am hiring a private DM - soooo, I should be OK....

I just want it to be a Good experience and keep healthy....

Thanks

 

[TexasGabby]

I have my own good wetsuit, mask, fins, gloves, etc. but will be renting everything else. Most of the people I talk to said to go diving once or twice - see what everyone else is using and get their likes/dislikes on their own equipment and then go out and buy.

Thanks for your reply

 

[tkrock]

I have my own good wetsuit, mask, fins, gloves, etc. but will be renting everything else. Most of the people I talk to said to go diving once or twice - see what everyone else is using and get their likes/dislikes on their own equipment and then go out and buy.

Thanks for your reply

Great advice!!!!

 

[Charlie99]

Thank you soooo much for all of you folks support - I think I will tell them I want to keep at 45-50 ft. I am hiring a private DM - soooo, I should be OK....

I've heard several times of people expecting to have a private DM and expecting to dive their chosen profiles. When they get to the boat, its "huh???" or your "private DM" turns out to be one of 2 guys that are herding around a large group. Or in the best case, you have your own DM, but you will be doing whatever dive has been chosen for the rest of the group.

You might consider some other alternatives .....

1) Hiring a private DM for a couple of shore dives on your first day. Shallow. And he really will be just with you.

2) A formal "refresher training" course. After 2-1/2 years, and no dives after your OW cert, you may have forgotten a lot.

3) The dive op may have an afternoon boat that does 2 shallow dives. If so, that would be better for your first day, even with your private DM.