At what point is it ok to do 100ft dives?

[khacken]

I am getting my OW check dives next week and the following week going to Playa. I talked to some dive shops and mentioned that I am brand new to diving and asked what dive packages would be best. A couple have mentioned that I could do a shallow dive my first day, then a 100ft dive followed by a shallow dive the next day. Provided the DM and I feel comfortable with going that deep. However, I just wonder if perhaps I should get more dives under my belt before doing that.

Does that sound ok to do a 100ft that soon after certification, or should I just plan on doing shallow dives this trip?

 

[chewie]

better take it slow first. you would know how you'd react if you're at that depth already. also, try to get to dive often so that you would be comfortable in the water & with your equipment. the more dives you get to do the better also make sure that you do the deepest dive first to avoid any untoward incident. hope that this helps!

 

[String]

As soon as youre comfortable and confident in your own skills for that depth then do it.

 

[Soggy]

Stay shallow for now. Especially in the caribbean, the first 50 ft is far more interesting anyhow, plus you'll be able to spend more time there.

Before you start doing deeper dives, be sure you can answer this question:
At what tank pressure do I need to leave the bottom and why?

I'd also recommend at a minimum, an AOW and nitrox class before you start pushing too much.

 

[KidK9]

Only you will know when you want to do that. As well, dont do a 100ft dive "just to do it". At least make sure you want to see something at that depth. Wouldnt be harmful to pay for a DM to accompany you on that dive.

 

[Quarrior]

I am getting my OW check dives next week and the following week going to Playa. I talked to some dive shops and mentioned that I am brand new to diving and asked what dive packages would be best. A couple have mentioned that I could do a shallow dive my first day, then a 100ft dive followed by a shallow dive the next day. Provided the DM and I feel comfortable with going that deep. However, I just wonder if perhaps I should get more dives under my belt before doing that.

Does that sound ok to do a 100ft that soon after certification, or should I just plan on doing shallow dives this trip?

It sounds to me like you've done a good job of covering the basics with the dive op you are planning to use.

When you actually meet up with the DM make sure he/she understands that you are fresh out of OW class. Do not let the DM or anyone talk you into something you are not comfortable with.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

My wife did really well in her cert dives, was comfortable and had great buoyancy. She went to 100ft on her 3rd certified dive.

It's no big deal. There's nothing magical about 100ft that makes it harder. You can do the wrong thing and drown in 10 feet of water. Do what you feel comfortable and prepared to do.

If you aren't comfortable with your buoyancy, don't go deep. You need to be positive you won't runaway ascend before you go really deep.

 

[Diver0001]

A hired DM will not be permitted by standards to take you any deeper than your training level.

That's not to say you won't be able to find one who will delibaratly break standards to do this but there is a reason for the rule.

Dive within your training and your comfort zone at all times. You're not trained and you have no idea where your comfort zone is. Take the time to explore that first.

R..

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

A hired DM will not be permitted by standards to take you any deeper than your training level.

That's not to say you won't be able to find one who will delibaratly break standards to do this but there is a reason for the rule.

I have NEVER had a DM limit OW divers to 60 feet. Isn't that "limit" just a guideline rather than a legally binding rule?

Anyway, I've never been on a boat where it was a factor. Lot's of places have dives that are predominantly below 60 feet and OW divers dive them all the time (see Cozumel).

It's up to the diver to limit herself to what she is capable of, not the DM. You can get yourself in all kinds of trouble at 60 feet if you aren't comfortable, no matter what skill level PADI says you are at.

To the OP, I REALLY doubt the DM will limit your depth based on your cert.

 

[Diver0001]

I have NEVER had a DM limit OW divers to 60 feet. Isn't that "limit" just a guideline rather than a legally binding rule?

Anyway, I've never been on a boat where it was a factor. Lot's of places have dives that are predominantly below 60 feet and OW divers dive them all the time (see Cozumel).

It's up to the diver to limit herself to what she is capable of, not the DM. You can get yourself in all kinds of trouble at 60 feet if you aren't comfortable, no matter what skill level PADI says you are at.

To the OP, I REALLY doubt the DM will limit your depth based on your cert.

Well....I looked it up and you're right. There's no PADI standard limiting depth for supervising OW divers. Sorry for the confusion about that.

Having said that, I would still refuse to do it for reasons of risk management. I think if something happened to an OW diver on a deep dive that the client's lawyer would say "You should have known better" .... and they would be right.

R..