Can I dive with a buddy who isn't certified?

[Maui Bound]

Please have Dad get certified. Things can go wrong and knowing how to address problems will be critically important for both you and Dad.

 

[psychocabbage]

On top of all the mean posts its alarming how many people lack reading comprehension.
He stated that his father could not attend classes due to time. That would include any intro classes people.

When I was first thinking of diving, I had 0 intention of going through any formal training. I was all set to order my gear and join my now wife diving.

Did the classes teach me any real skills? Nothing I didnt already know.. I had 0 issue breathing off a tank. 0 issue clearing a mask.. Snorkling was the norm for me so this was just taking it down..

What I did learn is what the computer now does for me. So, in reality, the training is not going to be the end all of diving.
I am certified but its not like some super special badge. I have seen enough certified divers that I would never have near me to know that the classes are just to get some info out and not everyone goes through a decent class to get that info.

Some of you really need to lighten up and realize that SCUBA started with people using things you wouldnt dare try these days to get themselves some air underwater.

They survived and now we have "formalized" SCUBA..

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Gmaguitar, Since I noticed that this is your First post Welcome to Scubaboard. As you can see there are many strongly opinionated divers here. Some with Good Information some with not so good information.

My answer to your original question would be that I would not reccomend taking your Dad diving without him taking a class first. The basic Open water class can be done in 2 weekends with some self study in between. As I travel on a moments notice for my job I took the course with my wife and son on a private schedule.

If that doesn't work maybe he could take the course on your next vacation.

Please visit the following link and introduce yourself.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/introductions-greets/

Hope you can convince your Dad to take a course.

 

[bamamedic]

On top of all the mean posts its alarming how many people lack reading comprehension.
He stated that his father could not attend classes due to time. That would include any intro classes people.

When I was first thinking of diving, I had 0 intention of going through any formal training. I was all set to order my gear and join my now wife diving.

Did the classes teach me any real skills? Nothing I didnt already know.. I had 0 issue breathing off a tank. 0 issue clearing a mask.. Snorkling was the norm for me so this was just taking it down..

What I did learn is what the computer now does for me. So, in reality, the training is not going to be the end all of diving.
I am certified but its not like some super special badge. I have seen enough certified divers that I would never have near me to know that the classes are just to get some info out and not everyone goes through a decent class to get that info.

Some of you really need to lighten up and realize that SCUBA started with people using things you wouldnt dare try these days to get themselves some air underwater.

They survived and now we have "formalized" SCUBA..

It's wonderful that you were able to pick up on SCUBA so quickly. I think I speak for many recreational divers, though, when I say that the majority of us have had some issues or challenges come up in OW instruction, that made said instruction priceless. For me it was mask clearing...it took several dozen tries before I was even remotely comfortable with it. I really appreciated the time and effort the instructor went through to teach me aspects of diving safety and making sure I was comfortable being underwater. Sure, I could have learned everything I needed to know from a book, but having actual person-to-person instruction made a world of difference for me.

I'd also like to add that many divers died or were seriously hurt trying to figure out the "rules" for recreational diving...now that there is formal instruction, it's just not necessary to go out and teach yourself. Sure you can, but why put yourself through the stress? Especially for those of us who don't have a history of snorkeling

At the time I became OW certified, I work 24 hour shifts every third day, worked additional shifts during the day, and managed to make time for OW classes. I'm sure that even the busiest person can manage to free up two hours somewhere to have a "Discover Scuba" dive with an instructor

Hope this helps!

 

[Hoomi]

When I think about the things I've read so far in my student manual, that I never would have thought about had I not read the book, I could not imagine even considering taking someone diving with no training.

I would suggest instead that you offer to take your Dad snorkeling, which is far less technical and presents fewer potential mishaps than scuba does.

I'll close with this comment: We often lament the mentality that doesn't think there is time to do something right in the first place, but that there is always time to fix it later. When you're considering personal safety, there may not be time to fix it later. If something goes wrong, you're going to wish for all the world you'd encouraged Dad to undergo the proper training.

 

[Nemrod]

I live near a dive park and I was NAUI certified this summer as a Basic Diver. My father has always wanted to go SCUBA diving but never has and he just doesn't have the time to take classes. Is there anyway he can obtain a passport or go diving as my buddy without him getting certified?

There are no scuba police. You can do whatever you like for the most part but is it wise to do so?---NO.

N

 

[ReefHound]

On top of all the mean posts its alarming how many people lack reading comprehension.
He stated that his father could not attend classes due to time. That would include any intro classes people.

I have seen many people who never have the time for some things but always find the time for others. My only point is that when someone "doesn't have the time" that often means it just isn't much of a priority.

Did the classes teach me any real skills? Nothing I didnt already know.. I had 0 issue breathing off a tank. 0 issue clearing a mask.. Snorkling was the norm for me so this was just taking it down..

Not everyone is a natural. Is the OP's father?

I have seen enough certified divers that I would never have near me to know that the classes are just to get some info out and not everyone goes through a decent class to get that info.

Now imagine the same divers with no formal training at all.

Some of you really need to lighten up and realize that SCUBA started with people using things you wouldnt dare try these days to get themselves some air underwater.

They survived and now we have "formalized" SCUBA..

Not all of them. Cousteau saw many if not most of his pioneer friends die.

 

[OldNSalty]

To the OP,

When I was first certified I thought it was easy-anyone could do this and I probably would have been foolish enough to try what you are thinking about but it would have been a mistake. Now that I know more I know that I didn't know enough to show anyone how to dive.

With that being said, if you attempt to take your dad diving do so in a very controlled environment and remember, even that will be dangerous. A student at the University of Alabama died recently while diving in a pool while taking scuba lessons....

 

[Missdirected]

Now that I know more I know that I didn't know enough to show anyone how to dive.

I was thinking recently, isn't it funny how the more you learn the less you know sometimes?

My son hasn't been diving in a couple of years and wanted me to take him out spearing, out of the blue he asked me this. My jaw just dropped. If this had been a few years ago, I may have said yes. Not now. No way. He wasn't too thrilled when I told him he would have to take a refresher course with a friend of mine and get some dives in w/o spearing before I would take him out. Note he only had about 40 dives before he quit diving a couple years ago.

 

[Splitlip]

On top of all the mean posts its alarming how many people lack reading comprehension.
He stated that his father could not attend classes due to time. That would include any intro classes people.

When I was first thinking of diving, I had 0 intention of going through any formal training. I was all set to order my gear and join my now wife diving.

Did the classes teach me any real skills? Nothing I didnt already know.. I had 0 issue breathing off a tank. 0 issue clearing a mask.. Snorkling was the norm for me so this was just taking it down..

What I did learn is what the computer now does for me. So, in reality, the training is not going to be the end all of diving.
I am certified but its not like some super special badge. I have seen enough certified divers that I would never have near me to know that the classes are just to get some info out and not everyone goes through a decent class to get that info.

Some of you really need to lighten up and realize that SCUBA started with people using things you wouldnt dare try these days to get themselves some air underwater.

They survived and now we have "formalized" SCUBA..

Not understanding here. Are you suggesting to OP that formalized OW training does nothing more than instruct the students in the tables?

You can't be advocating a newly "certified" diver who would have learned nothing, as you say, take an uncertified diver out?

I will agree with you that most newly certified divers lack a lot of skills, but they will learn by positive experience mostly with other more experienced divers. Without the basic OW they lack EVERYTHING.

But to imply that a newly certed diver and an inexperienced diver can go out and experiment like the pioneers of old, IMO, is wrong.

Maybe, I misread your post.