Dive with a divemaster or not?

[medicdiver738]

Hello all I am new to diving and have a question to ask. I have a friend, who also took the OW class at the same time as me(last week) who is diving with her boyfriend who is an expierenced diver(don't know how many dives but not a DM or even a Rescue Diver). We are planning a trip and they feel that if we can not get on a boat (due to them not wanting to prebook) that we can just go rent some tanks and go diving when and where we want just because we have that card that says we are certified. I on the other hand feel that this is unsafe and do not like the idea of going out without a DM or atleast some one who is a rescue diver, but I am much more safety conscious than most people being a paramedic/firefighter. I understand that you have your buddy with you at all times but this still does not seem right to me. Am I being paranoid or is this the smart play? Are there even dive shops out there that will rent air bottles to someone who is newly certified for going out without a DM. I think I must mention that I am going to Aruba and it seems that most shops or DO's down there are listed with PADI and this does not seem like this is something that PADI would indorse. Any comments or advice would of a big help to me.

 

[gypsyjim]

Trust your instinct.

No matter how experienced you eventually become there will be times a dive just does not feel "right" to you. Any time you are not comfortable with any dive situation do not allow yourself to be pushed.

 

[Will]

Well first off congrats on getting certified

And as Jim said - you are perfectly allowed to call a dive at any time for any reason and should not worry what your buddy thinks - if you are not comfortable with it.

There is no scuba police So as long as you have a certification card - most shops will rent you air - it is your responsibility to stay within your training and dive safe - it is your life (and others) after all!

I don't think you will have any trouble getting on a charter - I would also post in the appropriate regional forum and I am sure someone on here can help you out with diving in that area!

 

[guamguy]

Congrats on the cert!! I think you'll be just fine out there without a DM. That said, if you've got the heebee jeebee's about the dive, don't go. Nobody's pulling your arm The only dives I've ever done with a DM on site were my cert dives for basic open water. I would encourage you to try shore diving, it's great fun, and you'll usually meet some great people at the beach that will offer you tons of advice. Again, do what you think is right, but more than likely, not every dive you do will be with a DM.
Safe Diving, and have FUN

 

[D_B]

Trust your instincts ... If you are uncomfortable with something, then there is a reason why.

One thing to think about is getting information on what the local dive site is like, what are the conditions? where are places to go? or not to go?

 

[RJP]

Really depends on WHERE you're talking about diving. Easy shore dives in Bonaire? No problem. Drift diving in the St Laurence Seaway? That's a different matter.

 

[Rick Inman]

Exploring on your own is fun! I'm not talking about randomly finding a spot and jumping in. But doing the research first, asking questions of other divers, of dive shops, researching on the web, getting maps, etc. Check for tide, current, surf, weather conditions. Going slow, looking over a site from shore or from the boat for a while.

I think a pair of new divers can go it on their own and have a blast and be safe. Could you get into trouble because, for example, you didn't know this particular site your are trying has a wall with a strong down-welling? Sure you could. And renting a DM or being on a charter can help you avoid a potentially dangerous site.

Check out this Franko map: Amazon.com: Franko's Aruba Reef Creatures Identification Guide: Frank Nielsen

Pick up one of these online or at a dive shop and off you go!

 

[diver 85]

Do a search or look in the 'accidents & incidents' section about a couple recently hiring a DM......It's probably the best way of going about it but does not assure anyone of 'getting home safely'.....

I'm still reminded that after OW cert., we are all certified divers meaning we're supposed to know all this, no??---you may be simply putting the cart before the horse in this case, ie you may need further experience......good luck in your future diving......

 

[SurDo2]

Just relax and think about the training you've received. Wether there's a divemaster there or not isn't going to make much of a difference to your actual dive other than on a psychological level. Your good to go. Talk to your dive partners about their level of experience and voice your concerns. Stay shallow and within your comfort zone. Come up with a dive plan and stick to it. By dive plan I don't just mean bottom time. Current, navigation, visibility, where do we descend, where will we surface, what will we do if this happens, etc. Shore diving's always an option and when the moment of truth comes and you still don't feel comfortable, don't dive. There's always tomorrow.

Have fun and dive safe.

 

[sabbath999]

Trust your instinct.

No matter how experienced you eventually become there will be times a dive just does not feel "right" to you. Any time you are not comfortable with any dive situation do not allow yourself to be pushed.

+1

Even if you do follow through and go with them without a DM you are going to feel anxious about it, and being anxious at the start of a dive can lead to bad places you don't want to go.