First saltwater dive

[sponge_bob]

In a couple of weeks Im going to have my first saltwater dive. I have done a few fw dives so Im looking for some advice. We are going to key largo in two weeks. I dont have a buddy yet, does the scuba shop supply one? Any and all advice will be helpful.

 

[ramblinpaul]

Yep, they'll make sure you are buddied with another diver. If everyone else already has a buddy, then the divemaster should buddy with you.

I wouldn't worry about this so much in the Keys, but I've found in the Caribbean you have to constantly. and repeatedly, remind the divemaster you do not have a buddy and need one before commencing the dive.

 

[spectrum]

In a couple of weeks Im going to have my first saltwater dive. I have done a few fw dives so Im looking for some advice. We are going to key largo in two weeks. I dont have a buddy yet, does the scuba shop supply one? Any and all advice will be helpful.

Assuming the same gear and exposure protection plan on adding 5-8 pounds of weight.

More precisely take your entite pre-dive weight, you, your gear, your fresh water weights and a full tank of air, add it all up and moltiply by .026, or add 1 pound for every 40. Add it in a central location and whatever you have sorted out so far from buoyancy and trim should survive fine.

As a new diver hitting the ocean for the first time an insta buddy may not be a good idea unless they can match you with somone who likes to mentor. A hired DM may be best, at least for dive #1.

Pete

 

[Vayu]

I don't really like the concept of an insta-buddy. Maybe you can make arrangements with someone from the board to show you around a little. If you do get buddied on the boat, avoid these two mistakes:

1. Do not trouble a pair that came togethor. Chances are they don't want their well-planned dive to become a threesome.

2. Don't exceed your limits by buddying up with superman.

If I were you I would treat this like a solo dive.

Other than that, make sure you are comfortable with the depth and the weather. Bring an extra 3-4 lbs to weight for the saltwater.

And don't forget one of the golen rules of scuba: Have fun.

-V

 

[Padipro]

The dive ops in the Keys are used to seeing new divers because it's such a popular vacation spot. Most likely they will ask if everyone has a buddy and if not they will pair you up with someone or even put you in a group of 3. If they for some reason don't ask then don't be afraid to memtion to them that you are alone. They should give you a breafing on the site they are going to dive and the direction the current is flowing so you know which way to swim. If you've never done a salt water dive pay close attention to this as the currents in the Keys can be a bit strong and if you let the current take you on a drift dive when the dive is not planned as a drift then you could end up quite a ways away from the boat and unable to get back. Remember that swimming against even a mild current is difficult at best and at worst impossible.

You should have a great time, diving in the Keys is nice.

Oh, one more thing. Don't forget to take some sea sick meds before you go out. Getting sick on the boat is the worst feeling in the world and once you're sick there's no way to get over it until you're back on dry land.

 

[Brewone0to]

Don't forget a SMB/safety sausage and a whistle

 

[sponge_bob]

Thanks for the into guys. Should I call a dive shop in advance or just wait untill I get down there. I am from the tampa area so if there is anybody going to be down there let me know.

 

[StSomewhere]

The weather is unpredictable this time of year, if the captain refuses to go out he's doing so against his or her own financial interest. The conditions will probably be worse out on the reef than you may be seeing at the dock.

Whoever you get buddied up with, introduce yourself and ask if they mind if you join them. Be honest about your level. Whatever you do, keep all body parts, fins, octo, console, etc. off the live coral. The coral will thank you, the fish will thank you, and I will thank you.

 

[Markdone]

Don't forget sunscreen. You may be chilly, but the sun's strong on the water. Many of the dive boats are open with no shade.

water temps last week were 65 - 73 in shallow water.

 

[kidspot]

If you've been diving quarries and small lakes without current, surge and swells, you may find they take a bit of getting used to. For the most part just make sure you stay calm and relaxed, and don't fight them...