First Trip to "Real Open Water"

[Gac]

So, I'm finally looking at the dream: a "real open water" dive in the Caymans. I've been certified for a year, now, and I've done a dozen dives in quarries, lakes, and other in-land attractions. But (drum roll), in late July/early August, I'll be heading to somewhere in the Caymans to do some diving.

As a bluegill (or green-horn for you on-land Texans), I'm wondering what advice and tips any of you might have? I'm nearly jumping to the ceiling in anticipation, and if there were so ever a time that I'd hear every word said to me, now is that time.

So... PLEASE WISDOM-IFY ME!

-Gac

 

[minnesota01r6]

First, read this thread and make sure you have the requisite safety equipment:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=129068

 

[ScubaMike05]

That thread was awesome.

Besides the safety equipment, GET DAN INSURANCE!!!! It's cheap and will cover you if (knock on wood) have a problem. Definately ask the operator about their emergency procedures like:

1. Do they have emergency oxygen in the event of an emergency. Is it enough to
last all the way back to shore?

2. Do they have adequate communication in the event of an emergency in open water?

3. Do they have a first aid kit?


If you're going solo to really interview the person you're buddied up with. Grill them with stuff like:

1. How often they have dived. What is their dive level?
2. Have they ever dove in this environment before.
3. Review their gear and show them yours
4. Review how you like to dive and what you expect of them as a buddy, like if you want them pretty close.
5. Review signals. Many people understand different signals, so make sure you're on the same page.

I know it sounds like a lot of information to digest and a hassle, but it's important to know. I remember when I first started out (not long ago) I just showed up and let the operator and DM take care of me. I've since learned that it demonstrates that you are interested and want to have a safe and fun dive.

Take care and have a great time!

 

[K9trnr]

It also doesn't hurt to ask about their dive roster. I've seen commercial operations vary from none at all to requiring each diver sign the roster before getting in the water and again when getting back out. If they say something like, "We don't use one. The divemaster will lead the group and keep track of everyone in the water," it's probably not a good sign. Yes, divemasters are good at doing that, but if there's ten of you with one divemaster...

Also remember you don't have to accept the buddy they pair you with (if you're alone). If you don't feel comfortable with the buddy and they're the only other person alone, you can request you both buddy up with the DM (assuming it's a guided dive).

 

[K9trnr]

Oh yeah, one other piece of advice. Have fun!!! The Caymans are AWESOME!!!

 

[minnesota01r6]

I read in another thread that someone finds another buddy group, and looks them in the eye, and says "I will make sure you are on this boat when we leave if you will do the same for us" and then makes them shake on it. Seems like a pretty good way to leave an imprint on someone that they have a duty to make sure you are on the boat.

 

[ScubaMike05]

Oh yeah, one other piece of advice. Have fun!!! The Caymans are AWESOME!!!

Scuba diving is fun?!

:lol:

 

[K9trnr]

Scuba diving is fun?!

:lol:

Only until you run out of air.

 

[Firecracker]

Only until you run out of air.

Yeah, but then it gets EXCITING!!!:11:

 

[K9trnr]

Yeah, but then it gets EXCITING!!!:11:

Not for me. I'm old. Once the air's gone, I head home to take a nap...oh wait, you thought I meant out of air underwater...