Helping new diver...

[kidspot]

6 months ago I got certified with a few teens from my church. One of them has not been diving since, but it looks like he will be starting to as of this week. So what recommendations do you have for our first few dives together to help him remember (in a safe environment) the basic skills from OW? I am planning on a dive in about 20ft starting over a sand patch (about 15ft depth) and just giving him 5-10 minutes to get a grip on his buoyancy, breathing etc.. Then go over the basic skills together. Is this moving too fast (I know it depends on the individual) or do you have other recommendations? The reason he has not come in the past is because I was requiring his father to join us (also a diver) as I didn't want to be responsible for his safety, but that has not worked out and in the meantime he's matured a lot, I've gotten some experience, and I wanted to give him a chance to dive...

So what recommendations would you give...

Thanks, Tim

 

[MoonWrasse]

I'd say a scuba review type activity. Assembling the gear, water entry, descent, fin pivot, mask removal, buoyancy, etc., normal ascent.

 

[jiveturkey]

Padi recommends a "Scuba Review" class with a dm or instructor if you've been away from diving for 6 months or more. If something were to happen, you'd be liable.

If you decide to go ahead and do it yourself, at least start in a very controlled environment such as a pool. If he has only completed the dives required for the OW course, he will probably need some time to practice the bouyancy skills and safety procedures he learned back then.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Ide go with the scuba review also for a new diver that has not been diving lately. Contact the dive shop.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Tim it sounds like you're taking him to Airport beach from your description of the divesite.

While you aren't a dm or instructor there isn't anything illegal about reviewing some basic skills. I assume he's 15 and an open water diver not a junior diver? Either way I really don't see a problem.

You aren't teaching him new skills nor have you passed yourself off as a professional. It's not uncommon for new dive buddies to review basic buddy procedures such as shared air, lost buddy, things like that.

You know his personality so monitor how he is acting before the dive. If he's quiet and gets talkative or vice versa you know his stress levels are up. Monitor his stress levels above and then once that's under control take him on a shallow dive and monitor his stress levels there.

Don't require him to do skills, instead phrase it differently and ask him if he'd enjoy practicing skills with you. Then you can do your retriveal and mask clears and watch him then do his, if he wants.

I'll be there in two weeks Tim and if you want I'm available to dive with him and you and I have no problems helping him to refine his skills or teach him some new ones if needed. Don't worry, I don't charge friends or kids

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Padi recommends a "Scuba Review" class with a dm or instructor if you've been away from diving for 6 months or more. If something were to happen, you'd be liable.

Liability is only assumed if ...
- you are passing yourself off as qualified above your current certification level
- you attempt teaching new skills
- you accept a gratuity

Otherwise, you are just a couple of divers going out for a good time and you're trying to be a helpful dive buddy.

People do this all the time ... it's called being a mentor.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

PS - I just read Al's response, and agree completely. Above all else, plan the dive to be fun fun and relaxing, and the skills practice as part of the dive rather than the objective of the dive.

 

[kidspot]

Thanks Al - I had not considered the age part - he's only 14 (NAUI cert), does that change the requirements?

As Bob put it, I'm just attempting to be a mentor. I am working with both he and his sister training them to teach a Sunday School Class and thought it would be good to do some activities outside of church together.

Also we are not learning new skills, just working on old ones (myself included..) and yup I was describing Airport beach (good memory Al)

Thanks again for the insights and recommendations...

 

[jbd]

Kidspot,
I agree with the comments by Al and Bob. One thing you might want to consider is doing some of the skills at the surface or even standing in shallow water. This will give you a little idea on how they feel about water on the mask etc etc. Also you can consier this as a "rehearsal" so you know they have a pretty fair idea of what they are doing at a time when you can still talk with. Once they have gone through the "rehearsal" with you then head UW and try a few skills while diving. Keep it light and fun.