how long is to long

[scubaranger]

I got cert. last summer did basic and adv. I got only 30 dives in. due to family issues I haven't gotten wet in 7 mos. I'm not going deep till I do some shallow again. well my question is this guy told me if I get close to a year I should take a refresher what's your opion.

 

[decompression]

This is an eternal question........it's really up to you.....but.....A refresher never hurts.....it's minimal cost and time for the security of knowing that you are again confident with diving. Most diving related accidents are atributable not to inexperience but a break in diving. Besides, diving is enjoyable wether it's a refresher or a warm, clear dive in the Carribean.....

 

[gfisher4792]

Well, from someone who has been in the same situation, a lot of it depends on your comfort level/confidence. After the summer I got certified, I didn't dive until 6 months later, and those were 100' and 70' dives in FL. However, I was comfortable with my skills, and went over all my equipment, course books, etc. A quick refresher in a pool would help. I would go to your LDS and see if you could tag along with a class, at least to get an hour or 2 in the water. Again, it depends on your comfort level.

 

[scubaranger]

thanks for the replies. I thought there would me more of a cut off like x amount of time and a dive bout woulding take you out. I thought 2 yrs. was that number. Gfisher most of my dives have been thru my LDS. thru tagging along with other ow classes or my aow class. I think I have 6 thru work and 4 with non lds dives. that gets expensive after a while.

 

[gj62]

thanks for the replies. I thought there would me more of a cut off like x amount of time and a dive bout woulding take you out. I thought 2 yrs. was that number. Gfisher most of my dives have been thru my LDS. thru tagging along with other ow classes or my aow class. I think I have 6 thru work and 4 with non lds dives. that gets expensive after a while.

It is solely up to you. However, you might also consider renting some pool time, rather than a full refresher. This is less expensive, but gets you the chance to play with the gear again and practice some simple fundamentals. It is all about your comfort level, and this is a good what to guage that before you get to your vacation dive spot. My wife did it last year after laying off diving for awhile and found it to be most helpful. Take a buddy if you can - an extra pair of eyes can help spot any trim/gear issues you may be having.

 

[gfisher4792]

However, you might also consider renting some pool time, rather than a full refresher.

This was what I was suggesting, rather than a full blown class. My LDS will let me tag along if I have new equipment to test, for example. I just have to pay for tank rental for the night.

Good luck!

 

[jonnythan]

I think that if you're wondering whether you should have a refresher, you should probably have a refresher.

 

[Scott Riemer]

I think that if you're wondering whether you should have a refresher, you should probably have a refresher.

That is solid advice right there.

 

[sirensmyst]

As a diver medic....I also advise you to take a review. Even 6 mos is too long. Take the advise and I won't see you in the Chamber.

 

[Doc]

Shallow can kill ya just as effectively as deep. Don't underestimate.

Also understand that your relative inexperience also means that you have knowledge of a limited range of "types" of dive operations: boats, ladders, currents, local procedures (and on and on).

If you are thinking of travelling afar, understand that the picture will be radically different than your first 30 logged dives.

Always advise the DM in charge of your concerns, but don't expect them to be an Insructor watching over a Resort Course Diver. A good DM, when properly advised of such a concern will search to understand your past experiences as applied to his boat and dive op. Pay close attention.

While you are sitting at home, review, re-rig and test out your gear. Get it serviced (it may be time). Re-read the areas of your training materials which you feel might help.

As far as polishingt skills, you can do that by yourself in a pool, or with the assistance of any Professional. You're in a great state for diving- most dive ops there have heard- and seen- it all before.

Good for you that you asked.

Have fun, be safe.