jaybombs25
Contributor
How long, or how much experience should someone have before actively looking to do local shore diving with a buddy, no DM or instructor... What do you think? i.e After OW cert
How long should a new diver wait before diving without DM
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ekremer
Contributor
Depends on the diver. Right after OW I was comfortable going on my own, and I did. But if you do not feel comfortable then don't.
covediver
Contributor
assuming conditions are ok for your new level of experience and that you have done a shore dive as part of your certification, there is no reason to use a d.m. This is kind of standard practice in California and other places I have been diving.
If your new or relatively in-experienced. I would hook up with a more experienced diver/buddy to show you the ropes, help you with your bouyancy issues and generally dive with you and your buddy until you(both) gained more experienced. Especially if you are diving areas you never been before. Hooking up with a more experienced buddy will do you wonders and help you gain confidence as the dives progress.
Technically. You can dive after your certification. Your certified right? OW depth limits are 60 feet. So dive within your limits and certification levels.
Technically. You can dive after your certification. Your certified right? OW depth limits are 60 feet. So dive within your limits and certification levels.
well, good question, and a lot of it depends on the original OW training and one's comfort level.
BUT...........
I do remember being at a resort on a group dive of maybe 5 or 6 pairs of divers. The OWSI instructor gave the briefing and then said something like this--
be aware of your surroundings and of your buddy. You're all certified divers and this means you should be able to take care of yourself. If something happens and you can't get my attention immediately, don't wait for ME to take care of YOU....as divers, you are responsible for yourself and your buddy.
To me, basically, he was saying that with PROPER TRAINING, you should be able to dive without a DM or instructor at any time.....IF you are PROPERLY TRAINED!
I know there have been many threads going on about the alleged laxed training requirements of agency "XYZ" compared to the good old days, etc, etc....and that some consider it nothing more than "pay to dive and get your c-card". So, I am not sure if I answered your question or not.
For ME, if a DM or Instructor, or at least knowledgable diver is around, I like to go with them one the first dive at a NEW location. They can point out things on the dive and make it more enjoyable. Use their experience and expertise for this reason, but not because you expect them to save your butt when you screw up something at 60' depth.
BUT...........
I do remember being at a resort on a group dive of maybe 5 or 6 pairs of divers. The OWSI instructor gave the briefing and then said something like this--
be aware of your surroundings and of your buddy. You're all certified divers and this means you should be able to take care of yourself. If something happens and you can't get my attention immediately, don't wait for ME to take care of YOU....as divers, you are responsible for yourself and your buddy.
To me, basically, he was saying that with PROPER TRAINING, you should be able to dive without a DM or instructor at any time.....IF you are PROPERLY TRAINED!
I know there have been many threads going on about the alleged laxed training requirements of agency "XYZ" compared to the good old days, etc, etc....and that some consider it nothing more than "pay to dive and get your c-card". So, I am not sure if I answered your question or not.
For ME, if a DM or Instructor, or at least knowledgable diver is around, I like to go with them one the first dive at a NEW location. They can point out things on the dive and make it more enjoyable. Use their experience and expertise for this reason, but not because you expect them to save your butt when you screw up something at 60' depth.
jon m
Contributor
make sure you know how to read that compass, and take it easy/ stay within your limits!
OP
jaybombs25
Contributor
ok thanks... I'm a new diver but the site I want to dive is no deeper than i would say 40 ft and its a nice calm reef running along the shore with a beach at one end.. very weak current.. I know this site literally like the back of my hand. spent many many hours snorkling this because its really close to my home. It's a lovely place calm clear waters viz usually 80++ ft on an average day well over a hundred on others. So i no everywhere on the site where I can find what fish and so on.. I am comfortable in the water.. The ONLY thing stopping me would be you guessed nagging mother..how can I convince her that I should be safe
turn her on to diving and take her WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
My cheeky answer: until you're no longer relieved a DM is there with you.
My not so cheeky answer: It all depends on your evaluation of your skills. OW classes are not created equal. My mother took one of the instant-diver/just-add-water classes and it took 20 or 30 dives before I felt she had a prayer of helping me if I had an emergency. On the other hand, there are instructors out there that will make divers that can swim circles around many dive masters.
My not so cheeky answer: It all depends on your evaluation of your skills. OW classes are not created equal. My mother took one of the instant-diver/just-add-water classes and it took 20 or 30 dives before I felt she had a prayer of helping me if I had an emergency. On the other hand, there are instructors out there that will make divers that can swim circles around many dive masters.
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