How to ensure my safety when there is no guide dive with me?

[Paco]

Wow. Is this a troll?

 

[300bar]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

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[ZenDiver.3D]

Okay, this Is basic scuba. But come one. The OP is not asking a question really. He wants a DM to hold his hand for free. And I have no idea how new this guy is. He says he's been traveling Asia and the US diving. He isn't exactly a freshly minted diver. It just seems like a princess post to me.

 

[Doc]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Will you please remember
This IS BasicSuba

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I'm trying.

I found a major difference for scuba diving in United States than in Asia is that DM in United States won't get into the water take care of divers.

Comparatively, there isn't really anything in the water to see that isn't as big as an aircraft carrier, so there really isn't much need, although the standard aircraft carrier dive in the US does usually supply a DM.

no DM would take care of the divers underwater and lead the team.

Most North American divers believe they do not like being led about. Actually, in our sparsely populated waters, it is about the only real way any of us will ever find anything like a Pipefish or a Neck Crab. We tolerate large groups if there is a Canned Shark Rodeo or Dolphin Dive, but then again, most everyone can spot a critter that is over 6' in length- I'm not sure what to make of that contradiction.

But in Asia, u will see DM and instructors lead the team all the time, in case of anyone get lost or any emergence happen. In Jamaica, there were always 3 DMs take care of divers, one in the front of the team, another in the middle, while the last DM follow the last two divers.

In Jamaica, they see a disproportionate number of MUPPET divers. This practice helps keep the guests alive and gets them back to the Big Resort in time for the Naked Limbo Contest. In that Jamaica has some of the best in Caribbean Basin diving, I could never figure out why anyone would want to blow off one of the two daily dives just to watch some drunk secretary from NYC get all naked with the Gentile Orginazatiors at Club Dred, but I just can't get enough divin', myself. Besides, the 43min max bottom time is good because my nitrox is just kicking in and I don't like the bends so much. Besides, my Oxygen tank is running out by then. Let's party!

I would rather get a guide to dive with me in United States, however, it cost too much here. In San Diego, it will cost $120 just for guide fee for three tanks diving. ( that's too much )


So I wonder, how can I make sure I am safe enough in the dive trip? Would anybody share some tips with me, to let me feel more confident under water? I already know one of the tip, that is look at the shadow of the boat, is there any other tips ? Please see my questions..

1) If the boat is going to be anchored, there would be a big shadow on the top of water. I guess look at that shadow would help to relocate myself.

I knew a guy who tried a similar trick in Florida in the 1970's while cave diving. The clouds came up and he couldn't find that vertical shaft... the next thing you know- you won't find the boat because there is no shadow. This is a bad plan.

2) Always follow the buddy . But how about if my buddy and me get lost?

Then you will both be lost together.

3) Should I buy a underwater compass?

Why not? Everyone does. Very few know what to do with one. The thing about a compass is- they're only useful if you already know where you are at.

Or if there's any equipment can help me to find my location?

I've been working on bread crumbs, but so far the long spool of string works best.

3) Is there any other tips to help me feel more comfortable to dive with ONLY my buddy?

Every location and dive site are different. Moored dives, live boat dives, shore dives and more!

Ask the DM and those around you for their best advice for "not getting lost" on this particular environment.

 

[diversteve]

...is that DM in United States won't get into the water...

Try Maui, they do there.

 

[D_B]

In this forum, I would just answer the questions ... and wait to see what unfolds later

In lieu of diving with a good mentor, I think that getting more, and better training is what the original poster is going to need to feel comfortable/confident under water

 

[fdog]

N

Ha ha ha ha!

...perilously close to coating screen and keyboard with Diet Coke....


Thanks N!


All the best, James

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

Like I tell my students upon certification, " Now it's time to try pulling up your big girl panties and dive."

 

[RJP]

Okay, this Is basic scuba. But come one. The OP is not asking a question really. He wants a DM to hold his hand for free. And I have no idea how new this guy is. He says he's been traveling Asia and the US diving. He isn't exactly a freshly minted diver. It just seems like a princess post to me.

There are plenty of "resort type" operations in the US that have a DM in the water on every dive. Hawaii and Florida come to mind. Follow them if you want, go your own way if you don't.

As to the OP (trying not to flame here) but if you think you need a DM with you to ensure your safety, maybe you should...

Well, maybe you should post the question on a different forum so I can tell you what you should do.

:d

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

There are plenty of "resort type" operations in the US that have a DM in the water on every dive. Hawaii and Florida come to mind. Follow them if you want, go your own way if you don't.

As to the OP (trying not to flame here) but if you think you need a DM with you to ensure your safety, maybe you should...

Well, maybe you should post the question on a different forum so I can tell you what you should do.

:d

Yep. Exactly. But he sounds like he wants his own personal DM buddy. He can pay for them. They are professionals and should be treated as such. Not as scut labor.