Just got cerified and going next week for OW dive

[Murrhers]

Hi! My husband and I just got certified. Going to Bermuda and will take my first dive through a cruise excursion.

My dive master suggested I go down the anchor line slowly to clear my ears and acclimate myself to environment, and then ascend up the anchor line as well.

Anyone have ideas on how these types of dives go?

I'm curious as to how these operations handle the different levels of experience, and if they typically have a high ratio of operators to customers.

Any suggestions for me are welcome.

All input is welcome on what to expect or plan for.:blinking:

 

[sdmoore@shaw.ca]

Hi! My husband and I just got certified. Going to Bermuda and will take my first dive through a cruise excursion.

My dive master suggested I go down the anchor line slowly to clear my ears and acclimate myself to environment, and then ascend up the anchor line as well.

Anyone have ideas on how these types of dives go?

I'm curious as to how these operations handle the different levels of experience, and if they typically have a high ratio of operators to customers.

Any suggestions for me are welcome.

All input is welcome on what to expect or plan for.:blinking:

Anchor line is an exceptional idea for going down; don't worry about it coming up. Only thing to worry about in tropical diving through resorts that I've found is water depth. For new divers it is hard to guage how deep you really are. Check your depth and air frequently no matter what sort of critters you may find to chase. It is very easy to go from 40 ft to 90 ft without noticing.

Regarding guides/ratios; I've been on some where the divemaster/experienced guide leads a group and some where you go on your own. The thing to remember about boat dives is really to not worry. Go down, enjoy looking at stuff, then come up (remember 3 mins to rest at btwn 20 and 10ft staring at stuff). A boat will always find you as you really can't get too far on a 3000 lbs tank.
Enjoy.

 

[MWPinNC]

What a great answer to a great question.

My son and I just became certified though an SSI course in Ft. Mill SC this summer. I have been to LOTS of school in my life. Our SCUBA instructor, Randy Evans, was as good a teacher as I have ever had. I had taken a "resort course" a few years ago and went diving for the first time in the BVI after my 1/2 hour "instruction". I had the time of my life and had dreams of "flying" underwater frequently after the experience. In our course, Randy's emphasis on consciously practicing over and over situation awareness underwater, and then having us practice in the pool and on our open water dives, is in my view what keeps me safe underwater now.

I say this because on my first dive, at 66 feet in crystal-clear water, I didn't understand then how much air consumption goes up at three atmospheres and chasing squids that were changing color all the time, I was breathing pretty fast. On my first ascent ever, I was buddy breathing with the divemaster. I'm still new at this and when I am underwater now, I am still concentrating on controlling my breathing, thinking about always breathing and NEVER holding my breath, and I know how much air I have left and where my buddy is. I still feel like I have my Learner's Permit and am still at the point in my diving career that I am solidifying good technique by consciously practicing it. I am really excited about this sport. Have a great time, but like the post says, stay aware at all times.

Mark