Trisha
Contributor
The problem with going below 60 feet with an Open Water Diver card and limited experience -- task overloading plus lack of familiarity with the basics of scuba. If you are new to the sport it's easier to sort things out within a reasonable distance of the surface, say 20 to 40 feet.
On the other hand, reread the section in your scuba book on the danger of lung expansion injury. This is always a concern, but it really kicks in during the top 33 feet (1 ATM to 2 ATM) so shallow water diving has its own hazards.
Bottom line: in a worst-case scenario, it's easier for a dive buddy to do a rescue from a shallow dive. It's easier to do self-rescue. Take your time and get your skills. After all, who rescues the divemaster?
On the other hand, reread the section in your scuba book on the danger of lung expansion injury. This is always a concern, but it really kicks in during the top 33 feet (1 ATM to 2 ATM) so shallow water diving has its own hazards.
Bottom line: in a worst-case scenario, it's easier for a dive buddy to do a rescue from a shallow dive. It's easier to do self-rescue. Take your time and get your skills. After all, who rescues the divemaster?