O2BBubbleFree
Contributor
Come Jan. I will be eligible to apply for the dive team where I work. Im on the fence as to whether I want to, so help me decide.
95% of the dives are shallow (top 50 of the water column) dives in fresh water, low vis, with nothing to see but the compass. Basic dive plan is, descend to X feet and follow Y bearing until told to ascend. Boring.
The other 5% could include short dives to various depths with various tasks to accomplish (moving things, tightening things, inspecting things). These dives will be a little more fun than the ones described above. Again, in murky fresh water, but might see a few fish.
Very rarely I might get to use a scooter or other toy, but dont count on it.
I would also occasionally dive in our 40 diameter, 40 deep tank. Either for training or to accomplish a task, as mentioned above.
No extra pay, but will be diving on work time. Members commit to being available for one day a month, but are typically not needed that often.
When I first started working here, I didnt think I would apply for the dive team because when you turn a hobby into work there is a good chance that you will ruin the hobby. I think that this is especially a danger due to the nature of the majority of the dives.
Now that the time has almost come I am, as I said, on the fence.
The benefits I see are 1) time underwater (improve SAC, navigation), 2) exercise (Ill probably have to get in better shape before I apply). Plus with two little ones and a wife that works nights, I havent been able to do as many rec. dives as I would like. These may not be reef dives, but at least Ill be getting wet a little more often.
But the biggest benefit I see comes from the fact that Im planning of becoming a part-time independent instructor in a couple of years, and having been a pro might look good to potential students, as well as the higher dive count. (I would like to avoid advice r.e. whether or not to become an instructor. There are enough other threads for that.)
Another issue is humiliation. Im 20 years older than most of the current dive team members, and in worse shape. I am also an air hog, partially due to the fact that I am out of shape, but also, I believe, because I screwed up my lungs when I was a kid (I think from inhaling dry alfalfa dust in a makeshift barn, but Im not sure).
Id especially like to hear from any commercial divers: how likely is it that boring work dives might affect my desire to dive recreationally?
Thanks,
95% of the dives are shallow (top 50 of the water column) dives in fresh water, low vis, with nothing to see but the compass. Basic dive plan is, descend to X feet and follow Y bearing until told to ascend. Boring.
The other 5% could include short dives to various depths with various tasks to accomplish (moving things, tightening things, inspecting things). These dives will be a little more fun than the ones described above. Again, in murky fresh water, but might see a few fish.
Very rarely I might get to use a scooter or other toy, but dont count on it.
I would also occasionally dive in our 40 diameter, 40 deep tank. Either for training or to accomplish a task, as mentioned above.
No extra pay, but will be diving on work time. Members commit to being available for one day a month, but are typically not needed that often.
When I first started working here, I didnt think I would apply for the dive team because when you turn a hobby into work there is a good chance that you will ruin the hobby. I think that this is especially a danger due to the nature of the majority of the dives.
Now that the time has almost come I am, as I said, on the fence.
The benefits I see are 1) time underwater (improve SAC, navigation), 2) exercise (Ill probably have to get in better shape before I apply). Plus with two little ones and a wife that works nights, I havent been able to do as many rec. dives as I would like. These may not be reef dives, but at least Ill be getting wet a little more often.
But the biggest benefit I see comes from the fact that Im planning of becoming a part-time independent instructor in a couple of years, and having been a pro might look good to potential students, as well as the higher dive count. (I would like to avoid advice r.e. whether or not to become an instructor. There are enough other threads for that.)
Another issue is humiliation. Im 20 years older than most of the current dive team members, and in worse shape. I am also an air hog, partially due to the fact that I am out of shape, but also, I believe, because I screwed up my lungs when I was a kid (I think from inhaling dry alfalfa dust in a makeshift barn, but Im not sure).
Id especially like to hear from any commercial divers: how likely is it that boring work dives might affect my desire to dive recreationally?
Thanks,