Important Note
Disclaimer: The information provided in this Training Refreshers section is intended solely as a review for certified divers. It is not a substitute for proper scuba diving training or certification. Always ensure you are certified before engaging in any diving activities. If you're not certified or need to renew your certification, please contact a professional diving instructor or a certified diving organization.
Personal Note: I was certified at the Memphis Dive Shop. If you're looking to get certified or enhance your diving skills, I highly recommend checking out The Dive Shop Diventures.
Basic Skills Review
Refreshing your basic scuba skills is essential for safe and enjoyable diving. Here are some key skills to practice:
Mask Clearing
- Partially flood your mask with water
- Tilt your head back slightly
- Press the top of the mask frame against your forehead
- Exhale slowly and steadily through your nose
- Look down as the mask clears to ensure all water is removed
Regulator Recovery and Clearing
- Sweep your right arm to the side and slightly behind you
- Follow your arm with your head, looking over your right shoulder
- When you feel the regulator hose, grab it and bring the regulator to your mouth
- Place the regulator in your mouth and exhale sharply to clear any water
- Resume normal breathing
Neutral Buoyancy
Maintaining neutral buoyancy is crucial for efficient diving and protecting underwater environments. Practice these techniques:
- Use small bursts of air in your BCD to fine-tune your buoyancy
- Practice hovering in a stationary position
- Use your breath control to make minor adjustments
- Aim to maintain a horizontal body position while swimming
Buddy Check
Always perform a thorough buddy check before each dive using the acronym BWRAF (sometimes remembered 'Barf Will Really Attract Fish'):
- BCD: Check inflation and deflation
- Weights: Ensure proper weight and release mechanisms
- Releases: Familiarize with all quick releases
- Air: Check tank pressure and regulator function
- Final check: Overall equipment check
Advanced Diving Techniques
For experienced divers looking to enhance their skills, here are some advanced techniques to research/practice:
Underwater Navigation
- Use natural navigation techniques (e.g., bottom contours, light direction)
- Practice compass navigation for precise course-holding
- Learn to estimate distances underwater
Deep Diving
- Master proper descent and ascent techniques
- Learn to manage gas consumption at depth
- Understand and mitigate nitrogen narcosis effects
Night Diving
- Develop proficiency with dive lights and signaling
- Practice maintaining orientation in low-visibility conditions
- Learn to identify nocturnal marine life
Underwater Photography
- Master buoyancy control for steady shots
- Learn proper strobe positioning and lighting techniques
- Practice composition skills unique to underwater environments
Rescue Techniques
- Practice underwater search patterns
- Learn diver towing and surfacing techniques
- Master in-water rescue breathing and equipment removal