Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a
SMB
A: A SMB (surface marker boy) is a way of letting the dive support
and other water users know that you are there, (see
here for mid
water SMB deployment )
Q: What do I need for
pool training?
A: For pool sessions you I will need to bring with you:-
- mask
- fins
- swimming stuff
we arrange a sale of mask, fins and boots close to the start of term but your welcome to shop else where. For the first few pool sessions we borrow these items from the shop.
more questions and answers to come soon
Q:
What do these
abbreviations mean?
A: There are a lot of abbreviations used in diving and for a list of
the main ones see
here
Q:
My ears hurt when I go to bottom of a swimming pool, Will that keep
me from becoming a scuba diver?
A: The discomfort is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in
on your ears. Fortunately, our bodies are designed to adjust for
pressure changes in our ears – some techniques
here
Q:
What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with
diving?
A: Sun burn and seasickness, both of which are preventable
with over the counter preventatives
Q:
For how long will
I be certified?
A: Certification does not expire.
It is highly recommended that you keep in practice, after a
break of more than 6 months its best to have your skills checked
over and work your way back into deeper diving with some build up
dives first.
Q:
Why do I
have to get certified to dive?
A: The certification process teaches
you to learn dive safely and correctly.
Your BSAC certification is proof that you have taken and
passed the SCUBA course.
No reputable Dive Centre will rent you gear unless you are a
certified SCUBA diver.
Q:
Will the fish bother me?
A: Most fish are afraid of you or will ignore you.
The best place to see fish is near shipwrecks and reefs.
Some fish will let you get close to them but will stay out of
your reach other fish are curious and will follow you around.
Q:
Do
I have to be a great swimmer to become a SCUBA diver?
A:
All
you need to be is a reasonably proficient swimmer who is comfortable
and relaxed in the water. The
swimming requirements we ask for before training outside the
swimming pool, is about a 200m swim, then tread water and show you
can exit the pool without using the ladder (you can have more than
one attempt)
Q:
What's in a scuba tank?
A: Recreational divers breathe air that has undergone filtration to
remove impurities, but otherwise, its air like you're breathing now.
Q:
How long does a tank of
air last?
A: People breathe at different rates, and you breathe faster when
you're swimming than when you're resting.
With depth your air consumption will increase as well.
With experience and fitness air consumption improves.
Q:
What is dive time?
A: The total time spent underwater, from the beginning of the
descent until breaking the surface at the end of the dive.
Q:
What is buoyancy control?
A: Buoyancy control and proper trim are important skills for a
diver. Mastering buoyancy control takes practice, technique and
equipment that fits you correctly.
To dive safely, divers need to be able to control their rate
of descent and ascent in the water. Ignoring other forces such as
water currents and swimming, the diver's overall buoyancy determines
whether he/she ascends or descends. Equipment such as the diving
weighting systems, diving suits (Wet, Dry & Semi-dry suits are used
depending on the water temperature) and buoyancy compensators can be
used to adjust the overall buoyancy. When divers want to remain at
constant depth, they try to achieve neutral buoyancy. This minimizes
gas consumption caused by swimming to maintain depth.
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