Deep sea diving is an exhilarating experience, but following the proper safety measures is essential for a smooth and enjoyable excursion. Whether you’re a diving expert or a first-timer, studying the basics will keep you sharp and safe underwater. Below are some precautions you should take when deep sea scuba diving.
How to Scuba Dive Safely
1. Bring a Friend
No matter how experienced you are, you should always have a diving buddy. Even if you follow the recommended precautions and practices, you could still end up in a bind or an accident. Having a buddy ensures you’ll have someone to help keep you safe.
2. Inspect Your Equipment
Before leaving, check all of your diving equipment. Look for damage in masks, fins, buoyancy control devices, and tanks. If an item doesn’t look right or needs a repair, put off the dive or get new equipment.
You should also test the equipment in a controlled environment before the dive. This will ensure that any problems that arise can be handled and won’t put you at risk.
3. Craft a Plan & Stick to It
Always plan your dive, and follow the predetermined schedule while you’re in the water. Factors like location, path, duration, and depth should all be known in advance. Making any deviations to the plan can lead to getting lost or running out of air.
4. Check the Weather
Weather can change quickly, so check the forecast every day before the diving excursion. On the day of the event, check the weather in the morning and again right before leaving. Watch for potential storms or winds that could impact the safety of the trip.
5. Monitor Gauges & Communicate
During the dive, don’t forget to monitor your gauges and stay in touch with the other divers. Keep track of your tank levels to monitor how much time you have left and when to head for the surface.
Check in with others in your group, staying aware of how much air they have left and keeping them informed about your levels. These practices can keep everyone safe and ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
Are you ready to embark on your own deep sea diving adventure? Phoenix Scuba in Maricopa County, AZ, has over 70 years of experience and has an on-site pool for scuba diving lessons. With an emphasis on accommodating students, they offer instruction for all skill levels, and you can go on private or group excursions. Learn more about their classes online, or call (602) 374-3206 to enroll today.