What Divers Should Practice.

[WaScubaDude]

You hear it often, and read it even more often...Practice, Practice, Practice! What exacty would you recommend divers should practice?

I have thought of a few, but wanted to put together a more comprehensive list. I plan to choose the very best to put on a laminated 3x5 card. Maybe 1/2 on the front and 1/2 on the back so I can alternate the skills practiced during each session with my DB.

1.) Mask removal, and clearing.
2.) Sharing air/buddy breathing
3.)
4.)
5.)
Etc.

[dludwig]

I try to focus on my breathing and it's effect on Peak Buoyancy

[WV Diver]

regulator recovery
freeflow regulator breathing
hovering in place as for safety stops
underwater swim without mask
duffing and donning scuba unit underwater and on surface


Not sure what other agencies do but for my PADI divemaster we had to pass what was called a stress test. More fun than stress I thought.

While buddy breathing you had to exchange ALL your gear with your buddy, except wetsuit of course.

[jwdizney]

Originally Posted by WV Diver

regulator recovery
freeflow regulator breathing
hovering in place as for safety stops
underwater swim without mask
duffing and donning scuba unit underwater and on surface

I agree with WV. having just finished my OW, it's one thing to pass the class, it's another to have enough of a grasp of these skill to respond calmly in a "take you by surprise" situation.. I think we should add a little practice to every dive! not extreme, but quick reviews..

[WV Diver]

When the basics become second nature you can learn to

shoot a bag
navigation skills - these can be alot of fun
search and recovery using different techniques (search patterns) - These can also be fun.
underwater salvage- lifting things to the surface using lift bags

[thesmoothdome]

Nothing more important that bouyancy control, and that should be and is practiced during every dive.

[crpntr133]

I think that buoyancy is a given. Something a lot of new divers over look is being trimmed out..flat in the water and hover. OK so that kicks in the buoyancy.

The dive master gear exchange is a blast to watch. Actually might like to try it once.

[diverdad]

I try to practice all of my skills since i'm still a newbie.

[quasimoto]

You should continue to practice. A friend of mine was telling me about a group of tech people that she dives with do a "rodeo". Basically it is a no holds barred dive skill adventure. If you want to swim along and grab my mask, so be it. If you swim off with my mask I have to catch you to get it back. She told me all kinds of crazy stuff that they do.
Please note that they only do this when everyone knows that this is going on. So it isn't just a surprise.

[subsur]

i'd put proper weighting as #1. do it with someone around at the end of a dive with 500 psi, at 5 meter deep. you should be neutral with NO air in BC. most people are overweight so once you get your weight straight, your buoyancy and air consumption will improve.
#2: buoyancy control;
#3: navigation skills;
#4: other skills like you mentioned