Newbie - Wants to be safe

[GruPoo]

I am a new diver, little practical experience and just the PADI OW course.

What are the basic safety items I should carry?
What course(s) PADI or NAUI will help train me in proper use of this safety gear? (For instance, Do I use a reel with a SMB and if so, how?)

Any comments are appreicated. I would rather be ridiculed then become the focus of "Tragedies, Accidents, Unfortunate Events, etc"

[mitsuguy]

Padi's AOW book is great in giving you that little bit more information that you are clearly looking for... You don't necessarily need the class right now, but reading the book gave me quite a bit of knowledge...

basic safety items will depend upon where you will be diving and in what conditions... SMB (surface marker) and dive knife are two easy, inexpensive ones, but again, depending on where you are diving you might not NEED either...

[Goober]

The most basic IMHO is a very clear head, and informing yourself as much as possible. Be aware of your suroundings. Pay attention to the quite ones on a dive, watch them like hawks. You'll be amazzed at what you'll literally, just pick up. If you are unclear of something ask. If you feel a bit uncomfortable, let it be know.

Remember, everyone on that boat was in your shoes a sometime. And noone wants to see you get hurt. Divers are one of the tightest nit families of any recreational sport. Even if you are a stranger.

Approach every situation with caution and stay focused on any dive, it'll keep you sharp. After all, you are on life support in a very hostile enviroment.

Start in the basement and work yourself up. There are so many things to consider. What gear and when, will become very clear once you inform yourself. That gray matter between your ears will serve you well, as long as you pay attention to it!

Now in saying all of this you'll find it awkward that that I'll also tell you to relax and enjoy yourself. There is a happy medium there that you HAVE TO FIND. You sound concerned about your actions. That is a huge plus!

I'm not the "wizard of oz" by any means. But I can promise you this, you take these words to heart, and every decision you make will come easy. Simply because it is a well thought out educated decision. That will get you back to the surface everytime. And after all, that is what it's all about.

[MSilvia]

It depends on the dive, although you really can't go wrong with a cutting tool, whistle and "safety sausage" to start out. I recommend an inexpensive pair of EMT shears as a cutting tool... you can use them one-handed, and they'll snip through cable as easily as monofilament line.

The SMB and spool takes practice to use properly, and wasn't covered in any classes I've taken except GUE's fundamentals class... which some buddies and I had to fly an instructor in for. You'll be better off finding a good mentor if you want to learn to use one.

[bubbletrubble]

Go out there and do a few dives with a buddy. Try to learn from each dive and, of course, work on your buoyancy skills. Many people go directly from OW to AOW. I would do a few non-class dives first...and then sign up for a class. The AOW class can also be a great way to expand your circle of dive friends.

[Goober]

Originally Posted by bubbletrubble

Go out there and do a few dives with a buddy. Try to learn from each dive and, of course, work on your buoyancy skills. Many people go directly from OW to AOW. I would do a few non-class dives first...and then sign up for a class. The AOW class can also be a great way to expand your circle of dive friends.

Hear, Hear!

[navyhmc]

As others have said: Dive! Dive! Dive! concentrate on the water and what's in it. Expand your horizon until you are comfortable in your current level before going on. Don't get too excited about the next step until you're set in your current cert. The add-ons like night and navigation, photo and equipment specialist are good to get.

If you're a PADI diver, look at their web site and you'll see which course are OW vs. AOW.

But whatever path you go, Dive! Dive! Dive!!!!!

[Matt P]

Just some of the first thoughts that come to mind, In no particular order...

1. Learn to listen to that little voice in your head. Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right then don't do it.
2. Don't ever be embarrased of being the limiting factor in a dive.
3. Never let someone pressure you into anything.
4. Introduce changes slowly. This includes: deeper depth, new gear, altering gear configurations, new dive environments, etc.
5. Never dive beyond your current training, experience, skills or gear

[kancho]

Just be level headed and what ever you do always stay calm and collected even if something goes wrong. Doing that is the most safest thing of all. In my opinion plus properly working gear..

[OTGav]

Go slow.

It makes you a tonne safer.

No matter what it is, go slow. it's not a race and there is no rush, you see more when you chill out and take your time.

Especially when making decsions - go slow, the brain is the best tool, but always good to double check your thinking.