NAUI Scuba Diver 152 Dive Planning and Recording SHORT-RANGE PLANNING Short-range planning starts about a week before your dive. You need to inventory your gear and inspect it to be sure it is in good condition and ready for use. Make any repairs you are qualified to make, such as replacing cracked straps on your fins or mask. Avoid waiting until the last minute to buy items you will need for your trip. Determine what you need, write it down, and get it in advance. Typical items include air fills for your scuba cylinders, extra batteries for your dive light or camera, sunscreen, seasickness medication, fishing licenses, light sticks for night diving, and defogger for your mask. Your list should also include spare parts for your diving equipment. Having an extra mask strap or tank valve O-ring can save time and frustration at the dive site. As you pack your gear, check it against a list to ensure you have everything you need. One or two days before your trip check the weather trends, water conditions, tides, and the long-range weather forecast. Your NAUI instructor will advise you about available sources of this type of information. If you know in advance that the weather might be bad on the day you plan to dive, you might be able to avoid wasting a trip. Always be sure to leave a copy of your plans with someone. Be sure to include the following in your plans: • Your destination and dive sites. • Contact telephone number. • The date and time you expect to arrive back home. This way, assistance can be summoned to look for you if you are unusually late in returning home. Do not forget to notify the person holding the plans if you are going to be intentionally late. Planning a dive might seem like a lot of trouble, but it becomes easy and fun to do after a few times. You will enjoy talking diving with your buddy and others from whom you obtain information. You will feel better from being prepared. To be comfortable with your dive, you must arrive at the dive site feeling that you have done everything possible to ensure success. Verify What You Have Learned Review the following questions about short-range planning: 4. Some typical items you might need to buy for your trip include _______________, ______________, ______________, and _______________. 5. You should leave a copy of your plans with someone at home so _____________________________. 6. Check the ____________________, ______________, ____________, and ______________ a few days before your trip. PREPARING TO DIVE Once you have completed all your long- and shortrange preparations, it should be easy to complete the last-minute details of preparing for a dive. The day or evening before your scheduled dive, gather all your equipment and personal articles in one place. Pack your gear into two bags: one for your dive gear and one for personal items. Your personal items include your towel, extra dry clothing such as a jacket, snacks, a camera, and so on. Pack your dive gear in reverse order of its use. Put your fins, mask (in a crush-proof box), and snorkel on the bottom, and your buoyancy compensator and regulator on top, as those are usually assembled on your cylinder first. Do not pack your weight belt with your dive gear. The weights will make your bag too heavy and could damage it, or other items. The easiest way to carry your belt is to wear it. Be sure to get a good night’s rest and avoid drinking alcohol at least 12 hours before diving. It is even better if you can avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours. You must be well rested, in good health, and have a good feeling about the dive.
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