meters 100 feet, but local laws might require less). It is also your obligation to take the flag down when all divers are out of the water. When appropriate, dive boats must fly the international blue and white alpha flag when divers are in the water. This signal flag indicates that the boat’s maneuverability is limited because of diving activities. This flag is also used as the diver-down flag in many countries. Your instructor will let you know what the local regulations are for dive flags. If you are shore diving, your surface support station can be anything from an inflatable inner tube to an inflatable surf mat or kayak (figure 2-45). It does not matter what you use as long as some type of object appropriate for the conditions and area that can support you is nearby in case you need it. Logbooks A logbook is your record of experience in the water (figure 2-46). You should record the information from every dive you make in your personal logbook soon after you leave the water. In some parts of the world, there are laws requiring that you log your dives. You will be required to use a logbook during your NAUI diver-training courses. In addition, some dive operators will want to review your logbook before they make diving services available to you. If you decide to continue your education on to diving leadership, your logbook shows: • That you have varied diving experiences. • You have documented performing advanced diving skills under the supervision of an instructor. • How many hours you have spent under water. • How many dives you have made. Your training, diving, and hours will have to be documented before you can be accepted for leadership training. NAUI has an online dive log available at www.naui.org. First Aid Kits It is a good idea to have a first aid kit on any dive trip. All you need to do is add a few items to a standard first aid kit to meet the particular needs of diving and you are ready to deal with typical minor diving-related injuries. See Appendix C for the recommended items for a diving first aid kit. Other Accessories Some other useful accessories are: • An underwater slate so you can record data and communicate with your buddy (figure 2-47). NAUI Scuba Diver 44 Diving Equipment FIGURE 2-46. YOUR LOGBOOK IS WHERE YOU RECORD YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE WATER. FIGURE 2-47. WRITING ON A SLATE IS A GOOD WAY TO COMMUNICATE UNDER WATER.
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