NAUI Scuba Diver
14 Continual Improvement
FIGURE 2-2. How you get to your diving location makes a difference in the planning process.
boat captain, divemaster, or group leader. But remember
that their decision to dive does not remove you from the
responsibility to not dive if you do not feel comfortable
with the diving choices and the skills and ability required
of you.
Getting Ready
Final preparations will go more smoothly if you
allow enough time to accomplish them easily. Don’t wait
until the last minute to pack. If you have to rush, you
are more likely to forget some essential item. Make your
personal checklist. It often helps to pack the night before
your departure and “sleep on it.” You may wake up
remembering something you left out.
If you are packing for the dive itself, pack your gear
in the dive bag in the reverse order that you will use or
assemble it. This will make your dive preparation at the
site more organized, and you will not have to spread your
gear all over the boat. Protect any equipment that is liable
to breakage by padding around it or putting it into a
hard case. If you are packing for an airplane trip, protect
any equipment that is susceptible to theft or damage.
Either carry them with you or place them in a suitable
container. If you have a dive computer, read the manufacturer’s
instructions about safe transport. Most dive
computers will not be harmed by pressure changes.
Don’t forget to take those extra important items,
such as food, drinks, dry clothes, windproof jackets, hats,
sunscreen, and basic first aid supplies. Even if your dive
bag has a dry section, it is a good idea to pack the items
that must stay dry in a separate bag or daypack. These
will not be on your dive equipment checklist, and they
therefore tend to be forgotten. You may want to develop
an accessories checklist to help you remember everything.
Check the weather (figure 2-3). In the United States,
the National Weather Service maintains a website and
broadcasts 24 hours a day on dedicated radio frequencies.
Many other agencies and companies offer global
weather information on the Internet. In many areas, surf
conditions will also be posted. You can telephone harbors,
dive boats and fishing boats, lifeguard services, even
waterfront business establishments for current conditions.
If you are diving with a charter dive boat company, call