NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
64 Conservation and Aquatic Life Studies
aquaplane. This is a board with handles which is towed
behind a boat and held onto by a diver. The board can
be tilted to provide directional control. Since the force on
the diver can be quite great, towing speeds must be slow.
A seat may be attached to reduce the strain on the diver’s
arms. A quick disconnect device is a necessary safety
feature. Use of this latter piece of equipment requires
training and practice, and should be used only by highly
experienced divers.
Procedures
Organization is a necessary first step. The participants
in the study need to know what to look for, where
to look for it, what data to obtain, and the techniques to
be used. Communications and coordination are a necessary
part of organization. Special signals may be used,
and will need to be introduced and agreed upon. Once
everyone is organized, some of the following procedures
may prove useful.
As your dive progresses, you will find that it is easy
to look at something underwater and yet not see it. Many
life forms are experts at camouflage. Light levels are often
low as well. Unless you make a conscious effort to observe
and to identify, you may not see many of the creatures
you are looking for. The skill of keen observation is one
that can be developed. One key is to impress into your
mind the contour of the animal you are seeking. As
you look about, keep this contour in mind and you will
be surprised at how the creature you seek will seem to
jump from its background as its contour matches your
imagined one. You should also focus narrowly on things
as you come upon them and not let your eyes move idly
from one thing to another.
Once you find an animal, note the circumstances
(figure 6-4). Is the creature among rocks, on sand, in
open water? What is the depth? This will help you to find
others of the same species. Note the size and color. Fix
the animal in your mind by naming it, by discussing it as
soon as possible, and by using a reference book. Seeking
one type of plant or animal to the exclusion of all else is
usually preferable to looking for a variety of life forms.
After your dive, take time to reflect upon the experience.
Leisurely go over it in your mind and picture the
FIGURE 6-3. Diver propulsion vehicles (DPV’s) come in different
designs and are useful when you need to cover greater
distance than is convenient while swimming.
FIGURE 6-4. Note the surroundings when you find a subject for
study.