APPB Appendix B 85
Appendix B
you are in the water, and either snorkel clearly
on the surface or begin your descent down
the anchor line. Do not use scuba to skim just
beneath the surface. Doing so, you cannot be
seen by passing boats or other divers.
• Put your fins on last, while you are waiting near
the exit. Do not walk around the deck wearing
fins.
• Use a compass and submersible pressure gauge.
Plan your dive so that you end with a reserve of
air and are able to return to the boat while still
underwater, if need be.
• Be aware of changes in current conditions
during the dive. Use natural clues such as
seaweed. Look for trail lines extended behind
the boat on the surface, and do not hesitate to
pull yourself hand-over-hand back to the boat
using this line, if need be.
• Use common sense, training, and experience.
Ask questions if you are unsure. Allow a margin
of reserve, and do not push your endurance
limits. Watch for other divers who are waving
their arms on the surface. This signals a diver
who is in distress. Divers who maintain personal
control and are comfortable in the water have
safe, enjoyable experiences underwater.
NAUI’S RESPONSIBLE DIVER
PRACTICES
As a responsible NAUI Diver I understand that I
should:
• Be trained and certified for scuba diving.
• Maintain good physical and mental conditioning
for diving and only dive when feeling well.
Never use alcohol or other inappropriate
intoxicants before diving.
• Always breathe continually and avoid “skipbreathing”
or breath-holding while submerged
on scuba.
• Use complete, well maintained diving
equipment and check it before each dive. Never
loan my equipment to non-certified divers.
• Always evaluate environmental conditions
before each dive and allow a margin of safety to
be prepared for emergencies.
• Understand my personal limitations as well as
the limitations of my training and strive to stay
within them.
• Set moderate limits for depth and time
underwater. Save sufficient breathing gas to use
as a contingency at the end of the dive and to
complete a precautionary decompression stop.
• Use the buddy system when diving and be
prepared to assist my buddy and others if
needed. Periodically review and practice rescue
and assist skills previously learned in my NAUI
course.
• Use surface support, such as a boat or dive float
and diver down flag whenever required
or feasible.
• Comply with local rules and ordinances.
• Be respectful of others rights and strive
to represent the diving community in a
positive role.
• Accept responsibility for my safety when diving
and preparing to dive.
• Seek professional training and assistance to
learn new diving techniques, use unfamiliar
equipment or when planning to dive in
unfamiliar locations.
• Plan each dive and utilize dive tables or a dive
computer to track my decompression status.
• Delay flying or ascending to altitude after diving
consistent with current recommendations.
• Respect game and collecting regulations and the
fragility of the aquatic environment. Practice
good buoyancy control and avoid unnecessarily
making contact with corals or other aquatic
plants and animals. Help others to understand
the need to protect and preserve aquatic
resources.