Welcome Atlantic Edge Dive Center Refresher Course Welcome

Welcome

Atlantic Edge Dive Center

Refresher Course

Welcome

Atlantic Edge Dive Center

Training Equipment Service Travel Let Atlantic

Edge’s super staff be your dive consultants!

Atlantic Edge - Refresher

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Paperwork Liability Release

Scuba concepts, science and theory

Quiz 1A


Effects of Increasing Pressure

Air spaces most affected by increased

pressure – ears, sinuses and mask

As water pressure increases with descent,

volume decreases

If you continue to descend you will feel

a squeeze on your air spaces

To avoid discomfort –

equalize early and often


+

Equalization Techniques

Equalize every metre/few feet while descending

before you feel discomfort

Pinch your nose and blow gently - wiggle your

jaw

If you have difficulty equalizing

Ascend a few feet

and attempt to equalize

Be patient and gentle,

or end the dive


Effects of Decreasing Pressure

Expanding air can cause lung over expansion

–

lung rupture

Lung over expansion can lead to

severe injuries including

paralysis and death

To avoid this, permit the pressure

to equalize - breathe normally


Most Important Rule

The lungs can be injured by even minimal

pressure changes if you hold your breath

It’s important to always breathe continuously

when using scuba - even in shallow water

The most important rule in scuba diving is to

“Breathe continuously

and never, never

hold your breath”.


Decompression Sickness

Bubbles blocking blood circulation after diving

is called decompression sickness (DCS)

Variables: Depth, dive time and diver condition

Use extra caution with: age, obesity, lack of

physical conditioning

Stay well hydrated

Dive within the limits of dive tables

and computers


Safety Stops

A safety stop provides extra time for your body

to eliminate nitrogen – a good idea on any

dive

A safety stop is required if:

The dive is 30 metres/100 feet or deeper

Within three pressure groups

of a no decompression limit

You reach any limit on the

RDP or your computer


Nitrogen Narcosis

Nitrogen narcosis:

Impairs a diver’s judgment and

coordination

May cause a false sense of security

May cause a disregard for safety

May cause anxiousness and poor decisions

Immediately ascend to shallower depths

to relieve the narcosis


Flying After Diving

Flying after diving recommendations:

Wait a minimum surface interval of 12

hours prior to ascent to altitude

If you plan to make daily, multiple dives for

several days or make dives requiring

decompression stops, you should wait for

an extended surface interval beyond 12

hours


BUOYANCY: Positive, Negative & NEUTRAL!

Why? Safe on surface Streamlined UW Protect the environment

Variables? Body weight, size &

composition Equipment Water: salt v. fresh

How do you determine your optimal weight requirements?

Fine tune with your breathing!

New Open Water student, perfecting her buoyancy in Turks and Caicos.

Overexertion

Know your limits and pace yourself to avoid

breathlessness

If you experience overexertion symptoms

underwater - stop all activity, breathe

deeply and rest

Hold onto an object for support, if possible,

and relax until your breathing returns to

normal


Heat Loss Underwater

Left unchecked, body heat loss can lead to hypothermia

To avoid hypothermia – wear exposure protection

suitable for the environment

When you begin to shiver continuously –

get out of the water immediately,

dry off and seek warmth


Surface Problem Management

Control or prevent surface problems by:

Diving within limitations

Relaxing while you dive

If you have a problem at the surface –

immediately establish positive buoyancy

by inflating the BCD or dropping weights

Call for help if needed


Buddy System / Dive Plan

Avoid problems :

Agree on entry, exit points

and dive objective

Agree upon time & depth

limits

Review communications

Discuss emergency

procedures

Discuss how to stay together

&

what to do if separated…

… Search One Minute then Surface!

A dive plan:

Is simple and should be

flexible

Takes only minutes to

discuss

Can offer plenty of options

depending on what you find

underwater

… Plan your dive and dive your

plan!


Local Wisdom

To dive in an area for the first time - get an

orientation to the local area

The PADI Discover Local Diving experience is

one way to do this

Find out:

What’s interesting about the site

What to watch for

Unique dive skills or procedures


Fragile Environment

Minimize accidental damage :

Swim next to reef rather than above it

Watch your buoyancy – don’t dive over

weighted

Turn sideways to look under ledges

Keep your hoses secured

Respect all Marine Life!


Aquatic Animals

Avoid potential problems with aquatic life:

Treat all animals with respect

Be cautious in extremely murky water

Avoid wearing shiny, dangly jewelry

Remove any speared fish from the water

immediately

Wear gloves and an exposure suit

Maintain neutral buoyancy – move slowly and

carefully

Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals


Test Your Knowledge

Test your understanding of Diving Theory with a Quick Quiz

Quiz 1A

Now, Let’s Get Wet!

Pool Review the basics Check out your

gear Fine tune your

buoyancy Review Sticker for

logbook Nitrox or other

Specialties


Documents

Welcome Atlantic Edge Dive Center Refresher Course Welcome