The Open Water course teaches all of the basic in water skills that you need to be a safe

diver and to dive with a buddy of at least Open Water certification without the
supervision of a dive professional. During your Open Water course you'll practice all of
these skills and maybe even a few extras. You should aim to master these skills to a point
where you feel that you can carry them out with ease.
• Equipment Assembly and Disassembly
Learn how to properly assemble and disassemble your equipment.
Πρ ε− ∆ ι ϖ ε Σα φ ε τ ψ Χη ε χ κ
With your buddy, check each others' equipment to ensure that everything is in
place and working properly before the dive. One of the most important parts of
every dive is the pre-dive safety check, which is also known as a buddy check.
You should always carry out this check with your buddy before beginning the
dive.
The pre-dive safety check has two functions: you ensure that all of your buddy's
equipment is working as it should; and you familiarize yourself with your buddy's
equipment so that you are aware of how to release their weights and releases, use their
deflator, and use their alternate air source, all of which may be necessary in the event of
any difficulties during the dive.
You should do the check once you've donned all of your equipment, with the exception
of your mask and fins. It's a good idea to do the check while you're still on the boat or
shore, but if you happen to forget you can still do it in the water before descending.
The safety check is broken down into five components which are abbreviated with the
acronym BWRAF. There are many mnemonics that can help you remember the steps in
the safety check. You should use whatever you'll remember best. Here are some of the
most common mnemonics.
• Begin With Review And Friend
• Beans With Rice And Fish
• Because We Really Are Friends
• Blonde Women Really Are Funny
• Burgers With Relish And Fries
• Bunnies Will Run Away Fast
• Bangkok Women Really Are Fellas
Buoyancy
You want to check that your buddy's BCD is working properly. Begin by inflating their
BCD, although not completely as you don't want to make your buddy uncomfortable.
Also deflate the BCD to ensure that the deflator is working properly.
Weights
Check your buddy's weight system. How you do this will depend upon what weight
system your buddy is using.
• Weight Belt: Check that your buddy's weight belt is on properly and that the
quick release is free of obstructions and easily accessible. Any excess length of
belt should not be tied or tucked into the BCD in such a way that it's difficult to
release.
• Integrated Weights: Check that your buddy has their weight pockets in their
 BCD (with weights in them!), that they are properly secured, and that you know
how to release them.
Releases
Check that all of your buddy's releases are properly secured. This includes their Velcro
waist band and at least two shoulder clips. Many BCDs also have a chest and stomach
clip. It's a good idea to touch each clip as you check it and even count each one out loud
as you do so. Remember to check the tank strap and clip. You can do this by placing one
hand on the bottom of the tank and the other on the first stage regulator and trying to
move the tank up and down to see if the strap will move.
Air
Check that your buddy's air is turned all the way on and half a turn back. Have your
buddy take one or more breaths from their regulator while you watch their SPG. While
you look at the SPG, ensure that the tank is full (approximately 200 bar or 3000 psi) and
that the needle doesn't dip as they breathe. If the needle dips this is a sign that the air isn't
turned all the way on or there is a problem with the regulator. You should also test your
buddy's alternate air source by taking two breaths from it.
Final OK
Check that your buddy has all other necessary equipment such as mask and fins. Ask
your buddy if they're ready to go and if all is ok you're ready to dive.
Regulator Clearing
Remove your regulator, put it back in your mouth, and clear it. Aim
Clear a regulator while underwater using both the exhalation and purge button methods
and resume breathing from it.
Reason to Learn
This basic skill is taught so that you know how to clear water from your regulator
whenever you need to put it back in your mouth while underwater. You will need to do
this while sharing air with a buddy or in the unlikely event that your regulator is knocked
from your mouth.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: One minute or less
Here's How:
Inhale normally from your regulator.
Holding the regulator with your right hand (as pictured) remove it from your mouth.
Hold it with the mouth piece facing down
While the regulator is out of your mouth, slowly exhale by blowing small bubbles.
Place the regulator back in your mouth.
You will now clear the regulator using one of these methods:

• Exhalation method: Sharply exhale into the regulator.

• Purge button method: Use your tongue as a splash guard by placing the tip
 of your tongue on the top of your mouth behind your teeth, or by covering
the hole in the regulator with your tongue. Push the purge button on the
front of your regulator gently.

Using either method, all of the water in the regulator will be forced out of the
regulator's exhaust valves.
Cautiously inhale. Normally the regulator will be clear, but there may still be a small
amount of water in the regulator. Breathe carefully from the regulator just in case.
If water remains, repeat step 5.
If all is clear, breathe normally and give your instructor the OK sign.
Tips:
Remember to continuously exhale while the regulator isn't in your mouth.
If the regulator begins to free-flow (air comes gushing out) when you take if out of
your mouth, either turn it so that the mouth piece is facing down or put your
finger over the hole in the mouth piece. Using either method the free-flow should
stop.
What You Need:
• A full set of scuba gear.
Ρε γ υ λ α τ ο ρ Ρεχ ο ϖ ε ρ ψ
Learn two techniques that will help you recover your regulator in the event that it
is knocked out of your mouth. Aim
Recover a regulator using both the sweep and reach methods and continue breathing from
it.
Reason to Learn
This skill is taught so that in the event that your regulator is knocked from your mouth
you'll be able to quickly and calmly recover it and continue breathing normally.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: One minute or less
Here's How:
Inhale normally from your regulator.
Holding the regulator with your right hand remove it from your mouth. Hold it with
the mouth piece facing down.
While the regulator is out of your mouth, slowly exhale by blowing small bubbles.
Throw the regulator away from your body to the right.
You will now retrieve the regulator using one of two methods:

• Sweep Method

Lean to the right while reaching back with your right hand to touch the
bottom of your tank.
Keep your arm straight and sweep it forward towards your face. The
regulator will hang over your arm.
 • Reach Method

Lean to the right. Reach with your right hand over your right shoulder
and feel for the first stage regulator which is attached to your tank.
You may need to use your left hand to lift the bottom of your tank
to make it easier to reach.
Move your hand along the hose for your second stage regulator until it
is in your hand.
Place the regulator back in your mouth and clear it.
Check that your regulator is free and clear and in no way tangled.
Tips:
If the regulator becomes tangled or you don’t find it stay calm and repeat all of the
steps. If you can’t locate it using the reach method, try the sweep method, or vice-
versa.
Remember to continuously exhale while the regulator isn't in your mouth.
If the regulator begins to free-flow (air comes gushing out) when you take if out of
your mouth, either turn it so that the mouth piece is facing down or put your
finger over the hole in the mouth piece. Using either method the free-flow should
stop.
Clear a Partially Flooded Mask
Partially flood your mask and clear it while remaining underwater. Aim
Flood and clear a scuba mask while underwater.
Reason to Learn
There are a few reasons why you may need to clear water from your mask. Masks
sometimes leak if hair prevents the mask making a proper seal on the face. Sometimes a
diver will want to deliberately partially flood their mask in order to defog it.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: One minute or less
Here's How:
Gently peel the mask seal off the face at the forehead, allowing water to trickle into
the mask. You will practice this skill by both partially and fully flooding your
mask.
Take a regular breath from your regulator.
Tilt you head back so that you're facing the surface. Place the index and middle
fingers of both hands onto the top corners of your mask. Push down on the top of
the mask.
While applying this pressure to the top of your mask exhale through your nose. The
air coming of out of your nose will push all of the water out of your mask.
If the mask is clear, give your instructor the OK sign. If not, take another breath from
your regulator and repeat steps 3 & 4.
Tips:
If you wear contact lenses remember to keep your eyes closed while your mask is
 flooded with water. You may want to arrange a predetermined way for your
instructor to let you know when the mask is clear.
Remember to look up as you clear your mask. Looking up makes it much easier for
the water to flush out of the mask.
Remember to use two fingers on each hand to apply pressure to the top of your mask.
Don't lift the bottom of the mask as this will cause the mask to fill up with water
again as soon as you clear it.
Some people have difficulty knowing whether they are exhaling from their nose or
mouth. If you have trouble exhaling from your nose try placing your tongue on
the roof of your mouth while exhaling - most people find that this forces you to
exhale through your nose.
Remember that there is no need to clear the mask in one go. You can repeat steps 2-4
as many times a necessary to clear the mask.
Mask Removal & Replacement
Take the last skill a little further and completely remove your mask, put it back
on, and clear it. Aim
To remove a scuba mask underwater, breathe normally while it's off, replace the mask
and clear it.
Reason to Learn
While unlikely, it is possible that your mask can be knocked off while diving. This could
be caused by accidentally making contact with another diver or by a broken mask strap.
You may also want to intentionally remove your mask underwater in order to adjust the
strap or change masks. It is therefore important to become comfortable with not wearing
a mask and with putting it back on.
Step 1
Begin by relaxing and breathing normally. If you wear contact lenses you will need to
close your eyes during this exercise. Even if you don't wear contact lenses you might find
it more comfortable to keep your eyes closed.

Peel the rubber skirt at the top of your mask off your face and allow water to slowly fill
your mask.
There is no correct speed to fill the mask and you can do this as quickly or as slowly as
you like.

Holding the mask with one hand, use the other hand to grasp the back of the mask strap.
Pull the mask strap over the top of your head and allow the mask to come away from
your face.
If you have long hair you'll need to be careful not to tangle it in the mask strap. Take is
slow and steady and be cautious of tangles.

With your mask now off, you should hold it in front of you with both hands. Keep a firm
grip on the mask as it could be very difficult if you drop it.
Continue breathing normally with the mask off. When you perform this skill in the open
water course you may need to keep the mask off for 60 seconds - your instructor will
signal when you can begin to put it back on. You may find it difficult to breathe with the
mask off - if you find that water gets up your nose you can try exhaling from your nose.
If bubbles from your regulator go in your face you can tilt your head to the right,
allowing the bubbles to flow freely out of the left regulator vent.

When you're ready to put your mask back on you should start by arranging the strap in
front of the mask, leaving the face side of the mask clear.
Push the mask against your face so that the rubber skirt seals and the mask feels
comfortable.

While holding your mask in place, use your other hand to slide the mask strap over your
head. Check that it's not twisted and is correctly in place.
As with taking the mask strap off, if you have long hair you will need to be cautious
about entanglement.

Ensure that the rubber seal is free of any hair or any other objects.
If hair is caught under the mask seal it can cause the mask to leak or flood.

Using your index and middle fingers, push against the top corners of your mask.
Remember not to hook your thumbs under the bottom of the mask. Pressure on the top of
the mask will be adequate and lifting the bottom of the mask will usually lead to the mask
reflooding as it's cleared.

With your fingers putting pressure on the top corners of your mask, look up towards the
surface. Take a regular breath from your regulator and exhale through your nose. Your
mask should clear.
Don't be discouraged if your mask doesn't completely clear on the first attempt - just take
another breath and try again.
Remember: If your mask isn't clearing you may not be exhaling through your nose. Many
people confuse exhaling through their mouth and nose. Try to concentrate on breathing
out through your nose or try placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth as you exhale
(this forces most people to exhale through their nose).
Once your mask is clear, breathe normally and give your instructor the OK sign.

• No Mask Breathing
This skill is normally done in combination with Mask Removal & Replacement.
Learn how to comfortably breathe without your mask on.
• Alternate Air Source Use
Simulate being out of air by signaling to your buddy, securing their alternate air
source, making contact with each other, and ascending while breathing from their
alternate.
Aim
To remove a scuba mask underwater, breathe normally while it's off, replace the mask
and clear it.
Reason to Learn
While unlikely, it is possible that your mask can be knocked off while diving. This could
be caused by accidentally making contact with another diver or by a broken mask strap.
You may also want to intentionally remove your mask underwater in order to adjust the
strap or change masks. It is therefore important to become comfortable with not wearing
a mask and with putting it back on.
Step 1
Begin by relaxing and breathing normally. If you wear contact lenses you will need to
close your eyes during this exercise. Even if you don't wear contact lenses you might find
it more comfortable to keep your eyes closed.

Peel the rubber skirt at the top of your mask off your face and allow water to slowly fill
your mask.
There is no correct speed to fill the mask and you can do this as quickly or as slowly as
you like

Holding the mask with one hand, use the other hand to grasp the back of the mask strap.
Pull the mask strap over the top of your head and allow the mask to come away from
your face.
If you have long hair you'll need to be careful not to tangle it in the mask strap. Take is
slow and steady and be cautious of tangles.

With your mask now off, you should hold it in front of you with both hands. Keep a firm
grip on the mask as it could be very difficult if you drop it.
Continue breathing normally with the mask off. When you perform this skill in the open
water course you may need to keep the mask off for 60 seconds - your instructor will
signal when you can begin to put it back on. You may find it difficult to breathe with the
mask off - if you find that water gets up your nose you can try exhaling from your nose.
If bubbles from your regulator go in your face you can tilt your head to the right,
allowing the bubbles to flow freely out of the left regulator vent.

When you're ready to put your mask back on you should start by arranging the strap in
front of the mask, leaving the face side of the mask clear.
Push the mask against your face so that the rubber skirt seals and the mask feels
comfortable.

While holding your mask in place, use your other hand to slide the mask strap over your
head. Check that it's not twisted and is correctly in place.
As with taking the mask strap off, if you have long hair you will need to be cautious
about entanglement.
Ensure that the rubber seal is free of any hair or any other objects.
If hair is caught under the mask seal it can cause the mask to leak or flood.

Using your index and middle fingers, push against the top corners of your mask.
Remember not to hook your thumbs under the bottom of the mask. Pressure on the top of
the mask will be adequate and lifting the bottom of the mask will usually lead to the mask
reflooding as it's cleared.

With your fingers putting pressure on the top corners of your mask, look up towards the
surface. Take a regular breath from your regulator and exhale through your nose. Your
mask should clear.
Don't be discouraged if your mask doesn't completely clear on the first attempt - just take
another breath and try again.
Remember: If your mask isn't clearing you may not be exhaling through your nose. Many
people confuse exhaling through their mouth and nose. Try to concentrate on breathing
out through your nose or try placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth as you exhale
(this forces most people to exhale through their nose).
Once your mask is clear, breathe normally and give your instructor the OK sign.

• Free Flowing Regulator

Simulate a freeflowing regulator. You'll see how easy it is to continue breathing
normally from a regulator that won't stop flowing.

Aim: To breathe normally from a free flowing regulator.

Reason to Learn: Second stage regulators are designed to be fail safe, meaning that if
anything fails inside the regulator it will flow continuously rather than ceasing to work.
In the unlikely event that your regulator fails and begins to free flow you need to learn
how to continue breathing from it safely.
Step One: Tilt you head to the right and take the left side of the mouthpiece out of your
mouth. You should keep the right side of the mouth piece firmly in your mouth.
It's important to tilt you head to the right as your regulator hose comes out of the right
side of the regulator and if this hose is subjected to the flow of air coming out of the
regulator it can make it difficult to keep the regulator in your mouth.

Push the purge button on the front of our regulator to simulate a free flowing regulator. A
regulator will free flow at full strength so remember to push the button all the way in.
Continue to breathe by sipping air from the stream that is rushing past your mouth. It
sounds difficult, but you'll find that it's very easy and comes completely naturally.
Your instructor will have you breathe from the free flowing regulator for at least 30
seconds.

You may need to hold the top of your mask as the air rushing past may cause it to come
loose. You can also overcome this problem by tilting your head further to the right.
Finish the simulation by taking a breath from the regulator, letting go of the purge button,
and inserting the mouth piece back into your mouth. It may necessary to purge the
regulator (using the methods learned in Regulator Clearing)
With the regulator back in your mouth, take a cautious breath to ensure that the regulator
is clear of water and then breathe normally again.

• Air Depletion
Experience the feeling of running out of air and signal that you're out of air to
your instructor.
• Standard Hand Signals
Practice all of the standard diving hand signals with your instructor.
• ∆ισ χ ο ν ν ε χ τ Λοω Πρ ε σ σ υ ρ ε
Ινφ λ α τ ο ρ
Simulate a stuck inflator and practice disconnecting your low pressure inflator.

Aim: To disconnect and reconnect the low pressure inflator.

Reason to Learn: It is possible for an inflator button to become jammed on, causing
your BCD to continually inflate. There is an easy solution to this problem - to disconnect
your low pressure inflator. Once it is disconnected it is possible to manually inflate your
BCD (as learned when performing the Fin Pivot).
Step One: Hold your inflator with your right hand and grip the inflator hose with your
left hand. Grasp the quick disconnect valve between your thumb and index finger, pulling
the slide-lock back.

Pull the low pressure hose away from the inflator. You may hear a loud popping noise,
this is just the sound of air escaping from the valve as you remove it from the inflator.
Now that the hose is disconnected your BCD will stop auto-inflating. You can adjust
your buoyancy by releasing air from your BCD by using your deflator or a dump valve.
You can now manually inflate your BCD (as learned when performing the Fin Pivot)

In training you will be asked to reconnect your Low Pressure Inflator while still
underwater. In the event of a real stuck inflator button it is unlikely that you'd want to do
that. However, it is possible that you will resolve the problem of the sticking inflator
button once the hose is disconnected and that you'll want to reconnect the hose. This step
is quite similar to when you connect it when setting up your gear, but may be more
difficult underwater.
Gripping the hose with your left hand, use your thumb and index finger to pull the slide
lock back.

Push the quick release valve back onto the low pressure inflator. It may be difficult as
there is air in the low pressure hose. You will need to push down forcefully and when it is
all the way down let the quick release valve snap back into place.
It is quite common for this to be quite difficult due to air in the line. Don't be concerned if
it takes a few tries to reattach the hose.

Once you're sure that the hose is reconnected, pull back firmly to ensure that it is
definitely connected. If the hose comes loose, repeats steps 3 and 4.
Once the hose is reconnected, test the inflator button to ensure that it is working properly.
If is jams again, disconnect it and don't attempt to reconnect it until it has been serviced.

• Deep Water Entry

Enter the water safely using an appropriate deep water entry. The correct entry
will depend upon the conditions.
• Giant Stride
Aim
To enter the water safely using the giant stride method.
Reason to Learn
The giant stride entry is the best entry whenever you're entering deep water off a stable
platform. A stable platform may be either a boat with a dive platform, a dock, or even the
side of a swimming pool. If you dive from larger dive boats this is the entry you'll most
commonly use.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1-3 Minutes
Here's How:
Put on all of your equipment according to the method used on your boat. For example
some larger boats will ask their divers to put all equipment on including their fins
before leaving their tank rack, other boats may ask divers to put their fins on
closer to the entry point.
Ensure that your mask is on properly, your regulator is in your mouth and all other
equipment is in place.
Stand at the edge of the boat with one fin over the edge and the other at a 45 degree
angle to your body. If the boat is rocking you may need to hold a rail or ask
another diver or one of the boat crew to help you balance.
Inflate your BCD so that it is a third to half full of air.
Look down into the area where you're planning to enter the water to make sure it's
clear of other divers and potential hazards.
Place the palm of your right hand over your regulator with you index and middle
fingers firmly against your mask. Hold your weight belt buckle with your left
hand.
While looking straight ahead towards the horizon take one big step forward with your
back leg.
Once you've entered the water you should float comfortably on the surface. If you
don't, inflate your BCD until you do.
Once all is OK give the OK signal to the boat.
Tips:
Don't jump off the boat - look straight ahead and just take a big step.
If you're wearing a weight belt remember to hold the buckle as you stride – it is not
uncommon for buckles to burst open when they hit the water.
If you start to sink when you're in the water just inflate your BCD to become
positively buoyant.
 • Controlled Seated Entry

Aim
To safely enter the water using a controlled seated entry.
Reason to Learn
If you need to enter the water from an unstable platform or when the water isn't deep
enough for a giant stride entry the controlled seated entry can be the safest method.
Step One
With all equipment in place sit on the edge of the platform with your legs over the edge.
Make sure your mask is on and your regulator is in your mouth. Your BCD should be
partially inflated (one-third to half full). Place your hands on the edge of the platform
next to you.

Push off from the edge with your arms and move forward into the water, turning towards
the platform as you drop in to the water. You should enter the water facing towards the
platform.
As long as you push away from the platform you should have no problems clearing the
platform and entering the water smoothly.

Establish positive buoyancy by inflating your BCD and when all is OK give the OK sign
to the boat, shore, or other platform.

• Backwards Roll
• Bellyflop Entry
• Proper Weighting
Fine tune your weighting to achieve perfect buoyancy on every dive.

Aim: To check that you are properly weighted in the water.

Reason to Learn: One of the main reasons for divers using too much air and bumping
into coral and bottom features is not being properly weighted. By checking for proper
weighting, or performing a buoyancy check, you can ensure that you have the correct
amount of weight based on your body, exposure suit, and equipment. You should do this
check whenever you change diving locations, exposure suits or equipment, or haven't
dived for a while.
Step One: Make sure you do this check in water that is too deep to stand in and is the
same as the water you'll be diving in - ie. a freshwater swimming pool won't help to
check weighting for diving in the ocean (which is salt water). If you have a full cylinder
you should add approximately 2 pounds (1 kilogram) to compensate for the fact that your
tank will become more buoyant throughout the dive.
You should start when you are relaxed and positively buoyant in the water.

Take a regular breath from your regulator and hold it - this is the only time in scuba
diving that you're ever allowed to hold your breath. Remember not to take a deep breath,
just a regular breath.
Holding your deflator above your head, let all the air out of your BCD by pushing your
deflate button.

You should float at eye level. Some people float at forehead level or chin level, although
eye level is most common. The important thing is that you're not sinking and not floating,
but remaining steady.
If you don't remain steady at eye (or other part of the head) level and begin to sink you
have too much weight - remove a unit of weight and restart the exercise from Step One. If
you float, you don't have enough weight - add a unit of weight and restart the exercise
from Step One.

Exhale completely - you should begin to sink in the water. If you don't sink, try to exhale
even more. If this still doesn't work, you need more weight - add a unit of weight and
repeat the exercise from Step One.
It's important not to kick your fins while exhaling as this can push you up and make it
seem like you're under-weighted when this is not the case. Try to keep your body quite
still while performing this exercise.

• Snorkel to Regulator Exchange

Practice exchanging your regulator for your snorkel on the surface.
• BCD Oral Inflation
Simulate a broken inflator or low air situation by practicing orally inflating your
BCD.
• Cramp Removal
Learn how to remove your own cramp and the cramps of your dive buddies.
• Tired Diver Tow
Practice different techniques for helping a tired or injured diver on the surface.
• Weight Removal & Replacement
Practice removing and replacing your weight system both on the surface and
underwater.
• Scuba Unit Removal & Replacement
Practice removing and replacing your scuba unit both on the surface and
underwater.
5 Πο ι ν τ ∆εσ χ ε ν τ
Go through the steps for a proper 5 point descent. Aim
Safely Descend using the five point method.
Reason to Learn
Every time you go diving you need to start the dive by descending. You don't want to
descend without letting your buddy know or without making sure everything is as it
should be – it's pretty embarrassing when you descend with your snorkel in your mouth.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1-3 Minutes
Here's How:
Signal to your buddy that you're ready to descend using the descend or go down
signal.
Find a marker to orient yourself to so that you know which way you're facing as you
go down. This might be the boat, a wall, a beach, or some other surface feature
that will give you a clear idea of which way is which underwater.
Put your regulator in your mouth. Sounds simple, but divers often get so excited
about the upcoming dive that they forget this step.
Check the time or that you're dive computer is working and ready for the dive.
Equalize your ears. It's a good idea to start equalizing before you even leave the
surface and about every 3 feet (1 meter) or whenever you feel the need.
Holding your low pressure inflator above your head, push the deflate button to let all
the air inside the BCD out. You should begin to sink.
Watch where you're going as you head down and inflate your BCD slightly before
you reach the bottom so that you level off rather than crashing into anything.
Tips:
It is usually safest to descend feet first in a vertical position. Keep close to your
buddy as you descend.
Remember to equalize early and often. This can't be emphasized enough. If you feel
any discomfort in your ears stop and let them equalize or ascend slightly and try
again. There is no problem with going all the way back to the surface if you're
having problems equalizing. Just remember to let your buddy know using the
problem and ear signals.
Remember to relax and breathe out deeply. As you lungs empty you will sink more
easily.
Don't kick with your fins as this will make it harder to sink.
If you're relaxed, have released all the air from your BCD, and are not kicking but
still can't sink you may not be wearing enough weights.
• Fin Pivot
Learn how to find neutral buoyancy by moving up and down using only the air in
your lungs.

Aim
To achieve neutral buoyancy by performing a fin pivot. The fin pivot will be performed
by using the power inflator and by orally inflating the BCD.
Reason to Learn
The fin pivot is a great way to find neutral buoyancy in the water. If you're ever in doubt
as to whether your buoyancy is correct you can perform a fin pivot and be sure that it's
just right.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1-3 Minutes
Here's How:
Kneeling on the bottom, release all of the air from your BCD by holding the deflator
above your head and pushing the deflate button.
Facing downwards, lie down on the bottom with your fins straight out behind you.
Add a small amount of air to your BCD. You can do this using one of two methods:
Power Inflator: Push the inflate button quickly to add a small "squirt" of air
to your BCD.
Oral Inflation:
Take a breath from your regulator.
Remove the regulator from your mouth.
Seal your lips around the exhaust valve on your deflator and push the
deflate button as you blow a "puff" of air into your BCD.
Release the deflate button before unsealing your lips and place your
regulator back in your mouth, remembering to clear it.
Take a breath from your regulator. You should begin to rise off the bottom as you
inhale and you should sink as you exhale. If you don't begin to rise repeat step 3.
You're now neutrally buoyant.
Tips:
Remember to only add small amounts of air to your BCD at a time. If you add too
much you may become positively buoyant and float away. If this happens deflate
your BCD and start again.
Try to keep your fin tips on the ground. Some people have naturally buoyant feet and
may find it difficult to do so - that's OK.
There's no need to get it right on the first go. Continue to repeat steps 3 & 4 until
you're neutrally buoyant.

• Hover
Learn how to finely regulate your buoyancy by remaining perfectly neutral in the
water.
• No Mask Swim
Practice swimming without a mask. It's not an easy skill but it's important to
learn.
• Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA)
Simulate an out of air emergency. You can't find your buddy and have no choice
but to ascend on only one breath of air. Ascend at a safe rate while constantly
exhaling.
• 5 Πο ι ν τ Ασ χ ε ν τ
Learn the proper method for ending every dive with these 5 steps.

Aim
Safely ascend to the surface after a dive
Reason to Learn
Every dive will end with the need to ascend to the surface and it's important to make sure
that every ascent is a safe ascent.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 3 or more minutes
Here's How:
Signal to your buddy and agree to end the dive.
Ascend to 15 feet (5 meters) at a rate not exceeding 30 feet/9 meters a minute (some
dive societies suggest 60 feet/18 meters a minute but I've chosen the more
conservative rate for increased safety). Use your depth gauge to make sure you're
not ascending faster than this rate.
At a depth of 15 feet (5 meters) perform a safety stop. If you're diving in an
environment with surface hazards such as speed boats or jet skis you may want to
launch a surface marker buoy. This may also be standard practice to make it clear
to the dive boat where the divers will surface.
At the conclusion of the safety stop signal your buddy and agree to surface.
Extend your deflator above your head and be prepared to release air from your BCD
as you ascend.
Note: Some dive societies advise extending the free arm over the head for safety
while others advocate using this hand to hold your depth gauge - both are good
ideas and you should choose whichever you consider a better option.
Look up and slowly kick to move up in the water. Vent air from your BCD as needed
in order to ascend at a rate no greater than 30 feet / 9 meters a minute.
Rotate in the water as you ascend so you can be aware of all parts of the surface
above you. Listen for the sound of approaching boats or other potential hazards.
When you reach the surface, inflate your BCD and establish positive buoyancy.
Signal the boat or shore that you are OK.
Tips:
It is very important to ascend at a rate no greater than 30 feet / 9 meters a minute. Use
your depth gauge and watch or computer to monitor this. In the event of an
equipment failure you can use your bubbles as a rough guide to your ascent speed
- the theory being that you should ascend no faster than your slowest bubbles - but
remember, this is a last resort and shouldn't be used instead of a depth gauge.
Look up and rotate as you ascend to be fully aware of any potential surface hazards.

• Skin Dive
You'll learn to properly hyperventilate, make a vertical dive, swim underwater,
and clear and breath from your snorkel upon ascent.
• Navigation
Learn how to use a compass underwater. You'll set a heading, follow a straight
line, turn around, and come back to where you started from using only your
compass for guidance. You'll practice this skill both on the surface and
underwater.