What do I mean by dive friendly? I mean a number of things on a number of levels.
In general, I am suggesting that we all dive with a friendly attitude toward ourselves,
our fellow divers and the environment.

Specifically, in terms of our fellow divers, I suggest:

x1. Take your turn getting on and off the boat.
x2.

 Be ready at the beginning of the dive
so that others are not waiting for you to gear up.
x3.

 Do not keep the whole boat waiting for you to finish your dive.
Follow the general profile as suggested by the Divemaster.
x4. Take the time to show things you see to other divers.
x5. Do not push people out of the way or crowd in to see or photograph things.
x6. Give the photographers some room and time to take their pictures.
x7. Respect camera rinse tanks.
x8. Keep your gear organized and out of other people¹s way on the boat.
x9. Be a mentor to newer divers.
10. Be an example to newer divers.
11 Be aware of want other divers are doing. Assist them as appropriate.
12. Dive conservatively. (Your getting bent impacts the whole boat.)

Specifically, in terms of ourselves, I suggest:

1. Relax, enjoy.
2. Be properly (mentally and physically prepared) for diving.
3. Keep skills up to date. Especially buoyancy skills.
4. Respect your own limits and those of others. Do not push yourself.
5. Service your gear regularly.
6. Be open to wisdom from older divers.
7. Be open to assisting other divers as requested
8. Dive conservative profiles. (Getting bent is hard on your body and your mind.)


The Peril of the Danglies

CONSOLES and alternate (octopus) second stages that are allowed to dangle freely pose a danger to the environment, their owners and other divers.

Every time an unsecured second stage or console slams into the bottom, it can damage fragile coral formations and other aquatic life. 
Constant contact with the bottom can easily damage equipment. Alternate second stages can become filled with sand, mud or other unpleasant materials, or just plain break. And expensive computer consoles can become utterly destroyed.
 Unsecured equipment can be difficult to find when you (or a buddy) needs it most.
 
Imagine a diver who runs out of air because he could not easily locate his console and thus regularly monitor his air supply. Upon bottoming out his tank, he swims furiously to his buddy and gives the ³out of air² signal. The buddy hunts for several anxious seconds to find his alternate second stage — only to discover it is damaged and clogged with mud, due to constant contact with the bottom.

The bottom line is, alternate second stages and instrument consoles should never be allowed to dangle, and should be secured to your BC harness with the proper retaining hardware.

There is a large number of devices sold to secure second stages and most instrument consoles can be attached to your BC with a clip. If you are uncertain how to secure your equipment, check with your dive shop.

Thanks for this article goes to Underseas Scuba Center in Villa Park, IL.



Continuing education is the key to enhanced diving experiences.