Connect with us
background

Dive Training Blogs

Dive to Survive: How much do you value your life?

Published

on

In her first blog for Scubaverse, Underwater Photographer and RNLI Editor Anna ‘Nudi’ Burn reports on her experience of the RNLI Diver Sea Survival specialty course…

Just Another Specialty?

Divers who are a bit longer in the tooth often talk sceptically about collecting qualifications and cards but, after commercial fishermen, we are the second most at-risk group around our coasts (based on fatality rate). 68 divers lost their lives in UK waters between 2012 and 2016 (2016 Annual Diving Incident Report) and taking steps to improve our survivability, should the worst case scenarios arise, is essential.

I’ve been diving for 12 years and have always been pretty comfortable in the water but, because of the work I do for the RNLI, I’m all too aware of how easily things can go wrong – and also how often it seems to happen to people who are experienced.

The RNLI has worked with the British Diving Safety Group (BDSG) to develop a sea survival course for divers of all levels, now available through PADI, SSI, SDI and RAID. There’s also a club-based version, the diver sea survival workshop with BSAC, IUC and SAA. I booked on to the PADI course with Viewpoint Diving Centre in Pentewan, south Cornwall.

The course takes you through lifesaving safety skills and kit, as well as brushing-up on dive planning (tide states, entry and exit in tricky conditions, navigation and methods of maintaining contact in low vis). Diving safety guru Mark Powell helped develop its content and features on the training videos, alongside dive professionals from Mulberry Divers in Selsey, and RNLI crew members Mark says of the course: “It provides not only a reminder of key safety aspects, but also teaches you new safety skills.”

Mark Powell presents a module of the RNLI Diver Sea Survival course. Credit: Niki Holt

Instructor, Mike Morris, got us hands-on with varied safety kit, sharing his own stories of mishaps and close calls as we went through the modules. I found this really made a difference to the course and Dive Centre Owner Dave Skinner agrees: “If you’ve got someone who’s been teaching for a long time then you can get quite a lot from this; the instructor can put their own experience into it.”

Dave Skinner, Owner of Viewpoint Diving, Pentewen, Cornwall. Credit: RNLI – Anna Burn

In the water, I had the opportunity to practice survival skills, try out the safety devices and reflect on my own diving. With the kind of ‘safe’ and easy UK shore diving I tend to do, two areas stood out where my own safety considerations had been overlooked.

1. Rethinking Diveable Vis

We’re used to considering underwater visibility but give less thought to our own. What’s an acceptable level of visibility for you, based on the risk?

Consider being caught in a current and the light dropping before you’re found. Will the RNLI and coastguard crews be able to spot you as a speck in a vast body of water? Are you satisfied that one DSMB tucked in your pocket will be sufficient?

“It’s amazing to me how many divers go into the water without visible aids. The light has gone before we actually find them and it’s extended the search overnight and into the next day. If they’d had those aids, we may well have found them before we lost the light.”
Martin Rudwick, Coxswain at Selsey Lifeboat Station

Martin Rudwick – Coxswain, Selsey Lifeboat Station. Credit RNLI – Nathan Williams

Some simple changes you can make to increase surface visibility inexpensively are: carrying a strobe to draw attention and dye to leave a trail for rescuers, wearing kit that is brightly coloured, and hanging a weight just below your DSMB to keep it upright.

Us divers tend to like functional understated black gear. But if we’re serious about functionality, visibility is a key consideration. Our shore cover had no trouble spotting our bright orange hoods compared with the usual black pinprick of neoprene, so I now have some soul searching to do!

RNLI Diver Sea Survival, Viewpoint Diving, Cornwall – Diving visibility. Credit: Niki Holt

2. What’s Your Location?

I dive with a DSMB and whistle, but had no other means of drawing attention to myself should I be pulled away from a dive site by a current. There are two sites I dive where complacency or misjudgment of conditions could lead to that, so this is something I need to rectify.

Carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or Nautilus Lifeline marine rescue GPS means crews are more likely to find you. Martin strongly recommends the investment: “If you’re got a PLB, you will be found.”

As an underwater photographer, I already feel like I have quite enough gear dangling off of me! For divers who don’t want to end up looking like a Christmas tree or think they don’t have enough room to carry a PLB, instead of diving without the backup, look at your kit and decide if everything you’re wearing is required. Is that third torch, spool or crab bag really needed?

PLB shown by Dave Skinner, Viewpoint Diving, Cornwall during RNLI Diver Sea Survival course. Credit: Niki Holt

How Much Do You Value Your Life?

Many of us think little of dropping some serious money on a new wing, dive computer or trip, but experience a sharp intake of breath when looking at the cost of lifesaving equipment like PLBs and VHF radios. But, with some tragic deaths in our community in just the last 12 months, it’s time to stop and think about what steps we each need to take to prevent further loss.

Please ask your local dive centre about the course or your local club about the workshop. In the meantime, I challenge you to find just one change you can make to increase your chances – should anything ever go wrong.

Safe diving!

For more diver safety advice, visit www.RNLI.org/DiveCourse.

 

Anna 'Nudi' Burn is an editor with the RNLI, previously working as a photojournalist and marketing consultant. She gets her nickname from the endearing underwater critter and claims it's because the pace she moves at on dives is not dissimilar from that of a nudibranch! She also volunteers with the RNLI, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Bite-Back. For more, see www.RNLI.org

Blogs

NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!

Published

on

novoscuba

novoscubaThe diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.

NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.

novoscuba

A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission

NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.

NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.

Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration

NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.

Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.

novoscuba

NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.

Quality Training at a Great Price

NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.

Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity

At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.

Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success

NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.

Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload

Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Crossover Made Easy

For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.

Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership

NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:

  • Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
  • Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.

novoscuba

Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement

NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.

Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth

At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.

novoscuba

Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.

Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution

Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.

For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.

Continue Reading

Blogs

Are you ready to become a Cave Diver?

Published

on

cave diving

By Marissa Eckert

What are the requirements to start cave diving?  What do I need to do to be prepared for cave training?  These are all questions I get asked by so many potential students.  There are many options when coming up with an answer.  The first option, and the easiest, would be to go the training agency website and look up the requirements to take the class.  However, this leaves a lot open for interpretation and doesnt mean you will necessarily be ready.  Like anything, there always needs to be minimum requirements.  But is that enough?  Maybe for some people it is, but for most people its not.

So, what are the requirements?

TDI breaks cave training down into three different levels.  Those levels are cavern, intro to cave, and full cave.  To start cavern the requirements state that you must be 18 years old or 15 years old with parental consent, have an Open Water Certification, and a minimum of 25 logged dives.  This doesnt sound like much.  So, what do I tell my students when they ask me?  First, I find out if they are only interested in cavern or if they are interested in potentially progressing into cave diving. If they are interested in progressing into cave diving, I always strongly suggest they get comfortable with a dual configuration first.  This configuration can be side mount, back-mounted doubles, or even a rebreather.   The main things I tell everyone they need to have down are buoyancy, good trim position, the ability to hover in place motionless without moving their hands or feet, and good overall awareness.  This means awareness of oneself and what your body and equipment are doing, but also total awareness of what is going on around you.

cave diving

So, what does all this mean?

Many times Ive had students show up thinking they had all these things mastered only to quickly realize they have a long way to go.  Which by the way, is okay! After all, we all start somewhere and progress at different paces.  The most important thing is to be open to feedback.  But there are also ways to prepare yourself better.  First and foremost, when starting down this route it is critical to find a good instructor.  Take time to look up instructors, ask questions, interview them, look at their past students, look at what type of diving they are doing, and most importantly ask questions!  Find out what techniques they use during class.

I have found that video recording students when they are struggling with something gives them a great perspective to see what they are doing wrong and helps them visualize and correct it.  Does the instructor look good as a diver?  Whether you like social media or not, the internet can be a great place for research. When looking at a diver they should look in trim, almost like they are laying flat on a table.  In videos are they finning with their hands?  Are their feet constantly moving?  Are there things dangling below their body?  All equipment and hoses should be extremely clean and contoured to the body.

The most important question to always ask during training is WHY? There should always be a why behind everything we do.  And it should never just be because I said so.  Make sure the instructor knows why they are telling you to do something a particular way.  Everyone can always learn new ways of doing things, instructors included.

cave diving

How can you truly prepare yourself?

A good idea is to record video of yourself or have a friend record you while diving.  Send it to your instructor ahead of time, so they can give you feedback and let you know if there are things you need to work on.  There is no certain number of years to be diving, or a certain number of dives to have, that says yes you will be ready.  Every individual learns at a different pace.  If a class is only offered in a minimum number of days with a maximum number of students allowed, be aware that this means less time practicing each skill.  For this reason, you might be better suited doing one-on-one training or having a regular buddy take the class with you.  This ensures you are comfortable with each other and familiar with each others habits in and out of the water, and that you get along!

cave diving

The most important thing of all is to come to class with an open mind, a readiness to learn, and no concern with whether you will receive a card, but with a concern that you will learn to be a better, safer, more competent diver.  I always tell my students safety is the number one most important thing in cave diving, but fun is a close second!  Sometimes, it may not feel fun. Stop and ask yourself does this instructor have your best interests at heart?  I know I certainly do.  I want to go to sleep each night knowing that I gave my students as much knowledge as possible to make them safe and thoughtful cave divers.

With proper training, proper equipment, proper experience, and a proper attitude I think cave diving can be done very safely.  I often joke that the most dangerous thing about cave diving is driving to the dive site!

To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Popular