Dive Training Blogs
How to deal with Panic
By: Dr. Thomas Powell
We have all been there. Things are going great. You move just a little too quickly or do not take that extra moment to ease your mind and suddenly everything goes wrong. You find yourself trying to cope with a mental barrage of confusion. These moments can be horrifying and, in certain cases, they can have deadly results. Panic is a topic that we all discuss and every instructor wonders about.
When will the day come when I have a student “bolt on me?”
Panic is covered in pretty much all open water scuba training material, but it can also be difficult to simulate. We discuss out-of-air emergencies and we practice different emergency bailout techniques, but we do so without the real fear associated with extreme problems. In training, we know that a professional is near and that at the end of the day we are supposed to be under that person’s care. The real factor that is missing is what happens to your mind during panic. In many cases, we may forget what we have learned and don’t behave in the best manner available to achieve positive results. In reality, how many times have you seen divers practicing emergency skills when they have not been diving for an extended period? Does it seem like most people view refresher courses as an obstacle they do not want to endure? Do you think every diver remembers how to react when they have not practiced scuba-related problem solving since an open water course that took place 10 years ago?
Diver Panic
Imagine yourself as a diver. You have not gotten wet in at least a year because life simply took you other places. A vacation finally arrives and you get the chance to strap on the old dive gear and get back to something you enjoy. As usual, you did not have the time to take a refresher course at your local dive shop before you headed out on your adventure. Work just had to be completed before you left town.
Once you arrive at your destination, you decide you have nothing to worry about and convince yourself there is nothing complicated about diving. That evening, you and your best friend decide to start your week with a simple night dive just off the beach from your resort. A few minutes into the dive, you realize you are burning gas a little faster than you used to, but that may just be associated with your lack of fitness during the past year. You and your buddy have always been about even so far as gas consumption in the water, so in your mind you will be done at about the same time. Simultaneously, you are jealous at all the diving he has gotten to do while you have been dealing with work recently.
Time passes and you are amazed at what you see, but after a bit, you also notice that it takes a little more effort to breathe
You decide that you need to stop and see what is going on with your gear just as your second stage stops delivering air. Your gauge has been the last thing on your mind for the last little bit. Two desperate pulls for air follow and you instantly think you are going to die. You look up, around . . . anywhere for help. The surface seems so far away and that is all your mind can acknowledge. There is no fixing a total loss of air, right? Suddenly, you see your buddy looking at you with a confused face. Things are pitch black with sudden flashes of light. Is it yours? Is it his light? You know there is a signal or some way of showing him that you are in trouble, but there is no time for remembering those actions. You lunge for him, grabbing wildly and hoping for that air you know can save you.
In this case, the diver was excited to partake in a wonderful vacation, but forgot all about using common sense
We as people are not designed to function underwater without a bit of equipment-based support. Even then, gear can fail. This factor is why we focus so hard on good skills, practical knowledge, and muscle memory. We practice those hand signals in class over and over so that they become ingrained in our scuba lifestyle. Similarly, instructors teach us to know how to do things, but we have to take a bit of personal responsibility and continue practicing what we learn. People get rusty at things they do not practice. Panic can overwhelm a person to the point of total shutdown. In our worst moments, we need to have to ability to rely on physical reaction, muscle memory, and the ability to calm the mind in order to solve problems. If we do not practice for bad moments, our physical reaction may become our worst enemy as we blindly grope in terror.
Dive Buddy Panic
Now, using the same story as above, imagine you are the buddy in this scenario. Things have been great. You have been cruising along a little reef seeing all sorts of interesting things. Suddenly your buddy stops cold and he looks a bit lost. You go back to looking around but realize his light is not following. You turn around and see he is wildly flailing. Carefully, you approach him pulling out your alternate air source. It is just a habit you picked up in class watching your instructor. In a lost moment he pauses and seems to recognize you when you use your light to get a clear view of him. He seems to have seen you, but only long enough to lunge toward you. You thrust your alternate air source in his direction and he takes it, ramming it into his mouth. After a moment, you grab the shoulder strap of his buoyancy compensator and give him an “OK” signal. He responds, still acting confused, but you begin your ascent.
This converse storyline to the original shows a diver who recognized a problem, approached with caution, and prepared for secondary issues. The end result was a positive one, but what might have happened if the buddy had not taken the alternate air source? Would the diver have been ready to kick away and recover? Could a potential diver fatality have resulted in two? Was the panicked diver an asset or a risk to the buddy?
Common Sense
Being a diver is a wonderful thing. Not everyone gets to participate in this sport. The problem is that many divers seem to feel that an open water program, or a subsequent class, culminates in diver perfection. This mindset is anything but true. We all have room to improve, develop skills, or even learn new things. The other thing to realize is that just because we learn how to do something once does not mean we will always be masters at those learned skills. The old adage “practice makes perfect” is a good way to view things in the scuba world. The more we practice or work to perfect our scuba skills, the better we will be in both the fun times and the scary times.
In the scenario above, things would have been much easier if the panicked diver had recognized his problem, immediately signaled his buddy, and initiated an air-sharing process. The reality is that even if we do practice these skills, panic can destroy our common sense. We may have to rely on muscle memory. Essentially, if we practice something over and over, our reaction is physically memorized so that you may perform that action without complex thought.
Lastly, we all have to be responsible on a higher level if we are going to play in a realm for which the human body is not designed
In this case, the dive buddy had been able to dive more often than the panicked diver. He was likely aware that there had been no time for the panicked diver to participate in a refresher. When they arrived at their resort, the buddy should have insisted on paying a professional for a bit of his or her time. The panicked diver was not prepared to serve as a proper dive buddy. If someone gets hurt on day one, what good is the rest of the vacation? Are you not there to have fun? Remember that saying “no” is an OK thing to do. In contrast, the panicked diver should have recognized that he was not safe, prepared, and ready. He should have recognized that he was responsible for both himself and the potential safety of his buddy.
Both divers should have been willing to say no to that first unprepared dive
In truth, the reality is that you know your skill set and where you stand. If you are unsure, then find a way to become sure. Otherwise, diving today might not be a good idea. If you are not prepared to be a good buddy, then you and your partner are both already in jeopardy. Diving is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. You do not always have to take the next class, but you could consider simply finding a professional to help you work on your skills until you are again confident in the water. The better prepared we are for the bad times, the more often we will have positive results.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The 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.
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’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.
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.
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.
The 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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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