Dive Training Blogs

Scuba diving courses – Six things you were told that ‘just ain’t necessarily so’

Published

10 years ago

June 24, 2014

Sometimes bad habits and half-truths find their way into all elements of our lives. Those small snippets of information that sound like they should work or you just assume that that’s the way things are done (have you ever put a spoon in an open bottle of champagne to stop it going flat in the fridge?)

Well scuba diving is just the same. It’s full a little quirks that have become either part of courses’ ‘folklore’ or have become a standard, de facto or otherwise. Well I have a list of a few that I know of – perhaps you have some of your own! I would love to hear them.

Drink water, not caffeinated drinks before and after a dive as dehydration is a leading cause of DCS

I can’t count the times that a well-meaning DM or instructor has offered me a drink of water right before or after a dive to ‘reduce my chances of DCS’. Whilst a cup of water is always welcome on a hot day, a single cup of anything is unlikely to affect my body chemistry enough to be the deciding factor in a bend. Maintaining a normal level of body fluid is something that needs to be an ongoing process that is difficult enough even when not diving. The best evidence is that severe dehydration is only one of a number of possible contributory factors to DCS and it may just cause symptoms to manifest themselves more acutely than they would otherwise. Monitoring the colour of your urine output (pale) is still the best guide to your pre-dive hydration and being mindful of all the factors you can influence to reduce your chance of a bend.

Don’t wear your mask on your forehead, it’s a sign of a panicking diver

No, a diver calling for help or splashing for attention or trying to stand on you is the sign of a panicking diver. A mask on the forehead is the sign of a diver making themselves comfortable at the surface if they so choose. I would be careful in a breaking swell as I don’t want to lose my prescription mask, but in still water after a cave dive for instance it can be a comfortable place to put my mask.

Wear a knife on your calf

It’s essentially the worst place to hold a cutting device and can even become entangled in fishing line, causing the problem it’s there to solve. Somewhere around the middle of the body that can be accessed by either hand is best place to keep a small knife, line cutter or trauma sheers. It’s makes them easy to get at pretty much regardless of body position, be located by a buddy and cost a fraction of the cost of some ‘dive knives’ I see on peoples legs.

Always wear a snorkel

They have their place I admit it. That is in my kit bag. OK so some agency instructors have to have one as part of their training standards, and you were probably sold one on your first course (can you see a connection there?) I see divers on boats where the snorkel is actually getting in the way and may cause a problem. If you need to surface swim, do it on your back. If you are at the surface at the end of a dive in a breaking swell keep your regulator in. Trust me, it’s OK to take it off now (see, no dive police).

Always surface with 50 bar in your tank

Why? What am I supposed to do with it? Does that tell me at what gas pressure I start back to the surface with? No of course not and that really is the important pressure to know, when to START the ascent and head home (cave divers call it ‘turn pressure’). You need to know how much gas you AND a stressed buddy are going to need to make nice slow, safe ascent if you are sharing gas and it’s way more than you think (I will show you how to work that amount out in another blog).

Don’t go into deco

Everybody who is diver and is reading this has made a deco dive. Think about it – by definition, if you are ascending and reducing the ambient pressure around you then you are starting to move the Nitrogen out of your body tissues; this is decompression. Ascending, off gassing, supersaturation and decompressing are all the same thing, it’s just that when diving within recreational ‘No decompression limits’ the amount of deco you have to do is less or the same as your ascent time without stopping. So the problem isn’t deco as such but there are three issues that a recreational diver does not have the proper training to manage (and are what technical training courses will start to cover). They are not knowing how long their ascent time needs to be based on their bottom time, at what depth they must make their stops, how long they have to be and most crucially if they have enough gas to perform that ascent. So unplanned deco is really our culprit… so get some training!

So these are my diving myths busted; there are dozens more. It comes down to being a thinking diver, constantly evaluating and questioning what is presented to you (as a ‘fact’ in diving is rarely every so).

Blog courtesy of www.divelife.com.

Blogs

Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2024

Team Scubaverse

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.

underwater videography course

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.

underwater videography course

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.

underwater videography course

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.

underwater videography course

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.