OCEAN DIVER COMPANION
10 . Will I be tested on my underwater skills ? Your instructor will introduce the underwater skills one at a time and allow you the time to become familiar with them to a level where they become second nature . This ongoing skill development and assessment takes place throughout your Ocean Diver underwater training , so there is no formal assessment .
11 . What is open water ? Where can I complete my open water dives ? Open water is , as the name suggests , a body of water that is open to the elements . This can be the sea , for your first dives a sheltered cove of a suitable depth may be chosen . Other options include inland dive centres , which are lakes or flooded quarries . As with your pool training , the open water dives are designed to develop your diving skills progressively and build up your experience at your own pace of depth and different diving conditions . Just enjoying being underwater and getting used to the environment are important parts of your open water dives .
12 . Do I have to do all the open water dives to complete my training – can ’ t I do it any quicker ? It is important as divers that we have the time to develop and consolidate our underwater skills . Remember , your open water lessons are dives , and there is every chance when diving in a lake , quarry or sea you will enjoy some ‘ distractions ’ such as fish swimming past , maybe a wreck or other underwater feature . Your adventure has already started – enjoy your diving !
13 . As a qualified Ocean Diver what diving can I do ? Ocean Divers are strongly advised to dive at all times with a buddy who has more experience and holds a higher diving qualification . Ocean Diver is classified as an autonomous diver by the European Underwater Federation . As such an Ocean Diver may dive with another Ocean Diver
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Above : An instructor briefing at a quarry lake Below : An open water lesson in progress Left : The buddy system is key Below left : Teaching drysuit skills
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