ENTERING AND COMING OUT OF THE WATER
Several techniques exist for entering into the water. The use of these can depend on point to departure (from the bank or from the boat), and on the condition of sea, waves, or current. In general these techniques have always been developed with the safety of the diver as a primary consideration.
FROM THE SHORE
In many parts of the world the best diving excursions have either a rocky or coral bank as their starting point. Unfortunately in these situations is not unusual to encounter waves and currents that can create problems because of the backwash, entering and coming out of the water in this way must therefore be done very carefully.
Method of entry
If conditions are not favourable choose an area free of obstructions, rocks, etc. Photographic equipment should not be taken since it can be lost or damaged if a fall occurs. In tropical water it is advisable to wear gloves and footwear to protect oneself from the coral.
Using the help of a companion put the fins on, with the mask in place, the regulator in your mouth and the jacket inflated slightly to achieve positive buoyancy, walk backward with your companion until you reach a sufficient depth to make a full paddling movement on the surface, making use if possible of the backwash. In better conditions entry into the water can be done wearing the same equipment as described before, but without need for fins. Once the water has reached waist level these can be put them on with the help of your companion and the dive can then commence.
Method of exit
Before approaching the waters’ edge the best starting point for the exit should be determined. Approach quickly allowing yourself if possible to be carried by the waves. When the depth of the water is such that you can stand up, walk backward while in turns helping and being helped by your companion. Removing the fins, taking care not to turn your back to the waves, as this may lead to being knocked over. It is important to
keep the mask on in order to be able to see clearly in all conditions.
FROM A ROCKY SHORE
Diving from a rocky shore presents some interesting aspects, unlike sandy shores there is better visibility, allowing clearer observation of the marine life. Walking on the rocks with diving equipment on can, however, be dangerous and much attention needs to be paid to this method of entry. When planning this type of dive it is important to note any change of direction and intensity that the movement of the waves against the rocks may have and to look for the best point for entering and exiting.
Method of entry
In order to walk on the rocks with the equipment on, it is advisable to wear footwear with soles, which have a good grip. Come as close as possible to the point of entry, keeping your hands free at all times: it is better to make additional trips for the rest of the equipment. Choose a solid rock on which to sit and to place the fins and mask on. It is not advisable to enter with a dive, even if the cleanness and depth of the water appears to allow it. It is much better to sit and move forward until your legs, with the fins on, are in the water. After having put the mask and snorkel on, hold onto them with one hand and push yourself into the water. Start to swim quickly on your back finning vigorously so as to move away as quickly as possible from any backwash.
In the case of rough seas it is better to perform this manoeuvre when the waves are at their highest point as the backwash helps to carry you away from the shore.
Method of exit
Exit onto a rocky shore should not be made from the canals that can sometimes be found between the rocks, since the waves and the backwash are stronger here. The best moment to carry out this manoeuvre is when the sea or the waves are at there highest. Attention must be paid to areas where there is a lot of foam, as buoyancy may be very limited.
FROM THE BEACH
Wearing all equipment except for mask and fins, walk into the water until it is at the knee level and then with help of your companion, put the fins on using your right hand to put on the left one and viceversa. Then begin walking backwards watching for rocks and other potential obstacles, until the water is deep enough for you to start finning to the dive site.
Method of exit
Fin until you reach water that is shallow enough for you to stand up in and then take off your fins with the help of your companion, in turn helping him with his. If the sea is rough let yourself be carried by the waves as close as possible to the shore being careful to avoid any rocks or other obstacles.
FROM AN INFLATABLE
Since it is not always possible begin a dive from a larger boat, an inflatable must sometimes be used.
These have limited space but are very useful for entries.
Method of entry
Entering the water from a inflatable or small boat is generally done by sitting on the edge and tipping oneself backwards head first, either with or without the Scuba equipment on. In the first instant one hand must hold onto the mask and snorkel so as to avoid losing it on impact with the water, while the other hold the hoses and the buckle of the weight belt. In the second instance, the equipment must be secured by a rope to the boat and placed in the water to put on after entry. Once again the hands should be used to hold the mask and the weight belt in place.
Method of exit
After having obtained positive buoyancy, the first thing to do is to remove the weight belt and put it inside the inflatable.
Remove the rest of the equipment and if the help of a companion is available put it on board. If no help is available tie it to a seamless rope, then using your fins and arms, climb on board and recover the equipment.
FROM A BOAT
Diving from a larger boat can be much easier but particular attention must be paid to the personal safety of you and others when making the necessary movements for reaching the entry point with the equipment on. Rocking of the boat caused by the waves can easily cause loss of balance.
Method of entry
Entry into the water is generally a simple step forward from the edge of the boat or the board plank sometimes at the stern. This technique known as “ the giant step” consists of a step forward while maintaining the body in a vertical position until impact is made with the water. If the distance between the point from which the jump is made and the water is greater than one metre, it is advisable to bring the legs together on contact with the water in order to minimise descent below the surface. In both cases keep one hand on the mask and regulator to prevent them from slipping off on impact with the water and the other hand on the straps of the B.C.D., and on the weight belts to stop the cylinder from hitting the back of the head.
Method of exit
To get back on board a center spine ladder is generally used. If possible it is best to first remove the weight belt and hand it into the boat. Then remove fins and climb the ladder with the rest of the equipment still on.
Signals
DIVING SIGNALS
Buoyancy
CONTROLLING BUOYANCY IN DIVING
During a dive careful attention needs to be paid to controlling the buoyancy, which should be neutral. A good exercise, which can also be done in a pool, is to adopt an horizontal position near the bottom with a slightly negative buoyancy; at this point slowly inflating the B.C.D., you will achieve a buoyancy that will be positive when breathing in and negative when breathing out. The aim of this exercise is to acquire the necessary sensitivity to be able to carry out a dive and control the variation in one’s depth. It is important to bear in mind when trying for the desired buoyancy that breathing must never be interrupted.
Safety procedures
At the end of the dive when the ascent begins it is important to be attentive to the vertical speed: max. 9 meter/minutes. The BCD must be slowly deflated during ascent, because the air inside it expands and creates an increasingly positive buoyancy and subsequent loss of control of speed. It is extremely important to never stop regular breathing by holding the breath. On approaching the surface it must be checked that it is free from obstacles. These procedures must be clearly set down as rules so as to avoid difficulties and misunderstanding with diving companions and should anyhow be agreed upon with the diving companion and the group leader during the pre-dive briefing.
ASCENDING
BUDDY BREATHING
ALTERNATIVE AIR SOURCE RESPIRATION
RELEASE OF THE WEIGHT BELT
On resurfacing it may be necessary to quickly remove the weight belt to obtain positive buoyancy or to be able to come out of the water more easily. Having determined the position of the belt and the buckle, release the latter with your right hand while holding on to the belt so as not to let it slip away. If the belt must be abandoned, the operation should be carried out with the arm far from the body.
