#20940 - 01/28/05 07:54 AM
Re: Not certified
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marshamouse
Advisor
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 529
Loc: Boise, Idaho
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The dives we did were very controlled. I'm sure we didn't go deeper than 15-20' and the instructor was with us the whole time. We also had the inflatable vests on so if we had to surface they could inflate to help us on the surface. The areas we were in were not deep. One was right outside the pass on Manihi in a coral garden. On Moorea we were in the lagoon in and near the drop off where the channel gets deeper, but the bottom was no deeper than 30'.
Our instructor on the first dive took time with each of us, taking us down and checking us out. While he was working with my husband, I stayed with the boat, under the water holding on to a rope, watching them and practicing my breathing. When he was finished with my husband he came back to the boat and got me squared away. He held both our hands until he could see that we were comfortable and then he stayed with us and kept checking with us to see if we were doing OK - we were probably down for about 45 min.
I think the resorts are set up to do these kind of recreational dives and are very proactive regarding safety and in the way they prepare those who have never done a dive or are just learning.
For someone like us who had no idea what to expect, we were very impressed and thankful that we could do what we did. Also getting certified was not even on our minds - we live in Idaho - not alot of water around here. So for someone who wants to have a diving experience without the certification it was perfect. A memorable experience.
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#20941 - 01/28/05 11:05 AM
Re: Not certified
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jarredk
Member
Registered: 08/27/04
Posts: 36
Loc: New York
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The fact that someone would think that an "inflatable vest" (I won't touch that one) is used to help you surface, shows the problems with these resort courses. No crack at you intended marshamouse.
I'm sure that many of the resorts do have good "proactive" resort courses (though I wouldn't simply assume). The point here is to just make sure your resort is one of them and is giving you proper lessons, to be aware of the dangers, and to realize that these courses are not a substitute for certification and experience -- which is always preferred.
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#20942 - 01/28/05 12:50 PM
Re: Not certified
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marshamouse
Advisor
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 529
Loc: Boise, Idaho
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I didn't say "help me to surface". Just to aid in buoyancy once you are on the surface. We are both good swimmers and like I said, the instructor was with us every minute. We felt comfortable after going over everything on land first - learning what the procedure will be and hand signals for underwater, reviewing the equipment etc. They were not pushy in any way and asked frequently if we understood, had questions or had changed our mind about going. Then there was a thourough checkout in the water.
Just don't want anyone to pass up the opportunity if it arises while they are there and aren't already certified.
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#20943 - 01/30/05 10:08 AM
Re: Not certified
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Gritz
Member
Registered: 07/12/04
Posts: 61
Loc: California
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yeah i would like to know which dive operators were taking uncertified divers to 120 feet...thats pretty reckless...
we got certified before we went, mostly because it would be a waste of time and money to do it there.
to me the 20-30 feet dives are pretty safe for beginners, as long as they dont hold there breath the dangers are minimal. any deeper than that and you are looking for trouble, as you really are putting your life in someone elses hand
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#20944 - 02/08/05 06:10 PM
Re: Not certified
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albertnj
Member
Registered: 04/29/04
Posts: 94
Loc: new jersey
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Who said I was conservative?
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