In recent years, diving has become increasingly popular among sports enthusiasts. Besides enjoying the fascinating underwater blue world, it also satisfies the desire to explore the unknown. However, diving is not a simple sport, and proper preparation before entering the water is essential.
There are five steps to complete before you can descend. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Face your dive buddy and make the “descend” hand signal to let them know you are about to begin descending.
2. Record the current time (or synchronize watches with your buddy) to note the official time of descent (entering the water). This time can serve as a data reference when using a “decompression diving mode.”
3. Take the compass watch set, align it from the surface toward your entry point (exit point), and record the reading. This can be used as a reference for returning during the dive. (Applicable for basic compass orientation)
4. Switch from the snorkel to the regulator (second stage) and regulate your breathing.
5. Give your dive buddy the OK hand signal and then make the descend hand signal. At this point, slightly inflate your buoyancy compensator (BC) through the inflator valve (to prevent an immediate descent), then start venting (gradually releasing air from the BC) to descend slowly. Hold the BC inflator valve in your left hand (raised high) and the depth gauge in your right hand (monitor your depth), descending slowly and steadily. While descending, face your buddy and pay attention to their descent speed. If your buddy is descending too quickly, remind them to slow down. Also, be sure to manage your own equalization.