In recent years, diving has gained increasing popularity among sports enthusiasts. Aside from enjoying the vibrant blue world underwater, it also satisfies the curiosity to explore the unknown. However, diving is not a simple sport, and proper preparation is essential before getting in the water.
There are five steps you must complete before descending. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Face your dive buddy and make the “descent signal” to let them know you are about to begin your descent.
2. Record the current time (or synchronize watches with your buddy) to mark the official start time of the dive. This data can be used as a reference when following a "decompression diving mode."
3. Take the compass and console, align it with the entry/exit point on the surface, and record the reading. This will serve as a reference for finding your way back during the return (suitable for basic compass orientation).
4. Switch from the snorkel to the regulator (second stage). Breathe steadily at this point.
5. Give your dive buddy the OK signal, then perform the descent signal. At this point, slightly inflate your buoyancy compensator (BC) valve (to prevent an immediate rapid descent), then gradually release air (dumping small amounts of air from the BC) to descend slowly. Hold the BC’s inflation/deflation valve in your left hand (raised up), and the depth gauge in your right hand (monitoring depth), and descend slowly and steadily. Stay face-to-face with your buddy and pay attention to their descent speed—if they’re descending too fast, gently remind them to slow down. Also, be sure to manage your own equalization.