Diving While Traveling
I discovered scuba diving during my first long trip in Latin America. Since those first dives in the paradise waters of the Galapagos, I've been on the lookout for every opportunity to return and make bubbles underwater!
Since then, I have continued my PADI training and am now > (but I still hope I never have to rescue anyone during a dive!).
During my last trip to Sicily, I was able to say hello to the fish, which was also a chance for me to do a little > as they say.
So, what should you think about when going scuba diving, whether it's your first time or if you're an occasional diver?
Before You Go
Certain formalities must be completed before departure.
- Medical certificate According to regulations, a prior medical visit certifying our fitness to engage in this sport is essential. This certificate is valid for two years, and... I have never been asked for it yet! I initially blamed it on South American mentality, but it turns out that's the case in Europe too-I never had to show my little paper.
- Finding dive centers There are various recognized diving organizations. Personally, I started with PADI, as it was the only one available where I was (probably the most international). By researching different centers before you go, you can compare what they offer, their locations, prices... Even get in touch beforehand.
- What to bring? If you have already dived and earned one or another certification, remember to take: your diving card (certifying your level), your diving logbook, where all your dives are recorded, as proof of your accumulated experience. In any case, bring your medical certificate, and if you have a fitting mask, bring it too. If you're short on space in your bag, don't worry, the dive center can lend/rent you one and also explain how to choose the right mask. However, if you plan to travel along the coasts, I recommend bringing your own gear; it will allow you to snorkel outside of dive sessions. And above all... don't forget your swimsuit!
On-site
- What dives and how many? Contact one or more centers based on your location, the reputation of each center, and whether you can leverage competition to lower prices. Also ask local divers for advice on beautiful sites to see. For instance, in Sicily, we planned to dive in Roman ruins but ended up taking the advice of local divers to go to Isola Bella, and we loved it (even though I still plan to experience diving in ruins: it's on my Bucket List!). Don't hesitate to negotiate: if you're doing multiple dives, if you need to rent equipment for just one day but for several dives (make sure they only charge you for the rental once)... Should you take a refresher? If you haven't dived for at least a year, a refresher dive is recommended. It will help you reconnect with the marine environment, go over basic exercises (manage your equipment and small issues underwater), and regain your confidence. So plan for at least two dives, to have one purely recreational after the more educational dive.
- The liability waiver Before diving, the center will have you sign a paper where you are asked to answer > all the questions, such as Do you have any respiratory, cardiac, psychiatric, or balance issues... >> and sign this form committing on your honor and releasing the center from any liability in case of an incident. It's a standard formality, don't worry and don't read anything into it!
- The dangers There are certain rules to follow (number of dives per day, maximum depth, spacing between dives and between a dive and a flight, equipment checks, safety underwater...). But don't worry: all this will be explained on site and/or you will learn it during beginner training. One piece of advice, however: don't get too distracted by the aquatic fauna and flora! There are rules about diving in groups (moving in pairs, progress in line...) and it's important to be attentive to your surroundings, whether it's the dive master or your partner. (This is a little wink to my partner, who often gets distracted by passing fish and forgets to follow the group!).
Training: Why Do It?
Not all recreational divers need to dive into these training courses. Starting with a discover dive allows you to see if it's an activity you want to pursue.
I will tell you about the organization I know: PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).
The first certification, Open Water, is a good foundation for learning to manage yourself a little underwater. An alternative is the Scuba Diver, equivalent but requiring less time. In these trainings, you learn the basics (master buoyancy, breathe underwater, manage small problems...). This allows you to dive recreationally later, but always with an experienced guide.
The practical training is fun (and tiring for us beginners!), but the videos we watch during the theoretical part are like brainwashing... consider yourself warned! These theoretical courses can even be taken >.
Next levels: Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water, under these enticing titles lies the continuation of the previous training, with specialties to choose from (deep diving, night diving, wreck diving...).
Then comes the level I am currently at: Rescue Diver, which requires passing the EFR: Emergency First Response (first aid) certification. This training is quite physical and technical, but I really enjoyed it.
And if you want to go even further, you can even become a Dive Master, but that requires a lot of experience, a very large number of dives, and once you've achieved this prestigious title, you still have many certifications ahead of you before you can make it your profession.
- What I recommend If you enjoy diving, go for it! Getting the first certification will allow you to dive recreationally, and I believe you can't skip that. The second will let you go further, feel more comfortable underwater, and thus enjoy it even more. It's all about your budget and the time you have to invest!