Excitement is building for my upcoming two weeks of diving in Taveuni and SavuSavu in Fiji in June 2024! While I’ve enjoyed scuba diving casually since I was 16, a few less-than-ideal experiences have underscored the importance of being well-prepared, especially as I work towards becoming a Master Scuba Diver.
Over the years, I’ve navigated pre-dive nerves, dived with unfamiliar buddies, and have contended with language barriers during dive briefings. I’ve even encountered situations with unreliable gear, such as a faulty rental pressure gauge that resulted in running out of air. Despite these challenges, my passion for exploring underwater wonders keeps me eagerly traveling halfway around the world.
The turning point came when I realized that relying solely on others for safety might not always be the best approach. Taking matters into my own hands, I recently embarked on a journey to Bonaire, renowned as the “shore dive capital of the world,” to undertake the PADI Rescue Diver course.
The studying online was straightforward, and I found the final exam to be reasonable. The in-water training, though not overly difficult, culminated in a challenging scenario: rescuing an unresponsive diver. This involved a series of steps, from alerting help to delivering rescue breaths and performing CPR.
My first attempt at the entire sequence was marked by struggle and panic. My instructor humorously likened my performance to “a monkey trying to tackle a football,” with inconsistent breath intervals. This mirrored what might happen without proper training. However, with dedicated practice and expert guidance, I mastered the sequence. Now, I feel confident in my ability to handle emergencies until professional help arrives – a truly comforting feeling that I wish I had experienced years ago.
Did you know there are 12 Scuba Diving Certification levels, ranging from beginner to professional?
- PADI Scuba Diver
- Open Water
- Advanced Open Water
- Rescue Diver
- Master Scuba Diver (requires 5 specialties and at least 50 dives) – Specialties include Underwater Model, Invasive Lionfish, Trackers, Deep Diver, Night Diver, Nitrox, Drift Diver, Full Face Mask Diver, Coral Reef Conservation, Dry Suit Diver, and more
- Divemaster (for those pursuing a professional career)
- Assistant Instructor
- Open Water Scuba Instructor
- Master Scuba Diver Trainer
- IDC Staff Instructor
- Master Scuba Instructor
- The Scuba Diving Certifications Level of a Teacher of Teachers
Join me as we explore the underwater world of Fiji in June 2024, there’s still room! It will be an unforgettable experience!
Contact Don at Beyondborabora@gmail.com