Many years ago we took various recreational scuba dive courses in Puerto Rico. Besides the dive techniques learned, there are some basic principles to follow that we will never forget. Our certified scuba dive instructor continuously stressed these fundamentals since their application may contribute to the diver’s safety and a pleasant and worthwhile dive experience. Though most of these principles are standard and easy to follow, some divers do not put these into action.

Below we share some of the basics digested during our dive courses.

Several Scuba Dive Basic Principles:

1) Eat Food Suitable for a Dive Day

Some people feel motion sickness during a boat ride as they are headed towards a dive spot. Therefore, it is suggested that you eat food, which is digested fast, prior to a scuba dive whether or not a boat trip is needed to reach the dive spot. For instance, eggs and fatty food are not recommended.

2) Dive with a Diver-Buddy

The buddy system may increase the chances of survival or may help avoid accidents. You may consider diving along with a certified diver with who you have already dived, and that you trust to be your buddy.

3) Follow the Divemaster

Do not dive away from the divemaster’s course unless it is necessary for safety purposes and pursuant to the divemaster’s rules.

4) Be calm

Whether you are looking at the underwater scenery, checking your equipment or trying to resolve an inconvenience or situation, be calm. You may ask for help when needed, but be calm for your safety and others’.

5) Be Comfortable

Make sure that you wear a comfortable wet suit, snorkel mask, buoyancy compensator, and fins, and that your scuba tank lies properly on your back. Assure that any specialty gear does not create discomfort.

6) Do not Let the Camera Control your Dive or Affect Others’

While it is great to take pictures of marine life, safety is more important. Don’t let a photo shooting prevent you from taking adequate measures and checking your equipment and air consumption as well as assisting your buddy, if applicable. Also, assure that your eagerness to take a picture and resulting body movements do not affect the others’ dive.

7) Make the Most of your Dive Experience

Dive according to safety principles, your abilities and equipment, and admire the underwater ecotreasures surrounding the appropriate dive route.

The quality of your dive is not determined per se by how deep you dive. Rather, a memorable diving is the result of a combination of multiple factors (some of these you may control and others you won’t). It is important to apply good judgment to decide whether to explore a particular site. Some beautiful spots may not be safe to dive in or may require too much air consumption to dive towards them; and thus, not be recommendable to discover. Following the divemaster’s rules or guidelines and being calm, cautious and alert may also contribute to a fabulous dive.

The above is an overview of our interpretation of some unforgettable scuba dive fundamentals learned as a result of lessons given by Miguel “Mickey” Sánchez, a PADI Course Director and Master Instructor who we believe is one of the most talented and knowledgeable scuba dive instructors in Puerto Rico. + The dive basics summarized in this article do not substitute a dive course, and are not meant to be interpreted as expert advice. We are firm believers that anyone who desires to scuba dive should take lessons with a certified instructor. During Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, you may learn about the correct techniques, proper scuba gear and a variety of other factors extremely important for diving recreationally and responsibly. For general information about some scuba diving courses, you may read the “delve!” subsection of this article.

+ Mickey worked at Casa del Buzo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, when he was our dive instructor. Currently, he is the owner of Unlimited Divers, and gives private dive lessons (one to six individuals). E: unlimiteddivers@yahoo.com

Note: People dive at their own risk and are responsible to take the necessary measures for a safe dive according to their skills, instructions given during dive lessons and divemaster’s rules and guidelines, among other factors. Diving is a risky water sport that may result in serious injury or may be fatal. Do not depend on the information provided herein for your safety. Make your own assessment.