Open Water Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Academic Training Session #1                                    2        Diving Equipments                                      2-6          The Air We Breathe                                    6-8

Academic Training Session #2                                 9

        Physics of Diving                                          9-10         The Buddy System                                      11-12        The Diving Environment                                    13-14        Managing Problems U/W                          14-16

        Health & Fitness for Diving                       16                

Academic Training Session #3                                 17

        Dive Tables & Dive Planning                     17-20

        Flying after Diving                                    20        Decompression Sickness                     20-23

The 10 Golden Rules                                                 24

LOG BOOK                                                                   25-64

ACADEMIC TRAINING SESSION #1

DIVING EQUIPMENTS

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AIR TANK

The central piece of equipment which makes scuba diving possible.

Contains the compressed breathing air that allows you to breathe underwater.

Material is commonly aluminum or steel        

Sizes are usually 8 – 12 liters (internal volume)

Main part is the tank valve with O-ring and burst disc.

Filled up to 3000psi or 200bars

Remember:

Check O-ring before using the tank

Used tanks must be left with some air to keep dirt from entering the tank.

BUOYANCY CONTROL DEVICE- BCD

Gives scuba divers the ability to adjust and control his/her buoyancy.

Allows the diver to achieve neutral buoyancy (remain at a constant depth) or to descend or ascend in a control way.

Also known as buoyancy compensator.

Features:

Low pressure hose connector

Inflator and deflator mechanisms

Relief valve

Rapid exhaust valves

Oral inflation of the BCD

Quick release buckles

Pockets, straps, hose keepers

Sizes: XS, S, M, S/M, M, L, M/L, L, XL, XXL

Remember:

Fully inflate on the surface to establish positive buoyancy and relax.

Deflate fully during descent.

Wash inside and out and hang partially inflated.

REGULATOR

Adjusts the pressure of the air in your tank to the pressure needed for breathing and supplies it to you through the demand valve when you inhale.

First and second stages of the regulator.

Main regulator and alternate air source or octopus.

Low pressure hose- connect to BCD

High pressure hose- submersible pressure gauge (SPG) console which includes a depth gauge, UW compass, or dive computer.

Remember:

Dry and replace the dust cap before washing!

WETSUIT

Can be a full length wetsuit, a shorty with hoods or jackets.

Made up of neoprene rubber and varies in thickness 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 7mm.

Used as thermal protection, protection from injuries and abrasions from contact with marine organisms and sharp objects.

Should not be loose or too tight

Have zippers and rubberized portions.

Remember:

Tight wetsuit pressing on the carotid artery of the neck can deprive the brain of blood supply which carries oxygen.

MASK

Tempered glass material

Brush each inner glass for 5mins before using a brand new mask to prevent fogging.

Good fit is when it gets stuck in the face when holding sucked air.

Clear and dark skirts of the mask affect visibility underwater.

Check your field of vision.

Remember:

Lung volume is much bigger than the artificial air space in the mask therefore clearing a mask is very easy!

Loosen the straps and position the mask around the neck when not in use- for securing your mask.

Prepare the mask by getting a comfortable fit before diving.

Pull the straps backwards at both sides together.

SNORKEL

Optional to use, needed only for long surface swim.

Remember:

Keep snorkel on left side so as not to interfere with the regulator coming from the right side.

Use snorkel with not so long tube to avoid CO2 induced headache.

FINS

Combined plastic and rubber material.

Used for propulsion by flutter kicking.

Parts are the blades, pockets, straps, and quick releases buckles.

2-types: open heel & full foot

Remember:

Loosen straps on both sides before diving.

Pull both straps backwards together to tighten.

Last equipment to put on and last equipment to remove during water entries and exits!

KNIFE

A tool not a weapon.

U/W LIGHTS OR TORCH

Each diver must have a primary light and one back up light in a buddy team.