By René Petterson, f or Frivannsliv
We've all encountered the diver who shows up unprepared, who always has problems with his equipment and delays everyone else. Don't get me wrong, anyone can have problems with their equipment and anyone can forget, but someone does this almost every single time. Diving is an equipment-intensive sport/hobby and we make sure that all equipment works and is in place to be able to take part in the wonderful underwater world
1.
Punctuality. Anyone who has taken a diving course and happily made a few dives after the course has an idea of how long it takes to get ready to dive. If you have signed up for a trip that departs at 12.00 and you know with yourself that you need 50 minutes to get ready, there is no point in turning up at 11.15. All experienced divers can promise you that it is better to wait 5 minutes in the boat than to be waited for by the boat.
2.
Preparation. Pack your equipment in the order you used it for. Look over all equipment as it is packed. If you are in doubt as to whether the mask strap will hold, then you are not in doubt. Replace it. Prepare as much of the equipment as you can before departure, this gives you more time at the dive site.
3.
Do not sign up for dives you are not qualified for. It is exciting to explore depths and environments that you have not dived before, but be careful not to "take too much water over your head" at once. If you start the dive with a lot of stress, it can be difficult to stay focused. Small problems can become big and frustrating.
4.
Do an equipment check before meeting. Whether you are in the habit of carrying out a self-check or a buddy check is entirely up to you and your routines, just be sure to do it. One day it may save your life.