PADI scuba divers??

[mel]

The whole reef is over dived commercial ste, but do not miss Townsville to dive the yongala wreck. SE Asia is always special, try and do a live aboard to get round the Burma banks

[Xaero]

I dived off Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and loved it. Not got a PADI licence, just an experience certificate would love to take it further given time and money though, it is an expensive hobby. I don't have a problem taking my mouth piece out but am a bit worried about the eye mask as I really can't take water in my eyes.

I would like to qualify to a underwater photographer eventually.

[mblade123]

CaptainSlow said:

lawrence567 said:

Dear Divers....

I'm after soemthing which, i'm not sure exists...
I'm looking for a small ocygen tank, you've probbaly seen them on films like james bond etc, about the size of a deoderant can that give you a few breaths of air.
Do such things exist?

yes here

http://www.spareair.com/

Air rather than oxygen though, also please don't use one for diving.

One breath from death. Well thats what we called them when we used them out in the middle east in the early 90s.

Ive read some of this thread and It beggers belief.
Ive been in the diving game for over 25 years now. Started out with SAA then did a PADI cross over to eventualy become an instructor. This was in the mid 80s when I was thinking of doing it abroad. Even then I had misgivings about thier quick turn around and money orientated ways of doing things so I jacked that in and started on the HSE comercial route eventualy working offshore with all the silly gasses, bells and deep stuff so you could say I have a little insite into what its like under the ogin.

As many have said on here 12 dives does not in any way make you a rescue dive. You may well be one on paper but when the proverbial hits the fan you WILL NOT know what to do. Panic is a wonderful thing, it sorts the men from the boys. That and experiance.

Ive seen comercial diving Instructors panic at times and its only through experiance that you can sort things out.
After only 12 dives your still getting to grips with breathing under water (One of the most unnatuarl things a person can do)let alone all the equip. Throw a person panicking into the equation and id hate to imagine the outcome.

Its not your fault its the system. Someone before me said that he had refused to be pressured by the Instructor to do his AOW because he didnt think he was ready. Good for him. he might have saved someones life in the long run.

Right thats my 2 pence worth.

On a lighter note. Good luck to you and progress slowly. In a year or twos time I hope you look back at this thread and in the words of the great Homer Simpson look at it and go "DOH"

[PimpmyHotwheels]

Why did you cross over from SAA to PADI?

Edited by PimpmyHotwheels on Friday 18th June 23:39

[mblade123]

PimpmyHotwheels said:

Why didn't you cross over from SAA to PADI?

I did. Sorry might not have put it corectly. I was with the SAA then wanted to work abroad when I was in my early 20s so went down the PADI route as it was recognised world wide

[PimpmyHotwheels]

My fault sorry.

[Mr Darcy]

lawrence567 said:

Dear Divers....

I'm after soemthing which, i'm not sure exists...
I'm looking for a small ocygen tank, you've probbaly seen them on films like james bond etc, about the size of a deoderant can that give you a few breaths of air.
Do such things exist?

The thing your after is a pony bottle. I have one for sale if your really after one
Their ok I guess if diving solo and your proper fked. We had to have then when doing vdo as we did dive solo

Speaking of video have just bought a 2nd had gates housing and sony hd hc3 camera. Can't wait to start filming again

Edited by Mr Darcy on Saturday 19th June 18:34

[andy_s]

Does anyone do sports technical?

[lawrence567]

Mr Darcy said:

lawrence567 said:

Dear Divers....

I'm after soemthing which, i'm not sure exists...
I'm looking for a small ocygen tank, you've probbaly seen them on films like james bond etc, about the size of a deoderant can that give you a few breaths of air.
Do such things exist?

The thing your after is a pony bottle. I have one for sale if your really after one
Their ok I guess if diving solo and your proper fked. We had to have then when doing vdo as we did dive solo

Speaking of video have just bought a 2nd had gates housing and sony hd hc3 camera. Can't wait to start filming again

Edited by Mr Darcy on Saturday 19th June 18:34

It's not for anything deep or long etc.
I've been trying to train myself to hold my breath for longer periods when in the sea.
I've tried various different techniques, taken up exercise, stopped smoking etc.
In the bath i can hold my breath for about a minute, but in the sea, maybe due to it being cold etc i can only hold my breath for about 25 seconds if i'm lukcy.
It's not to go down paticularly deep, maybe 2-4metres at most, it's just otherwise i end up, going up and down every few seconds before i've had a chance to get anywhere..
Would it be ok for those purposes?

[Fezant Pluckah]

lawrence567 said:

Mr Darcy said:

lawrence567 said:

Dear Divers....

I'm after soemthing which, i'm not sure exists...
I'm looking for a small ocygen tank, you've probbaly seen them on films like james bond etc, about the size of a deoderant can that give you a few breaths of air.
Do such things exist?

The thing your after is a pony bottle. I have one for sale if your really after one
Their ok I guess if diving solo and your proper fked. We had to have then when doing vdo as we did dive solo

Speaking of video have just bought a 2nd had gates housing and sony hd hc3 camera. Can't wait to start filming again

Edited by Mr Darcy on Saturday 19th June 18:34

It's not for anything deep or long etc.
I've been trying to train myself to hold my breath for longer periods when in the sea.
I've tried various different techniques, taken up exercise, stopped smoking etc.
In the bath i can hold my breath for about a minute, but in the sea, maybe due to it being cold etc i can only hold my breath for about 25 seconds if i'm lukcy.
It's not to go down paticularly deep, maybe 2-4metres at most, it's just otherwise i end up, going up and down every few seconds before i've had a chance to get anywhere..
Would it be ok for those purposes?

No... you'd need proper training in how to use it if you don't know how to scuba dive already. I'd be concerned that you'd duck dive down, take a breath of air off your pony and hold your breath again and surface in such a way. You'd ultimately be asking for a burst lung or an embolism.

Breath holding and scuba diving do not mix, I am afraid!

[Dupont666]

here is a question for you guys...

Im looking to do a the PADI OW at the local instructors in SW London.

They off the 2 types of PADI OW, referal and the full course:

Referal is:

they say said:

Our PADI Open Water Referral Course will provide you with a safe and thorough training background so you can confidently complete your dives overseas or in the UK. Upon signing up you will receive your PADI Open Water scuba diving manual, dive tables, logbook and DVD. The course consists of 5 theory modules taught in 1 session and 5 swimming pool modules taught in 1 session

Read and complete your PADI Open Water dive manual and knowledge reviews and watch the DVD.


You will receive a Referral form , valid for one year. You can take this Referral form to any PADI centre in the world and they will take you for the 4 dives needed for certification as a PADI Open Water diver. Alternatively you are most welcome to complete your dives with XXXXXXX at Wraysbury near Windsor

Now for this its £235 for a single weekend course which to me seems like a lot.

They offer the full course including 4 dives I need for £395 over 2 weekends.

Now the query I have is the fact my OH is going to Egypt I want to do the first one, but dont see the benefit of that outlay of money.

I can get the course material no probs, so what is there stopping me learning the material and then simply going overseas and doing the basic dives and the 4 OW dives?

For basic back ground, I have already done the swimming pool course in Bali and already dived to 14m off lombok with a dive master and was down for 45 mins (thats what got me interested) but since I have the excuse of the OH being in a country with nice diving, then I dont see why I shouldnt go for it.

Any thoughts.

[hornetrider]

Condi said:

Im in Oz and SE Asia for 12 months next year so will do some PADI stuff while im out there. It would seem a shame not to really. Any places/schools better/cheaper than others? I'll be on the east coast of Oz for 6 months and be travelling from there.

We learned in Thailand with Marina Divers in Phuket. I have no experience of other schools but it was well organised and we had some good dives at Racha Yai/Noi as part of the package - muchos cheapness too.

Went on to dive the Poor Knights (cold but beautifully clear) and do a live aboard out of Cairns on the Spirit of Freedom - fabulous boat and highly recommended (not cheap though!). Unfortunately our trip was cut short due to a Cyclone - it made for some 'interesting' dives as we approached the influence of the storm, we ended up going in off the tender instead of the back of the boat.

Will second the Yongala recommendation if only because we were advised to do it as well. Alas that was the tail end of our 6 month sabbatical and money was tight so we cancelled our dive due to lack of funds.

[lawrence567]

Fezant Pluckah said:

lawrence567 said:

Mr Darcy said:

lawrence567 said:

Dear Divers....

I'm after soemthing which, i'm not sure exists...
I'm looking for a small ocygen tank, you've probbaly seen them on films like james bond etc, about the size of a deoderant can that give you a few breaths of air.
Do such things exist?

The thing your after is a pony bottle. I have one for sale if your really after one
Their ok I guess if diving solo and your proper fked. We had to have then when doing vdo as we did dive solo

Speaking of video have just bought a 2nd had gates housing and sony hd hc3 camera. Can't wait to start filming again

Edited by Mr Darcy on Saturday 19th June 18:34

It's not for anything deep or long etc.
I've been trying to train myself to hold my breath for longer periods when in the sea.
I've tried various different techniques, taken up exercise, stopped smoking etc.
In the bath i can hold my breath for about a minute, but in the sea, maybe due to it being cold etc i can only hold my breath for about 25 seconds if i'm lukcy.
It's not to go down paticularly deep, maybe 2-4metres at most, it's just otherwise i end up, going up and down every few seconds before i've had a chance to get anywhere..
Would it be ok for those purposes?

No... you'd need proper training in how to use it if you don't know how to scuba dive already. I'd be concerned that you'd duck dive down, take a breath of air off your pony and hold your breath again and surface in such a way. You'd ultimately be asking for a burst lung or an embolism.

Breath holding and scuba diving do not mix, I am afraid!

I've scuba dived a few times before, my uncle was an instructor & he took me a few times, all be it pool diving i was kitted up with everything, unfortunately he does'nt do it anymore as he had an accident which meant he was'nt able to dive anymore.

[rhinochopig]

lawrence567 said:

Fezant Pluckah said:

lawrence567 said:

Mr Darcy said:

lawrence567 said:

Dear Divers....

I'm after soemthing which, i'm not sure exists...
I'm looking for a small ocygen tank, you've probbaly seen them on films like james bond etc, about the size of a deoderant can that give you a few breaths of air.
Do such things exist?

The thing your after is a pony bottle. I have one for sale if your really after one
Their ok I guess if diving solo and your proper fked. We had to have then when doing vdo as we did dive solo

Speaking of video have just bought a 2nd had gates housing and sony hd hc3 camera. Can't wait to start filming again

Edited by Mr Darcy on Saturday 19th June 18:34

It's not for anything deep or long etc.
I've been trying to train myself to hold my breath for longer periods when in the sea.
I've tried various different techniques, taken up exercise, stopped smoking etc.
In the bath i can hold my breath for about a minute, but in the sea, maybe due to it being cold etc i can only hold my breath for about 25 seconds if i'm lukcy.
It's not to go down paticularly deep, maybe 2-4metres at most, it's just otherwise i end up, going up and down every few seconds before i've had a chance to get anywhere..
Would it be ok for those purposes?

No... you'd need proper training in how to use it if you don't know how to scuba dive already. I'd be concerned that you'd duck dive down, take a breath of air off your pony and hold your breath again and surface in such a way. You'd ultimately be asking for a burst lung or an embolism.

Breath holding and scuba diving do not mix, I am afraid!

I've scuba dived a few times before, my uncle was an instructor & he took me a few times, all be it pool diving i was kitted up with everything, unfortunately he does'nt do it anymore as he had an accident which meant he was'nt able to dive anymore.

Apnea diving is all about being relaxed, and learning economy of movement, and counter intuitively you should breath out before you make your descent.

I offer the following advice with caveat that doing it on your own can be very very dangerous:

Start in your local pool, and sit in the shallow end breathing deeply so that you completely empty and then fill your lungs - do not hyperventilate (pant deeply) as you can pass out. Slowly submerge yourself whilst breathing out and then gently push off from the side with your arms outstretched in front of you. Hold this position until you start to come to a stop, and then very slowly pull your arms through in a breast stroke type stroke but your arms finish flat to your side - focus on being relaxed and do not pull hard. Next kick your legs. Your aim should be maintain continuous forward motion with minimum effort. The key thing is relaxation - it's the most common reason for a big delta between novices static apnea and apnea free diving times. If you watch a novice try it for the first time they thrash at the water rather than just let their bodies run on between strokes.

Here's a vid of what I'm trying to explain. Note the timing of legs and arms - the two actions are separate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyKrY7WPwe4&fea...

[aclivity]

andy_s said:

Does anyone do sports technical?

What do you mean by Sports technical?

[mel]

I'd assumed he meant mixed gas & rebreather diving. The biggest mistake ever, allowing any of that into the sports diving market.

[lawrence567]

Ok, if i tell you the reason why i want it maybe you can help find a solution for me?

I like to spear fish, i go maybe 3/4 times a year, in the summer time only.
But i can't hold my breath for very long in the sea, i don't want to be able to go down very deep, as i said no more than 2-3m as the pressure gets too much on my ears.
I've tried training myself, but it all goes to pot when i get in the sea.
It will literally be used for maybe an extra 1 x breath so i can stay down for another 10 seconds or so...
OR is it still frowned upon?

[Jasandjules]

lawrence567 said:

Ok, if i tell you the reason why i want it maybe you can help find a solution for me?

I like to spear fish, i go maybe 3/4 times a year, in the summer time only.
But i can't hold my breath for very long in the sea, i don't want to be able to go down very deep, as i said no more than 2-3m as the pressure gets too much on my ears.
I've tried training myself, but it all goes to pot when i get in the sea.
It will literally be used for maybe an extra 1 x breath so i can stay down for another 10 seconds or so...
OR is it still frowned upon?

If you can't even go to 10ft without sore ears, I think it might be an idea for your to go and see a specialist Scuba Dive doctor to check out your ears. That does not sound good to me, I don't think I even feel the pressure until about 20ft-30ft down when free diving.

Hang on, do you equalise as you descend?

[-DeaDLocK-]

dontdropthesoap said:

We were just about to dive Elphinstone reef when we noticed 3 ocianic white tips. We all jumped in, the brief was to go down to 30m to dive the reef. Every one of us stayed at 5m for the hour whilst the sharks just swam around. All was well until a snorkling boat turned up. Some of the snorklers were diving down and trying to grab the divers alternate supplies(If they had tried it on me I would have drowned the feckers) One of the snorklers even tried grabbing a sharks dorsal.

I don't really want to encounter whitetips - the species of shark most responsible for fatal attacks, by most accounts.

On snorkelers "borrowing" diver's air - if you were feeling particularly nasty, you could let them take a breath at depth to give them a crash course about embolisms and pressure, as most snorkellers instiinctively hold air inside them until they surface...

[rhinochopig]

lawrence567 said:

Ok, if i tell you the reason why i want it maybe you can help find a solution for me?

I like to spear fish, i go maybe 3/4 times a year, in the summer time only.
But i can't hold my breath for very long in the sea, i don't want to be able to go down very deep, as i said no more than 2-3m as the pressure gets too much on my ears.
I've tried training myself, but it all goes to pot when i get in the sea.
It will literally be used for maybe an extra 1 x breath so i can stay down for another 10 seconds or so...
OR is it still frowned upon?

You really don't need a spare air for what you want to do - you just need a bit of training. Try your local scuba club - most divers are pretty reasonable snorkellers / free divers and will be able to coach you a bit on technique. If you combine that with what I've suggested in your local pool once a week, you'll find you can do a couple of lengths (50m) in no time and your confidence will rocket, making you far more relaxed in the sea.

I'd echo waht J&J said though - perhaps see a doc if your ears hurt so quickly.