CHAPTER 8 5. HOLLOWED TUBE & SKETCH OF WEBBED AWIMMING GLOVES
SNORKELING FINS
AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
- “Water” or “Aqua” has a certain unique to people of all
ages.
- Aquatic activities may be done IN WATER such as
swimming & snorkeling, ON WATER (surface water) such as surfing &
whitewater rafting, & UNDERWATER such as scuba diving.
Water has a special characteristic that provide a unique
environment for activities and good workout:
a. BUOYANCY
- the upward force of the water on an object.
b. HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
- the pressure exerted by the water at
equilibrium due to the force of gravity.
c. ENHANCED COOLING
- transfers heat away from the body quickly than
air given in the same temperature.
SNORKELING
- One of the best but simple way to see, discover, &
appreciate the intriguing underwater life.
- Allows one to grasp the amazing beauty of marine life,
but swim with them as well.
- SNORKELING is peeking through life underneath water by
swimming with the aid of a snorkel or mask.
- Through SNORKELING, one can observe the underwater
attractions for a longer period of time, without the need to
constantly resurface to grasp for air, and with relatively lesser effort.
- It helps the overall fitness of a person.
- It is also a good cardiovascular workout as it increases
heart rate and strengthens the heart muscle.
HOW DID SNORKELING BEGIN?
Need, creativity, & technology have allowed the ordinary
hollow reed to become the modern-day snorkel. The following
timeline outlines the events that lead to modern-day snorkeling”
1. HOLLOW REED (3000 B.C.)
- skin divers of the Island Crete in the Mediterranean used
hollow reed to breather while submerged in water as they
collected sponges.
2. ANIMAL SKINS WERE FILLED WITH AIR (900 B.C.)
- an ancient bas-relief dating 900 B.C. depicted divers in
Assyria using animal skin filled with air to lengthen their stay
underwater.
3. DIVING BELL (300 B.C.)
- Alexander the Great encouraged the development of
the first diving bell, which was a cauldron designed to trap a
pocket of air when it was lowered into the water.
- On one of the writings of Aristotle, he mentioned divers
using a tube connected to the surface to the snorkel remarking
that it worked like “the trunk of the elephant”.
4. EYE GOGGLE FROM SHELLS OF TORTOISE (1300s)
- shells of the tortoise as used to develop a gadget to
protect the eye as well s to see more clearly in water. The shell as
sliced very thinly until it became translucent then polished for vision
clarity.
C.
(1400S)
- Leonardo de Vinci proposed & created the first
contemporary snorkel, a hollow tube designed attached to the
leather-head helmet of the diver
6. WOODEN PADDLES (1717)
- Benjamin Franklin came up with an idea of using
wooden paddles attached to the hands and feet to help
swimmers swim faster.
7. MODERN FINS (1912)
- invented by Frenchman Louis de Corlieu, Patent for
this was obtained in 1933.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC EQUIPMENT IN SNORKELING?
- The basic gears needed in snorkeling are the snorkel,
goggles, and fins. Other essential equipment, although optional
for some, are the floating vest and rash guard.
A. MASK
- served as the viewing device in appreciating the
world beneath the water.
- the AIRSPACE created in the mask is what helps in
seeing clearly underwater.
- the two most important things to remember in
choosing a mask is they are FIT & COMFORT.
PARTS OF THE MASK
I. STRAP - holds the mask to the face underwater
II. MASK SKIRT - is the soft flexible material that seals the mask
around the face.
III. NOSE POCKET - cushions and protects the nose.
B. SNORKEL
- a piece of equipment that makes it possible to
breathe at the surface while the face is submerged.
- basically composed of a tube, also called the
BARREL, and a mouthpiece.
a. CLASSIC SNORKEL
- has the most basic part, the solid tube and
the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can bent to a specific
shape.
b. SNORKEL WITH A FLEXIBLE TUBE
- more comfortable than the classic snorkel.
The flexible tube allows the top and mouthpiece to rotate
to different angles to better fit the face.
- it can also drop away from the face when
not in use.
A SPLASH GUARD prevents splashed water and spray
from easily entering the tube. However, this will not stop water
from entering the tube when a big wave covers the snorkel or
when one goes underwater.
The DRY VALVE is a special valve on the top of the
tube that complete stops water (and air) from entering the
tube when a wave comes or when diving underwater.
- Water resists or “PUSHES BACK” anything moving through
it. This is the principle behind what the fins do.
- it is the resistance of that provides much of the
propulsion created by a moving fin
- SPEED and EFFICIENCY in swimming are what one gains
in wearing fins.
There are two basic kinds of fins, the FULL-FOOT FIN or
CLOSE FIN and the ADJUSTABLE FIN or OPEN FIN.
I. FULL-FOOT FIN
- covers the heel and are put on like slip-on shoes.
- they are easy to use, more flexible, and more efficient
while swimming on the surface.
- these are more popular among warm-water divers.
II. ADJUSTABLE FINS
- open at the heel and have adjustable straps to secure
the feet
- such fins are often used with dive boots.
- generally has a more rigid blade than the full-foot fin
and it can provide a more forward thrust but requires more effort to
use.
In recent years , a new sub-classification has also
developed in both full-foot and open heel fins, namely, the
CONVENTIONAL or PADDLE-BLADED FINS and the SPLIT FINS.
a. PADDLE-BLADED FINS
- gives a fast accelerating speed from the long, slow, and
powerful strokes of the legs.
- it also gives good control and maneuverability especially
when carefully moving around corals.
- have a single, full blade.
b. SPLIT FINS
- “semi-parted” in the web, separating the blade into two
long, stiff blades.
- it is easier to kick with split fins on. Instead of a long
powerful stroke, smaller and more rapid kicks are made.
- it is said that the split fins are better for moving forward
that for back paddling, frog kicking, turning, etc.
D. SNORKEL VESTS
- small and inflatable, which provide more buoyancy
while floating on water.
E. SKIN PROTECTION
- in order to protect the skin from the heat of the sun, one
may use a good biodegradable sunscreen or a better choice will
be wearing a long sleeve rash guard.
F. SWIMMING CAP
- a big help in keeping hair out of the snorkel and the
face as well. It will also help in preventing the scalp from burning on
a sunny day.
G. MASK DEFOGGER
- helps prevent the mask from fogging up.
 HOW ARE THE GEARS SET UP? e. COCKPIT - opening in the kayak’s deck where the
 Step 1 - Clean and Defog the Mask. CANOEING AND KAYAKING paddler sits.
 Step 2 - Attach the snorkel to the mask by clipping the mask - A great way to explore the rivers, lakes, canals, and
strap clip to the strap of the mask. other bodies of water. Canoeing and kayaking are two floating In a Canoe and Kayak, there are variations for each boat.
 Step 3 - Put on the mask. crafts that may take anyone to places in the water that are Differences lie in the length, the width or beam, the bottom shape,
 Step 4 - Put the snorkel on the mouth. even difficult to access by any other means. and the sides or profile of the boats.
 Step 5 - Try on the fins.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KAYAKS AND CANOES? CHARACTERISTIC DESCRIPTIONS
 Length I. Longer boats are faster
HOW IS SNORKELING DONE? KAYAKS CANOES - The distance from the and move on a straight
1. Test and Practice  Has a covered deck.  Wide open. tip of the stern to to the tip of line. They can also carry
2. Floating Position  Kayakers extends their  A canoer sits on a raised the bow. more people.
3. Kicking to Move legs. sit or kneels on the II. Shorter boats are easier to
4. Diving Deeper bottom of the boat. maneuver &
a. “Feet-first” Dive  Seated low or sometimes  Uses a single-bladed comparatively lighter and
b. “Head-first” Dive on the deck. paddle. easier to handle.
III. Longer boats are best
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WHEN THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ARISE?  CANOE when touring and cruising
A. WATER IS FILLING THE MASK - the word “canoe” originated from the Carib word the open water.
- If the mask comes with a purge valve, simply blow air out “kenu” which meant “dugout”.  Beam I. Generally, the wider the
through the nose while the mask is on. - canoes were originally made from large tree trunks. - the width of the boat boat, the more stable it is.
- if the mask does not have a purge valve, then simply lift - The oldest known canoe, PESSE CANOE, believed to and is measured at the widest However, a narrower
head out of water and pull the front of the mask forward. be constructed between 8200 and 7600 B. C. was found in part of then canoe or kayak. kayak or canoe may be
- while underwater, one can also clear the water. Simply Netherlands. faster but less stable.
press the top of the mask to the forehead and blow out through  KAYAKS II. A narrower kayak or
the nose. - Kayaks or “qajak” meaning ‘man’s boat” or canoe is more suitable for
“hunter’s boat” originated from the Inuit and Aleut tribes of those you want to travel a
B. WATER ENTERED THE SNORKEL Arctic North America. greater distance since it
- clear the snorkel by blowing out through the snorkel to - Whale fats were used to waterproof the boat. has speed.
force the water out through the top. - The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in North III. A wider boat is suitable for
America Department of the State Museum of Ethnology in bird-watching, fishing, or
C. PRESSURE IS FELT IN THE EAR WHILE DIVING Munich. photography.
- To equalize this pressure, do the “pinch-blow nose”  Bottom Shape I. Flat - has good stability in
technique. Close the mouth, pinch the nose, and then gently blow WHAT ARE THE BASIC PARTS OF THE KAYAK calm waters and provides
out air through the blocked nose. AND CANOE? easy turning (boat spin) in
- Kayaks and Canoes have features that are common rougher water such as
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE SNORKELING? for each one. The decking, the hull shape, and the bottom are white
i. S - Stay close to the shore if you are a beginner. just few of the differences. II. Round - designed for
ii. N - Never do it alone.  BASIC PARTS OF A CANOE: speed and efficiency.
iii. O - One up, one down. a. YOKE - a beam in the center of a canoe that allows One may feel a little shaky
iv. R - Rain Check! the canoe to rest on a person’s shoulder when when one steps in it.
v. K - Know your Surroundings. portaging. III. Vee - this boat is in
vi. E - Energy Retention b. STERN - rear end. between the flat and
vii. L - Leave them alone! Do not touch marine life. c. GUNWALE - acts as structural support and it defines round bottom boat
shape of a boat. designs, thus with practice
d. BOW - front part. it comes with a good all-
A DIVE GUIDE or SNORKELING GUIDE is a certified e. THWART - crossbars reinforcing the canoe and around performance.
professional who is capable of leading a group of aquatic prevents sides from pulling apart under load.  Profile or Sides of a boat I. Tumblehome design - the
enthusiasts to various dive sites in the area. f. SEAT - for paddler at the bow part (if in tandem). sides of the boat curve
An adequate fitness level for this career can be achieved inward as they come up,
by performing aerobic exercises at least three times a week. The which makes the beam
activity should be 30-45 minutes long and the intensity is around  BASIC PARTS OF A KAYAK: narrower on the deck.
65%-85% of one’s maximal heart rate. a. DECK - top half of the kayak. II. Flared sides - the sides
A dive guide is also responsible for setting up the scuba b. FOOTBRACE - found inside where the feet rest. curve outward making the
diving equipment. A tank filled with compressed air can weigh c. HULL - bottom half of the kayak. beam wider.
between 10-15 kilograms. The other equipment weigh an d. HATCH - covering on the deck where food and III. Straight sides - is a ittle bit
additional 2.5-5 kilograms. gears can be stored. of the two.
 4. Compass INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY
HOW SHOULD ONE CHOOSE 5. Spare paddle - the river rapids have a different scale of difficulty.
A PADDLE? The rivers are rated according to the technical difficulty and the
- Paddles are the equipment used to maneuver the boat. HOW DOES ONE START THE CANOEING AND KAYAKING skill level required to traverse the river.
Singled-bladed paddles are usually used for canoes and Double- ADVENTURE? - The INTERNATIONAL SCALE of RIVER DIFFICULTY is
bladed paddle are for kayak. They are placed in the water as one an American System used to rate the difficulty of a stretch of a river
moves the boat.  FIRST, Learn how to get in and out of the boats. or a single rapid.
- Just like boats, paddles also come in different kinds GETTING IN A KAYAK
according to use. Choosing what kind of paddle depends on one’s a. Entering from the dock. CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION
physique, the size of the boat, and stroking preference. b. Getting from the shore.  Class I Rapids: i. Moderate to fast-moving water.
i. Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddles. EASY ii. Waves & riffles and small.
ii. If a person has a small build, then a shorter, lighter GETTING IN A CANOE iii. Minimal risk to swimmers
paddle is best as not to overexert oneself. a. Entering from the shore (Tandem Canoe)  Class II Rapids: i. Easy rapids.
iii. Wider blades give you more acceleration but must also b. Entering from the dock. NOVICE ii. Medium sized waves.
deal with more resistance. iii. Wide channels with some
iv. Another way of measuring the canoe paddle is while in  SECOND, Learn the Correct Posture obstacles but are easily missed.
standing position. Hold the grip or T-grip and see if it’s in iv. Rescue is easy.
level with your nose. A. In Canoeing  Class III: i. Moderate rapids, strong
v. Narrower blades uses less effort per stroke but require - the first thing to do is to relax, this way the muscles INTERMEDIATE current.
more strokes. will not be too tight. While seated, lean just slightly forward ii. Waves are bigger and may
vi. Curved blades increase power of each stroke. (around 5-8 degrees only) from the pelvis. The back should be swamp an open canoe but it
straight without being forced. comes irregularly.
WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN BE DONE WHEN ONE USES THE KAYAKS OR iii. Scouting is recommended.
CANOES? B. In Kayaking iv. Big splashes.
- There are varied activities activities where one can use - good posture is key if one wants to use the body  Class IV: i. Long, powerful, and strong
the canoe or kayak. It ranges from the more relax-paced activities efficiently. Do not lean in the backrest but just sit straight and ADVANCED rapids, requiring accurate
to the extremely challenging activities on the white water rivers. relax the shoulder, opening the chest for ease in breathing handling of boat.
a. Sea Kayaking ii. Self-rescue is difficult.
b. Whitewater Kayaking  THIRD, Learn the Proper Way of Holding the Paddle iii. Passages are constricted by
c. Flatwater recreation A. In Canoeing obstacles.
d. Sailing - Canoe paddle has only one blade. The T-grip of the iv. Precise maneuvering skills.
e. Surf Kayaking paddle should be held by top hand with full palms covering it.  Class V: EXPERT i. Long, obstructed, and very
f. Marathon Racing Top hand is the hand that is higher. The bottom hand holds the violent rapids.
shaft of the paddle in about arm’s length down from the other ii. Massive waves often following
ASIDE FROM THE BOATS AND THE PADDLES, WHAT THER EQUIPMENT hand. one after another
WILL ONE NEED? iii. Big drop, extremely congested
- The exact equipment differ slightly depending on one’s B. In Kayaking channels.
paddling activity. But the basic equipment aside from the boat - The recommended grip is usually the distance  Class VI: EXTREME i. Almost never been attempted.
and paddle are the following: between the two elbows. Hold the paddle above and center & EXPLORATORY ii. Extremely difficult,
1. A personal flotation device (PFD). over the head. Adjust your hands so that your elbows are at RAPIDS unpredictable, and definitely a
2. A helmet right angle. life hazard.
3. The appropriate clothing depending on the air and iii. Rescue may be close to
water temperature.  FOURTH, Let us learn the basics of making the boat move imposible.
4. Footwear forward
5. A water bottle for re-hydrating oneself. A. In Canoeing WHAT ARE THE HEALTH-RELATED
6. Extra clothes and energy food placed in dry or - paddling forward is the most basic and important
BENEFITS OF PADDLING?
waterproof bag. stroke as this will bring you to places. - Canoeing and Kayaking are activities that can range
7. Protective gears from the sun such a sunscreen and hats. 1. Catch
from low to high intensity levels of activity. Paddling will workout the
8. Whistle for emergency. 2. Power phase muscles and the heart and thus will improve one’s aerobic fitness,
9. First aid kit and duct tape for emergency situations. 3. Exit and recovery strength, and flexibility. Specific health benefits include:
10. Spray Kit (for kayaking).
 Improved cardiovascular fitness
B. In Kayaking  Stronger muscles and muscular endurance particularly
- Sea kayaking requires more specific extra equipment as - the torso and legs will do most of the work. The in the back, arms, chest, and shoulders as these are the
it is done in the open waters. These equipment are as follows; shoulder and arms will be used to transfer power. Just like main muscles involved in paddling.
1. Waterproof torch that floats. canoeing, one paddles by rotating the torso while keeping the
2. Bilge pump and bailing device. arms straight.
3. Distress signal devices.
 WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS
REMEMBER TO BE SAFE IN KAYAKING OR CANOEING?
i. K - Know first your skills in swimming & canoeing or kayaking.
ii. A - Avoid paddling alone
iii. Y - Yield to safety & know where to go in case of emergency.
iv. A - Always wear personal floatation device and other safety
equipment.
v. K - Keep hydrated as you will be under the sun.
vi. C - Check weather conditions.
vii. A - Always plan ahead.
viii. N - Never forget to put your things in waterproof bags.
ix. O - Orientations given by facilitators or leaders are important.
x. E - Equipment should be tried and always checked.
SCUBA DIVING
- Scuba is an acronym for SELF-CONTAINED UNDERWATER
BREATHING APPARATUS.
- it is a diving method where a diver uses a regulator as
the breathing apparatus and a tank with compresses air which
enables the diver to breathe normally underwater.
Modern day divers are fortunate to have better means of
going deeper and staying longer underwater. The beginnings of
diving can be traced from using the hollow reeds as a way of
staying longer underwater.
From the simple reed, more effective ways of breathing
underwater were invented. The following timeline outlines the
evolution of scuba diving:
A simple cauldron in the shape of a bell as used
where the idea was to trap the air inside the
container where the diver swims out until he/she
1300s runs out of breath then returns to the bell to
replenish air.
Edmund Halley developed an improved diving
1690 bell. The diving bell with trapped air was brought
down with two people inside.
English man John Lethbridge built the “diving
1715 engine” which was an underwater oak cylinder
supplied with compresses air from the surface.
Charles Anthony Deane invented the “smoke
helmet” originally for firefighters. The helmet fits
1823 over a man’s head with an attached hose for
supply of air which comes from the surface.
William James invented the first workable, full-
time SCUBA. It had a cylindrical belt around the
1825 diver’s trunk that served as an air reservoir at 450
psi.
German born inventor Augustus Siebe innovated
a closed diving suit to complete the diving helmet
1837 of Deane. The suit was connected to an air pump
on the surface and became the first standard
diving dress.
1843 The first diving school was established by the
Royal Navy.
Frenchman Benoit Rouquayrol & Auguste
Denayrouze patented the “Aerophore”, where
1866 the diver carries a steel tank of compressed air 7. WEIGHT BELT - used to counteract buoyancy.
and is connected through a valve which goes to 8. SPG or SUBMERSIBLE PRESSURE GAUGE - shows how much of
the mouthpiece. the air is left.
Henry A. Fleuss, an English merchant seaman, 9. SCUBA TANK - contains the pressurized air which allows one to
developed the first self-contained diving gear breathe and to stay longer underwater.
that used compressed oxygen and not 10. FINS - provide the propulsion that makes it possible to swim
compressed air. In his prototype of closed circuit with lesser effort.
1876 scuba, carbon dioxide was absorbed by a rope 11. SCUBA or WET SUIT - provides protection from the coldness of
soaked in sodium hydroxide so that the exhaled the water and from other elements.
air can be recycled or re-breathed.
Jacues Cousteau and Emile Gagnan redesigned  OTHER ACCESSORIES:
a car regulator which provided compressed air to 1. DIVE COMPUTER - monitors the diver’s depth
divers in the slightest breath and later on called as 2. DIVE LIGHTS - provides the needed light as it can be dark
1943 aqualung. This design gas changed the underwater.
landscape of diving and remains to be what we 3. DIVE KNIFE - used for cutting ropes, lines, and mono-filament.
know as the SCUBA of modern day. 4. DIVE CASE - used for protecting the gears while travelling.
WHO CAN SCUBA DIVE? WHAT ARE THE SKILLS NEED IN SCUBA DIVING?
- almost anyone can scuba dive. However, health - There are different skills and procedures employed from
and age are among the basic considerations: pre-diving, descending, swimming deep under, and surfacing back.
 AGE
- a child as young as eight years old can start learning  PRE-DIVE
in shallow waters. A ten-year old child can be qualified to train - diving is really a new adventure as one seem to enter an
be certified as a junior Open Water Diver, while a fifteen-year- entirely new world, with species that can only be found in water.
old or older can apply for an Open water Diver’s Certificate. - the pre-dive entails procedures that divers adhere to.
- There is a detailed safety check of equipment and
 HEALTH readiness on the diver as well.
- it is important for a diver to be physically fit to be
able to cope with strenuous physical task which may happen  PRE-DIVE SAFETY CHECK
at an unexpected time. - performed once a diver is wearing his/her gear and is
 DISABILITIES done with a dive buddy.
- disabilities do not hinder from scuba diving. Many of - this is a last minute review done on the boat just before
the instructors can provide training which is designed for one enters the water.
physically challenged divers. - this is to ensure that all gears are properly functioning.
 SWIMMING SKILL
- for enrolling in a one-day experience course, the FIVE STEPS OF PRE-DIVE SAFETY CHECK
basic requirement is being comfortable in the water even to 1. Check the buoyancy compensator making sure the inflator
the deep end of the swimming pool. and deflator buttons work and that the pull strings are
unencumbered.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC SCUBA DIVING EQUIPMENT? 2. Check the weights.
- the scuba diving equipment is what makes scuba 3. Check the releases.
diving different. The following are the essential needs of every 4. Check the air regulator.
diver: 5. Final okay.
1. DIVE MASK - creates the air pocket to have a clearer view
of underwater life. After all the equipment have been checked, the diver
2. SNORKEL - is a breathing tube allowing you to inhale and should also be prepared before going underwater. This is done
exhale through your mouth when swimming face down through the five-point descent. The procedure is as follows:
on water surface.
3. REGULATOR - lets you breathe underwater. It connects to 1. Signal (thumbs down) to descend and wait for
your tank and delivers air to your mouth when you inhale. acknowledgement from buddy.
4. BCD or BUOYANCY CONTROL DEVICE - helps control the 2. Orient to some surface objects for reference.
position in the water column. 3. Remove the snorkel and replace it with the regulator
5. REGULATOR - delivers the steady supply of air from the mouthpiece.
cylinder with the right pressure. 4. Time check
6. OCTOPUS - is the backup regulator. It usually has a longer 5. Deflate the BCD just enough so that one slowly begins to sink
hose and a bright yellow body so it is easy to find & can and exhale to help self in descending.
be used by other in an emergency.
6. Feet first in descent or at least the head is above the feet to
remain oriented.
 DESCENDING
- descending to water should be done in a slow and
controlled way; this is what they call the CONTROLLED DESCENT. It is
using the lungs to descend and the BCD for making oneself
neutrally buoyant.
Why is this important? It serves as a preventive measure
to stay safe. Specifically, it is for the following reasons:
1. If ear equalization problem arises and cannot stop
descent, there is the risk of an ear barotrauma or an
injury in the ears.
2. A diver must be able to descend slowly as not to land
on the bottom. We have to remember that a gentle fin
kick can injure corals or other aquatic life.
3. A diver should be able to stay close with his buddy
during descent
4. Slower descent makes the dive more enjoyable and not
stressful.
The following steps will ensure a completed descent:
a. STEP 1: Understand the Use of Buoyancy Compensator
Device (BCD).
b. STEP 2: DO NOT deflate All the Air from the BCD to Begin
the Descent.
c. STEP 3: Exhale Fully to Begin your Descent.
d. STEP 4: Re-Establish Neutral Buoyancy.
 ASCENDING
- When one is ready to end a dive, do the following:
1. Signal buddy and begin the ascent together.
2. Begin ascent while there is still sufficient air remaining in
the tank.
3. Go slowly.
4. Breathe continuously when ascending; do not hold
breathe.
5. Make a safety stop when one reaches 15 feet for 3-5
minutes.
6. Extend one hand over the head, look up to the surface
and slowly rotate 360 degrees as one ascends.
7. Drift slowly to the surface. When on surface, inflate BCD
and make the signal. Re-enter the boat.
HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE UNDER WATER?
- communication is very essential among divers, and the
best way for them to communicate is through hand signals.
 The Recreational Scuba Training Council Agencies came up
with a set of hand signals of universal use. These signals are
taught to every diving student and must be practiced and
mastered. The following are the common dive signal as
released by Recreational Scuba Training Council, Inc. In 2005:
WHERE CAN ONE ENROLL TO EARN A DIVING CERTIFICATE?
- the more popular diving institutes are the Professional
Association of Diving Institute (PADI) and Scuba School
International (SSI). Most scuba sites or resorts in the Philippines have
an SSI or PADI center with instructors who can give the basic
training while at the resort.
- After the diving course and having passed the test, a
diving certificate or C-card will be given. It is a certificate which
recognizes your training skill level certified by a recognized diving
training school.
- This certification is usually required when booking a dive
trip, renting-scuba equipment, or even filling diving cylinders.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH-RELATED BENEFITS OF DIVING?
- diving on a regular basis improves and maintains the
general fitness and stamina level.
- Exercising in water is very effective because of the
water’s natural resistance against our bodies.
- it improves our cardio-vascular performance and is
translated into reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, and
circulatory problems and ailments in general.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY REMINDERS IN SCUBA DIVING?
- the Divers Alert Network or DAN describes important
reminders especially for new divers:
 BEFORE DIVING:
a. Make sure you are fit to dive
b. Always listen to instructor or dive guide.
c. Plan your dive depth, time, and safety stop with your
buddy.
d. Choose dives that match your skills.
e. Check equipment thoroughly.
 DURING THE DIVE:
a. Breathe normally all the time.
b. Equalize your ears frequently as you descend.
c. Stay aware where your guide and buddy are located.
d. Keep an eye on your air gauge.
e. Dive within the limits of your dive computer and no
deeper than 40 meters.
f. Do not overexert yourself.
g. Do not touch anything.
h. Always ascend slowly from every dive.
i. Listen to inner voice.
j. Watch you ascent rate on all dives.
k. Make a safe stop.
 AFTER DIVE:
a. Stow all gear away on the boat.
b. Debrief wth guide and buddy and discuss what you can
improve on the next dive.
c. If you feel something strange, let others know.
d. Do not fly until at least 18-24 hours. Flying is pressurized
environment and can cause decompression sickness if
nitrogen has not dissipated from body/