ESA - Open Water Diver

OPEN
WATER
DIVER
MANUAL
© ESA
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
Product n° M0022
Editor: Mauro Bertolini
Formative project, developement, consulting and revision:

Mauro Bertolini, Mario Romor, Maria Laura Careddu, Egidio
Trainito
Text: Mario Romor
Illustrations: Stefano Trainito e Jacopo Pasqualotto
Photographs: Mario Romor, Enrico Firpo, Egidio Trainito,

Miho Tsuruoka
Editor gives a special thank to: Enrico Firpo, Dario Maiore,

Miho Tsuruoka, Maria Giuseppina Contis, Renato Romor,
Monica Contis e Franca Dessì
Index
Hi, let’s be friends! 56 In and out
5 Breathing underwater 58 Underwater environment
7 ESA 60 Emergencies that may happen
9 How to use this manual 60 Breathless
60 Cramps
Unit One 61 Loss of air supply
11 What will you learn? 62 Breakdown of the regulator
11 Entry requirements 62 Entanglements
12 Fitness level 63 Injuries from contact with sea
12 In water skills floor
12 Minimum age 63 Dangerous marine organisms
13 Certifications 64 Handling injuries
14 Course structure 65 Effects of temperature
16 What to do to get your 65 Panic
certification 66 “Stop and breath, everything
17 Diving equipment will be alright!”
18 Regulator or Demand Valve 66 Free diving (apnea)
19 Spare regulator 68 Diving equipment
20 Pressure gauge 68 Cylinders
21 BCD 70 Pillar valves
22 Snorkeling equipment 72 Congratulations!
23 Mask, snorkel and fins 73 What have you learned?
26 Your dive partner
28 Congratulations!
29 What have you learned? Unit Four
75 What will you learn?
Unit Two 76 Other effects of pressure
31 What will you learn? 76 Decompression sickness
32 Pressure 78 Nitrogen narcosis
34 Equalizing on descent 79 Hyperoxia
36 Equalizing on ascent 80 Polluted air
38 Breathing and gas consumption 81 Equipment accessories
40 Buoyancy 86 Diving instruments
42 Diving equipment 86 Depth gauge and watch
42 Weight system 87 Dive computers
44 Wet suit 88 Compass
46 Dry suit 89 Thermometer
46 Communication 89 Dive centres
50 Diving boats 91 Diving trips
51 Oxygen mixture or Nitrox 94 Nutrition and fitness
52 Congratulations! 96 Congratulations!
53 What have you learned? 97 What have you learned?
Unit Three Unit Five

55 What will you learn? 99 What will you learn?
3
100 Atmospheric conditions
100 Wind
100 Waves
101 Currents
103 Tides
103 Rain
103 Temperature
104 Planning a dive
104 General planning
105 Planning at the dive location
106 Dive Tables
106 Terminology
108 Attention
111 Rules to respect
112 Consideration
113 Rules for ascending to altitude after a dive
114 Dives in altitude
114 Future perspective
117 Congratulations!
119 What have you learned?
Unit Six Delimited water activities

122 Delimited Water Dive 1
Unit Seven Open Water Dives

157 Open Water Dive 1
Appendix
183 Dive planning outline
184 Not to be left at home
185 Conversion Table
187 Suggestions to preserve the aquatic environment
188 Dive Table
190 Diver dictionary
4
Hi, let’s be
friends!
Hi, my name is ESA Diver, I have
been diving for many years, I’m your
Esa Instructor’s assistant and I’ll help
you through all those easy steps you
need to take to start this amazing
adventure in the best way.
With me you’ll discover many new
things and I’ll show you how many
other things you already know can
come on handy to start exploring the
underwater realm. Let me guide you:
you’ll soon realise that even the most
complex notions can become clear and
easy to learn.
Are you ready ? Right, on we go then !!
Breathing underwater
Now, let’s imagine to be standing in
front of a large fish tank or even to be
looking at a glass bowl with a gold
fish inside. You probably find its
movement fascinating and your imagi-
nation is quickly captured. As a matter
of fact, the water and its life forms
have always represented an irresisti-
ble attraction for humankind. So, why
not observing the sea life in its own
natural habitat? You’ll discover a fanta-
stic world and experience amazing
adventures! How? You don’t know
how to do it? It’s very easy, all you
need to do is wear a mask, get into the
water and you’ll start to discover a
beautiful scenery.
This is a lot more than just watching
the gold fish in its bowl, even though
you might probably feel that you
could get a lot closer to the gold fish
by keeping it in its bowl on the table
and watching it from above. You are
right, it’s great to watch the marine
environment from above, but it’s even
better to watch it from the inside.
5
By learning how to SCUBA dive, you will be able
to move freely underwater and from the first
few centimetres below the surface you will find
yourself surrounded by fishes feeding on
plankton or even nosing around your mask!
I took my first underwater breath in a swimming
pool, so no pretty fishes to look at, just myself, a lot
of new sounds, my course partners and my instruc-
tor. Despite all, I was drawn in: it was such an adven-
ture to be able to breathe and move underwater.
Even though at first I felt clumsy, it didn’t take too
long before a great sensation of lightness, my whole
body surrounded by water, took over and from then
on I cannot let too much time pass without diving.
Surely there are a few things you need to learn in
order to make the most out of this new particular
experience in full safety. The course you are about to
start will provide you with all such information and
Feeling your instructor will train you for your new adventu-
weightless res. Don’t be afraid, just “dive” into this new activity,
underwater you will find a whole new range of opportunities that
gives a great might even change the course of your life.
sense of You will discover pretty creatures and a new world
freedom even just by diving e few metres deep “off your
back yard” , you will be able to take part to archaeo-
logical projects or explore wrecks on the seafloor.
With your growing experience you will be ready to
discover and observe the sea life on the deeper
reefs, to dive at night and then bring home count-
less photos or films documenting your submarine
adventures and explorations. You will find yourself
planning trips to faraway destinations of untouched
beauty in search of those “special encounters”.
After every dive you will feel as if your batteries
have been recharged and as if you had that extra
gear to engage in your every day life! Giving it
enough time, you might even realise that you like it
so much to turn your career into it, your office will
then be a boat or a beach from which to lead other
divers into their new underwater adventures.
Have you ever observed a seagull stalling into a
head wind, motionless midair? Close your eyes and
try to imagine it. You envy it, don’t you? Surely, it
must be great to hang there feeling weightless and
move left and right with little or no effort. This is
exactly what you will do every time you will take a
dive, and it’s probably one of the greatest sensations
you could ever experience. It is a privilege at a han-
d’s reach, what are you waiting for? Jump in with
your instructor and you are already a diver!
6
You will
ESA discover
ESA is an international scuba training agency and its an
main goal is to train divers from the basic level all explosion
the way to the professional levels, such as of life
Diveleader and Instructor. In order to do so, ESA even
applies the most advanced operational standards in the first
together with an extremely high safety level, this is few metres
to promote diving activities in all their different
forms.
The ESA training programme is based on the infor-
mation supplied by your instructor, complemented
by the support material that comes with each level
of certification.
The basic practical training starts by developing
underwater skills at first in the pool or in confined
waters and then by applying and improving them in
the open water.
For each of its programmes or courses ESA requires
its Instructors to test their pupils’ knowledge and to
keep proof of their evaluation in their records.
ESA will provide divers their basic training, allowing
them to progress towards higher levels of certifica-
tion and specialisation courses related to different
7
aspects of the diving activity, such as marine bio-
logy, photography, underwater archaeology, etc.
Once the diver has gathered enough experience in
compliance with ESA’s requirements, he/she can
then move on to the professional programmes.
ESA sets very high standards for the training of
Underwater its members: they are professional divers hol-
you will ding an ESA Diveleader certification or higher
always be certifications.
in very close All ESA Instructors are trained by ESA IC Directors,
contact who are specifically qualified to transmit ESA’s tea-
with the ching techniques to the Instructors to be.
surrounding The Instructor’s training is a complete one and
environment includes information on all aspects of the diving
and its theory, ESA procedures, notions of psicology and
lifeforms marketing, handling of single divers
and groups, problem management
and resolution, environmental protec-
tion and more.
Certifications are issued by the central
ESA headquarter and by authorised
ESA offices.
The ESA training department keeps its
members informed on all changes on
existing procedures and on the intro-
duction of new procedures.
ESA will also accept as members all
those diving outfits that already have
other recognitions within the recreatio-
nal diving industry, therefore, diving
centres, clubs and shops can easily
become ESA Points.
ESA IC Points are centers that are
authorized to promote and organize
ESA Instructor programmes.
Moreover ESA, within its training
schemes, is placing a lot of empha-
sis on the development of environ-
mental awareness amongst the
recreational diving community in
order to improve the quality of the
dives themselves and help protec-
ting all those delicate ecosystems
we might come across when explo-
ring the underwater world.
As a matter of fact, at the end of their training, all
ESA Professionals will have a very solid background
on environmental issues and marine ecosystems as
well. All ESA training programmes are strictly linked
to the safeguard of the marine environment.
8
How to use this manual
This manual will be your invaluable companion
during this course and will also help you through
the whole of your diving career. For example it will
come on handy to refresh your memory after a long
period of diving inactivity or it could help you gain
more knowledge on topics that might just come up
to your mind. Just think that, should you decide to
carry on your training all the way to the professio-
nal level, you will find yourself going back to it
during the ESA Diveleader course and even during
the ESA Instructor course.
The text has been made purposely simple to read
in order to make all your learning efforts as easy as
possible. Each chapter is divided into paragraphs
and in each of them you will easily
spot the most important information
(What you will learn), their explana-
tion and some test questions
(Minitest) with the answers. At the
end of each chapter you will find a
summary (Congratulations!) and a
test (What have you learned?) that
will help you keep a good eye on your
learning process.
Take good care when answering the
questions and, should you find some
of them hard, just go back and read
again the explanation of the topic.
You should always bring your
manual to all the meetings with
your Instructor. If you have any
doubts, take notes and ask your
Instructor.
The first five chapters cover the first The course
five Theory Units and are concerned with the always offers
explanation and learning of all the informations a good
you need to start your diving experience. chance
Chapter Six will show you and explain the to make
exercise that you will learn during the confined new friends
waters practical phase and Chapter Seven is and discover
focused on the open water dives. new places
So, what are you waiting for? Start right away! You
will maximize your learning time, spend less time in
the classroom and more in the water perfecting the
“art of diving” with your Instructor. You can either
study on your own, with your buddy or with the
whole group.
Enjoy your reading and remeber that your instructor
will wellcome all your questions.
9
Let’s start?
10
Unit One
What will you learn?
Throughout this unit we will take a look at several
very important topics. For example we will look at the
entry requirements, so that before the next meeting
1
with your Instructor you can get organised so to ful-
fil them, in particular you will learn about the physi-
cal requirements, the in water skills you will have to
perform and the minimum age you need to start your
training programme.
You will surely be happy to learn what certification
you will obtain, what you can use it for and that you
will receive it straight away at the end of the course.
You will realise that the course can be easily adapted
to your particular needs so that, in accordance with
your instructor, you will be able to plan your course
schedule and attendance frequency in order to still
meet the “what you have to do to get your certifica-
tion” standards without affecting your other daily
plans.
From your very first lesson you will start to familiari-
se with the diving equipment. The more at ease with
your instruments you will be the easier you will find
to use them underwater in full comfort. This will also
help you extend your operational autonomy. What is
the spare demand valve? Why should I always carry
a content gauge? Is the BCD useful? How do I chose
my mask? These are some of the questions we will
answer to trough this unit.
When wearing your SCUBA set, especially on the deck
of a boat, you will appreciate the role of your diving
buddy. We will cover this topic at the end of the unit.
As you go on with the reading, take notes directly on
the side of the page, underline the informations that
strike your interest the most and write the questions
you might want to ask your ESA Instructor.
To check your learning and help your memory,
answer to the Minitest questions, choosing the best
answer from the multiple choice: you will find the
correct answers at the bottom of the Minitest cell.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You might have noticed that when talking to expe-
rienced divers, they make diving sound as complica-
ted as a stroll in the park and certainly a lot easier
than learning how to coordinate your feet when star-
ting to drive. However, there are a few requirements
we must fulfil in order to begin our discovery of this
11
new adventurous world: let’s take a look at them
together.
Fitness level
You do not need to be a super fit athlete to start
diving, as long as you are in good health and have a
basic level of endurance to light efforts. For these rea-
sons your Instructor might ask you to provide a basic
sport medical certificate. However, in some areas of
the world you might be required to provide a speci-
fic medical certificate.
Remember: when in doubt it is always better to delay
a bit the start of the course and seek medical advice.
In water skills
In order to be admitted to the open water phase of
the course you will have to show a basic level of
familiarity with simple in water tasks.
Minitest You must be able to perform a 300 metres stan-
dard surface swim, a 150 metres surface swim
1) You will have to proof with mask snorkel and fins and hold a steady
to be able to swim for surface position with no equipment (mask,
________ metres with no snorkel and fins) for 10 minutes.
equipment and for This is to guarantee you and your Instructor that you
________ metres with have the capability to stay comfortably in the water.
mask fins and snorkel If you think you might have problems with these in
a) 200/300 water skills, don’t hesitate to ask your Instructor,
b) 200/400 he/she will be able to help you improve your swim-
c) 150/300 ming ability and at the same time carry on with the
other parts of the course. Don’t give up this fantastic
2) ) True or False: in opportunity for so little, take advantage of the chan-
order to start the course ce of perfecting your swimming skills! You will dis-
you must be 16 or older. cover that it will even make going to the pool or the
beach more fun.
Answer: 1 c-2 false
Minimum age
The experience of countless diving instructors shows
that most probably there should be no need for a
minimum age to start the diving experience. Very
often kids are more at ease in the water than adults,
and are more receptive to the new techniques they
are being taught, they learn them faster and have a
lot of fun even in a few centimetres of water.
However, it is important that the kid should be able
to understand all the basic diving theory in order to
be aware of the rules that must be followed to have
fun underwater in complete safety. Moreover, parents
must give their full approval before any minor can
start the course.
If you are fifteen or older you can start the cour-
12
se to obtain the ESA Open Water Diver or ESA
New Diver certifications. If you are between
1
twelve and fifteen you can get into the ESA
Junior Open Water Diver and ESA Junior New
Diver programmes that will allow you to dive
together with an ESA Professional.
If you are even younger, you should not worry, there
are other activities specifically designed for you.
Like in most cases, the sooner you start, the better it
is; to do so in the best way possible ESA has develo-
ped the ESA Smile Diver programme. Under the care-
ful guidance of an ESA Professional, with child-
friendly equipment even the youngest will be able to
dive in complete safety and comfort, just ask your
ESA Professional and get ready to discover the won-
derful underwater world!
CERTIFICATIONS
ESA New Diver and
ESA Junior New Diver
These certifications allow
you to dive to the maxi-
mum depth of 10 metres
(Junior 6 Metres) within
no-decompression safety
curve limits under the
direct supervision of an
ESA Professional. The
course is based on two
confined water dives, two
theory units and two open
water divers. You can upgrade your
ESA New Diver
ESA Open Water Diver certification into
It allows you to dive to the maximum depth of 18 ESA Open Water Diver
metres, within the limits of the no-decompression by simply
curve together with another diver with at least the completing the remaining
same certification level. It is based on five confined units within 6 months
water dives, five theory units and four open water
dives.
ESA Junior Open Water Diver

It allows kids between the age of twelve and fifteen
to dive to the depth of 10 metres, within no-decom-
pression limits, under the direct supervision of an
ESA Professional. It is based on five confined water
dives, five theory units and four open water dives.
13
The course COURSE STRUCTURE
will bring A friend of mine was recently planning a diving trip
you into to an exotic destination. He was very excited about
unforgettable it as he had been dreaming it for a long time, it
scenaries gave him the chance to take a break from his every-
day routine and he would have eventually expe-
rienced diving in tropical waters. He was extremely
busy, planning the trip in all its details,
gathering as much information as pos-
sible, tickets, bookings, timetables,
dive sites, sea life, temperature, equip-
ment, etc. You are about to begin a
similar experience, a very important
journey packed with experiences you
will never forget. Even though it has
been a long time since I started my
diving career, if I close my eyes for a
second, I can distinctly remember my
first breath underwater or my first visit
to the “Outer Shoal”. That is why you
will surely want to find out as much as
possible on what your course is going
to be like before you even start it.
The course structure is very flexi-
ble, so to meet your needs, your
Instructor’s needs and the different
logistical situations. These are general
information, you will define all the
details together with your Instructor
who will be happy to answer all your
questions and clear any doubt you
might have.
The course is divided into three main
phases:
1) the understanding of principles
and rules during the Theory Units;
2) the learning of the diving tech-
niques during the Confined Water
Dives;
3) the application of the above
during the Open Water Dives.
1) The understanding of principles

and rules will be achieved through
the independent study of the manual and through
your Instructor’s presentations in the class that will
give you the chance to improve your knowledge
and clear any doubts you might have. You will also
gather many useful information during the pre-dive
briefings. The independent study will be based
14
upon the reading of this manual together with visual Even at sea
learning supports and written tests. Your Instructor side resorts,
1
will check your work, giving you all the necessary the course
help and answering to your questions. All the infor- might start
mation you will receive will be of great importance in a
and will constitute the basis of your training as a comfortable
diver. Some of them must be understood prior to pool
any practical session,
some will help improve
your safety and enjoy-
ment and other ones will
come on handy throu-
ghout the whole of your
training, should you
even decide to become
an Instructor.
The understanding of
principles and rules is
divided into five Units:
you must complete
and understand all of
them to reach the
Open Water Diver
level. As far as the
New Diver certifica-
tion is concerned,
only the first two
Units are required.
2) Confined water dives

Your basic training
phase will be carried out
within the safety and
comfort of an enclosed
water basin, this being
either a pool or a mar-
ked stretch of shallow
water. During these
dives you will get the
chance to practice all
those basic skills that
will constitute the solid
foundation of your
diving career.
Some of these skills will become useful from your
first dive on and you will put them into practice
naturally every time you will go diving. This will be
a bit like learning to walk or ride a bicycle.
On the other hand you will learn other techniques
that you might never use but will help build up your
15
safety and confidence with the resolution of pro-
blems, such as the case of helping another diver
who has run out of air. You must take part to at
least two complete Units to receive the New
Diver certification and to all five for the Open
Water Diver.
3) Open water dives

In the open water you will put into practice all you
have learned during the other phases of your cour-
se and you will learn other things just by watching
your Instructor and other experienced divers. Take
advantage of this chance and don’t feel as if you
were being put to the test, the best way to learn to
dive… is to go out and dive! The open water dives
will be two for the New Diver and four for the
Open Water Diver certification.
Minitest What to do to get your certification

In order to bring your course to a successful end
1) 1) If you only take and receive your certification, you must complete
part to: the course in all its parts, show an adequate com-
2 theory sessions petence in the different subjects you have covered
2 delimited water dives and reach all the course’s set objectives.
2 open water dives The flexibility of the course allows you to find the
you will be certified as right balance between your needs, learning rate
a. ESA Open Water Diver and the fulfilment of the requirements, just discuss
b. ESA New Diver your schedule with your Instructor.
c. ESA Discovery Diver Moreover, you don’t even need to start and finish
the course in the same place, or with the same ESA
2) True or False? Instructor. The ESA Instructor taking you on your last
if you can’t continuously successful open water dive will sign your certifica-
follow the course, in tion, as long as you have completed the course in all
order to be certified you its parts.
will have to start the You must bear in mind, though, that skipping one
whole course again training session might mean that you won’t be allo-
wed to the next one until you catch up with it, since
they are all linked and one brings you to the next
one and so on.
Answers: 1b - 2 false The certification card will be given to you by
your Instructor right at the end of the course, so
to enable you to take part to all those activities you
might be interested in with no delay, such as dive
trips, advanced courses or just hiring equipment
from a dive centre.
Your card, however has a limited validity and befo-
re its expiry date, you will receive by mail a
confirmation sticker that you have to place on
it to make it into a definitive one. For any que-
16
ries, don’t hesitate to contact our offi-
ces, our staff will be more than happy
1
to help you.
DIVING EQUIPMENT
Every time I go diving, I do feel a bit
envious watching how freely fishes
swim in the water, with no bulky bits
and bobs hanging off them. Then it
springs to my mind that they wouldn’t
survive too long out of the water,
whereas I can just ditch my dive gear
on the beach and happily walk home
after an exciting dive…
Well, after all, thanks to all those bits
and bobs I carry with me underwater,
I can live all those amazing adventures
the sea keeps on hold for me.
Maybe you are already familiar with
SCUBA gear and probably by now
your Instructor has introduced you to
it, but it is well worth looking at it in
detail.
First of all, I would like to suggest you
to take great care of your equipment,
because it is upon it that your safety
lies: diving will be a lot more fun kno-
wing that everything is in perfect wor-
king order. Your gear must be kept
away from the sea bottom, sand or
any other contaminant. Rinse your
gear in clean fresh water after
every dive, then hang it to dry
away from direct sun light and
heat sources.
If you are on a dive cruise and fresh
water is a precious commodity, don’t
worry too much, just keep the gear
wet (a plastic crate could help) and
store it in the shade, then when you
get the chance, dunk it in fresh water
and leave it for a few hours, take good
care when drying it and then store it
away.
Every time you store the gear away,
make sure it has dried properly and
avoid to cramp it up in weird posi-
tions, especially when it comes to
hoses, suit or BCD.
As far as my experience goes, I can
17
assure you that whenever your equipment is being
used on a regular basis, it will work well, but after
long storing times it is worth inspecting it carefully
and carrying out a preventive overhaul, possibly
through an authorised dealer or one of the ESA
Points. During the course you will be asked to take
care of the equipment you will be using, you will
gain familiarity with it and it will be easier dealing
First stage of with your own afterwards.
a regulator My advice is to buy your own personal gear as soon
with INT as possible, it will make everything easier, you will
connection feel more comfortable, safer and you will enjoy your
to the dives more knowing that it is yours and no one has
cylinder and fiddled with it the day before. Here is another “tip
an A-clamp of the trade”: once you have your own gear,
mark it so you can easily identify it in amongst
the gear of the other divers (especially on
boats…), you will avoid losses of time and useless
misunderstandings.
Regulator or Demand Valve (DV)

That is the device that allows you to breathe under-
water. Since the gas (air) inside your cylinder has
been compressed to a pressure considerably higher
than the one we usually breathe it at (up to 200
times and more), it would be pretty much impossi-
ble to use it as it is.
In order to breathe we need air at the same
pressure as the one we are in, that is the pres-
sure of the environment that surrounds us.
Also, the difference in pressure between the surface
and the water makes it impossible to breathe from
that famous long tube we have seen so many times
in the cartoons or even in some the drawings signed
by Leonardo da Vinci. So, no matter what, we still
need the regulator to make the air in our cylinder
breathable.
The breathing gas coming out of its metal container
(cylinder) goes into what we call the “first stage” of
the regulator (clamped on the cylinder’s pillar valve)
and its pressure is reduced to an intermediate one
and through the regulator hose reaches the “second
stage” (the one with the mouth piece).
Here, through a membrane, valve and lever
system your air is brought to a pressure equal
to the one of the water around you. Then your
air will only come out of the mouth piece when
you breathe in and it will be dispersed out when
you breathe out through the regulator’s “whiskers”.
That is why regulators are also called demand valves
18
(DV) and work on what is called an “open circuit”. Scuba unit
If you think it is important to be able to breathe with main
1
easily and comfortably underwater you are very and spare
right, then, when choosing your regulator, chose a regulator s,
good quality one that will provide you with a content
lot of air even in difficult conditions or in gas gauge and
sharing situations. ESA Professionals are well qua- BCD hose
lified to help you in your (octopus)
choice and to advise First
you on the correct main- stage
tenance procedures.
There are also other
underwater breathing
systems that work in a
closed or semi-closed
circuit.
These are called rebrea-
thers because the exha-
led gas is not released to
the outside but is “clea-
ned” through a filtering
device and used again
by the diver. This topic
goes beyond the scope BCD
of this course, however low
you could get adequate pressure
training from a specifi- hose
cally qualified ESA
Instructor.
Spare regulator
If you already had your
first dive, you would
have surely noticed that
you had another regula-
tor coming out of your Content
cylinder other than the gauge
one you were breathing Main
from and you would regulator
have heard your
Instructor or Diveleader Spare
calling it “spare regula- regulator
tor” or “secondary regu-
lator” (as opposed to the
“main regulator”). The spare regulator is a com-
pulsory item within the safe diver’s equipment.
Its main purpose is to provide an emergency brea-
thing source should your dive partner run out of air
and allow you to perform a safe ascent. Your spare
regulator works exactly in the same way as your
19
main one, but is provided with a longer hose to
make gas sharing easier. You can either mount it on
the main regulator’s first stage (making, together
with the BCD hose and the content gauge, what we
call an “octopus”) or use a separate first stage, in
Analogic which case you need to use a cylinder with a dou-
pressure ble pillar valve.
gauge: The spare regulator must be highly visible and
The area easy to reach. That means that it must be faste-
between ned to your BCD between your abdomen and
0 and 50 your chest and that it can be released quickly
bar on the with one hand only.
dial is Check your buddy’s spare regulator before every
usually dive: make sure he/she has one and that you know
marked how to reach it should you need to.
in red In certain cases a spare regulator can
be mounted on a separate cylinder (a
“pony bottle”) or on a cylinder han-
ging from the boat. Very often dive
boats hang a spare cylinder with one
or more DV’s with long hoses to help
divers with little gas left complete their
safety in-water stop. You will learn
more about these techniques during
your future training, such as the ESA
Advanced Diver course or the Deep
Diving speciality.
Pressure gauge
The pressure gauge (also called con-
tent gauge) serves the same purpose
of your car’s petrol indicator: just keep
an eye on it and when it “goes on red”
end your dive. Nowadays it is consi-
dered a compulsory item for the
recreational diver. Never dive
without it: it is not particularly fun
to be hanging around underwater
with no idea of how much gas we
have left in the cylinder!
The most common gauges you will
find around are the analogue ones.
High pressure air goes from the first
stage of your DV to the gauge through
a purposely built high pressure hose. Here the gas
is forced into a narrow curved tube that will tend to
straighten with the pressure, making the gauge’s
hand move over a calibrated dial, giving you a pres-
sure reading. The area between 0 and 50 bar on the
dial is made more visible to remind the diver to ter-
20
minate the dive once the hand “goes on red”.
You will also find on the market digital gauges that
1
read electronic impulses sent from a sensor placed
on the first stage of the DV. These are often inte-
grated in dive computers and provide the diver with
other information such as consumption average, BCD:
time left at a certain depth with that breathing rate low on the
and different pre-set alarms. left side
Always read carefully the instruction manual a modern
before you use your instruments. control
Remember to check your pressure very often, unit for
no matter how pretty the fishes are around deflation
you. and
inflation
BCD
In the Second Unit we
will cover the subject of
the control of your buo-
yancy and you will
understand how impor-
tant it is to be able to
master it so not to dama-
ge the environment and
our equipment, save
energy and make the
best out of our dives.
As you have seen one
of the tools we use for
this purpose is the
BCD (Buoyancy Control
Device) or “stab jacket”
(stabilising jacket),
which is a compulsory
item for the recreatio-
nal diver.
There are many different
types of BCD, you will
choose a modern, hard
wearing and easy to use
one that fits you well so
you can dive more com-
fortably and have more
fun.
BCD’s look like waist
coats and have a flotation bladder, a cylinder faste-
ning system on the rear, a harness or shoulder straps
(either adjustable or not), pockets and waist and
chest straps with Velcro and fastex on the front.
Most modern BCD’s are fully adjustable to guaran-
tee the best possible fit.
21
Your BCD must be provided with an inflation
system connected, through a low pressure
hose, to the first stage of the regulator. The infla-
tion button, usually placed at the end of a corruga-
ted hose will allow to inflated your BCD easily as
you have done (or will do) in the confined water
session. BCD’s are also fitted with deflation valves:
one is on the corrugated hose and can be used for
manual inflation as well (just press the button and
One of the blow into it) and the other, with a bigger diameter,
most common is placed at the top of the corrugated hose where it
inflation connects to the flotation bladder.
deflation For a quick deflation pull the hose down and the
system of a valve will open. Manufacturers usually fit their jac-
BCD kets with other quick deflation valves, on the shoul-
der strap opposite the corrugated hose
and on the lower part of the vest allo-
wing you to deflate the bladder in a
Deflation horizontal or head down position.
button These are fitted with a cord and knob
system that you have to pull to open.
Some other BCD’s are also fitted with
a deflation button, placed beside the
inflation one that lets you deflate the
bladder slowly without lifting your
arm, as long as you are in a head up
Inflation
position.
button
On the market you will also find
BCD’s designed for what is called
technical diving, with bigger and more
buoyant bladders usually placed on
the diver’s back with a horse shoe
BCD
shape: even though you don’t really
hose
need them, these types can be used
for our more “normal” recreational
purposes.
Many problems with your BCD, such
as valve free flows, air leakages and
damages to the fastenings will be
easily avoided with basic care and
maintenance.
I would advise you to become as fami-
liar as possible with your BCD’s con-
trols and adjustments. Also take a
good look at your dive buddy’s BCD before you
jump into the water, it might be of great help,
should you need to assist him/her.
Snorkeling equipment
Sea watching from the surface with fins mask and
22
snorkel…that’s what is all about!
In order to improve the snorkeler’s safety a special
1
kind of BCD has been developed. These are positi-
ve buoyancy only and provide an useful flotation
aid. Some are fitted with a small cylinder and allow
to swim on the surface breathing from a regulator,
avoiding the accidental flooding of the more classic
snorkel, especially in choppy water conditions.
They can also be used by the youngest ones for a
new fun experience.
Mask, snorkel and fins

The mask is an essential part of our diving kit, as it
allows us to clearly see underwater. There are hun-
dreds of different models, shapes and colours of Two types
masks, however they all of mask
have the same compo-
nents and work in the
same way. They all have
a soft side, made of rub-
ber or silicon that fits to
our face, one or more
tempered glass visors, a
head strap to keep in
place and they must
all be able to a c c o m -
m o d a t e t h e diver’s
nose in order to equa-
lize the air space insi-
de it when diving.
The most important
thing to look at when
choosing your mask, is
the fit on your face. If
the mask does not fit
you properly, water will find its way inside it defea-
ting the whole purpose of wearing a mask…
To check the fit of your mask:
1. place the mask correctly on your face
2. make sure there are no hair in between your face
and the mask’s seal
3. gently press the mask towards your face
4. stop pushing and feel the suction on your face
5. make sure the pressure is not released too
quickly and the mask falls off
A mask with a good fit for your face will tend to
“stick” to it when you press it. If the mask does not
“stick”, then water will probably get into it, so try on
another one and start your check again.
Once you have identify a few models that fit you
23
well, then pick the ones that give you the widest
A snokel
viewing angle and that let you pinch your nose in
provided
the easiest way, choose the one you like the best
of a device
and buy it! Once at home follow the manufacturer’s
to couple it
instructions on the antifogging treatment or just
to the strap
wash your mask’s lens with toothpaste, then rinse it
of the mask
well. At the dive shop you will also find a range of
specific antifogging products.
You will also find prescription lenses
that can be fitted on certain models or
full face masks that cover your whole
face, usually used in cold water or
when communications are needed.
Some masks have a purge valve to
help when clearing water out and
some masks are even fitted with ear
muffs to keep your ears dry!
If you cannot find a mask with pre-
scription lenses that suits you, you’ll
be happy to know that thousands of
divers wear contact lenses and a stan-
dard mask, just ask an ESA
Professional for details and useful tips.
Unlike dolphins and whales, us

humans do not have our nose on the
back of the head, allowing us to brea-
the comfortably on the surface whilst
looking down into the blue.
The only way we can breathe without
lifting continuously our head out of
the water is to extend our airways with
a tube reaching out to the top of the
head, a bit like dolphins and whales
do…
Such “extension tube” is called
snorkel and is very useful when
surface swimming or while waiting
on the surface for our turn to get
back on the boat or start the dive.
It allows us to breathe without lif-
ting our face out of the water.
Our snorkel must be of the right size,
with a shape that lets as much air
through and as little water in. Just go down to your
dive shop and you will surely find a wide range of
choice. Choose one that has a good mouth piece for
your comfort and bright colours so to make you
more visible and safer. You will also find snorkels
with purge valves and spray deflectors and even
24
folding models. Just remember to take one with you
every time you go out diving, secure it to the strap
1
of your mask, on the left hand side and you won’t
lose it!
The large majority of the animals that live in and on

the water are well equipped with fins or large feet,
not just the fish. Reptiles like sea turtles, mammals
like dolphins and seals, birds like ducks all manage Fin
to move with speed and efficiency in the liquid ele- with
ment thanks to their fins. And so do we, except that adjustable
we can put them on like a pair of running shoes strap
when we need them and, fortunately, take them
off at the end of our swim or
dive!
There
are
many
different
kinds of fins,
the ones used for
free diving are usually
longer and are closed on
the back, like a shoe, for a tigh-
ter fit, giving the maximum speed
with the smallest effort.
Some scuba divers prefer this long type,
especially when diving on coral reefs in a cur-
rent.
However, the most widely used fins for scuba
are not so long, have a wider blade and are
worn over hard sole boots pulling a strap
behind the heel.
When snorkelling or simply swimming, you can use
25
a simpler kind of fin, with a shorter blade made of
a softer material. Once you will hone your buoyancy
control technique you will realise that any kind of
fin is a good scuba fin as diving is not a speed race
but a relaxing stroll.
You might want a pair of more serious fins when
diving in a strong current or helping another diver,
so when choosing your first fins, go for good qua-
lity scuba fins and ask your Instructor for advice.
Make sure they fit you well, too tight and you will
Minitest get cold feet and cramps, too loose and they will
come off in the water. Try them on with the suit
1) When you breathe in, boots, kick your feet in the air, if they stay on you
the DV will provide you won’t loose them later at sea.
with gas at:
a. pressure YOUR DIVE PARTNER
b. actual pressure If you have already been out for the first confined
c. surface pressure water training session you would have surely noti-
ced how comfortable it is to help each others when
2) True or False: getting ready for the dive, dressing in and entering
every diver must carry a the water. You would also remember that your
spare DV ("Oktopus") Instructor has divided your group into pairs so that
you can work as couples and not as single divers.
3) The content gauge Well, if so it is, you have already put into practice
a. indicates the pressure one of the most important rules you have to follow
of the gas inside your when diving: “always dive with a partner, never
cylinder on your own”.
b. measures the water Why is this rule so important?
pressure Firstly, because it is easier to get dressed in and
c. is an optional part of enter the water with some one helping you out
your equipment and checking your equipment. Then, once in
the water, you can look after each others, in
4) The main factor to case of need he/she will be there on your side,
take into account when to pass you a spare DV , stretch your leg to rid
buying mask, fins and you from a cramp, cut you free of any entangle-
snorkel is ment or simply to hold your hand for support.
a. their colour
b. their price As I said before, the chances of running into these
c. a and b are both wrong inconveniences are pretty slim if you stick to the
rules and limits of recreational diving, however it
Answers: feels good to know that someone is there just in case
or that you can be of great help to someone else!
1 b – 2 true – 3 a – 4 c Moreover, two is better than one also when sea
watching: four eyes see more than just two and
then back on shore you can share your expe-
rience and compare your impressions, espe-
cially when you happen to run into any life
form you don’t know yet but your dive partner
might…
Besides, diving is a bit like watching a film that sud-
26
denly ends because it is time to ascend. If you dive
with the right partner, the film will continue out of the
1
water, sharing what you have learnt, identifying the
creatures you have spotted and chatting away with
those friends that did not “make it to the cinema”.
Your dive partner is essential to the good out-
come of your dive: take good care when choo-
sing him/her! Good
planning
My advice is to go for someone more experien- and
ced when possible, although avoiding any one communi-
that sounds “too good” or tries to push you cation
beyond your limits. If this is the case, then you with your
will be better off with someone as experienced partner are
as you are! the basis for
Your partner could a good dive
become extremely
important to your safety
and you are equally
important to him/her, so
make sure you both
agree on the dive plan
and are aware of what to
do to stay together bea-
ring in mind that under-
water we always keep
the pace of the slowest
one.
Should you anyway
loose sight of your part-
ner, stay on the spot, rai-
sing up a bit from the
bottom, turn by 360°
searching for any sign of
his/her presence (bub-
bles are usually easier to
spot that people, as they
raise up to the surface
and look like a column).
If you still have not
found each others after
one minute, ascend to
the surface, he/she will
do the same and you
will meet up there.
Just make sure your partner knows and follows the
same procedure before the dive to avoid any possi-
bility of misunderstanding.
Once you realise how important this partner
system is, your goal will be to become a good dive
27
partner, responsible and well prepared. Follow the
rules, be patient and carry on with your training.
Minitest
1) True or False: since
it is not easy to find the
right coordination with
a dive partner, solo
diving is advisable.
2) When diving with a

partner the diver whose
pace must be respected
is
a. the fastest
b. the slowest
c. the most experienced
3) The dive partner is

especially useful to
a. share you experiences
b. be helped during the
preparation and the
dive
c. both a and b are cor-
rect Congratulations!
You have already gone through the first unit of your
manual! Well done, now you can certainly go into a
Answers: dive shop, nosing around and looking at the gear
1 false - 2 b - 3 c with a more skilled aptitude.
You will also understand better the exercises you will
perform during the confined water sessions as well
as in the open water ones. I hope I did not bore you
and I look forward to meeting you again in Unit two
where, in amongst many other important things, we
will take a look at the issue of pressure, a simple
mechanical matter that is so important that will fol-
low you throughout your whole diving career.
See you soon !
28
What have you learned?
1
This exercise has the purpose to help you out with your
learning. It will help you to improve your knowledge
and it will prepare you for the next meeting with your
Instructor. Answer the questions carefully and bring the
completed test to your Instructor who will help you with
any mistake you might have made.
1. In order to be admitted to the open water phase

of the course you will have to show a basic level of
familiarity with simple in water tasks. You must be
able to perform a ___ metres standard surface swim,
a ___ metres surface swim with mask snorkel and
fins and hold a steady surface position with no
equipment for __ minutes.
a. 120 - 240 - 30
b. 150 - 300 - 10
c. 50 – 50 – 10
d. 100 - 200 - 15
2. Once they have met the necessary requirements,

divers between the age of 12 and 15 will receive the
certification of:
a. ESA New Diver
b. ESA Junior New Diver
c. ESA Junior Open Water Diver
d. b. and c. are correct
3. The maximum operative depth with an ESA New

Diver certification is __ metres.
a. 18
b. 21
c. 15
d. 10
4. You will receive your certification card

_________________________ the fulfilment of all
the requirements of the course.
a. 3 days after
b. 1 week after
c. directly from your Instructor after
d. none of the above
5. In order to preserve your equipment and avoid

breakages you should:
a. rinse your equipment thoroughly in fresh
water
b. store your equipment in a dry place avoi
ding exposure to direct heat
29
c. take all the hoses and valves apart: DV
hoses, second stage and BCD valves
d. a. and b. are correct
6. The DV will supply with air at the pressure you

are in and upon demand.
True False
7. The most important thing to look at when buying

a DV is:
a. price
b. colour of the hoses
c. its ability to supply air also in harsh
conditions
d. the possibility to install it both on the right
and on the left hand side
8. Buying your own personal equipment is impor-

tant in order to improve:
a. comfort
b. practicality
c. safety
d. all the above
9. BCD’s must be equipped with:

a. deflation valve
b. inflation button
c. pockets with zippers
d. a. and b. are correct
10. In order to allow equalisation a mask must:

a. be made of a soft material
b. accommodate the diver’s nose in a way so
that it can be pinched
c. have 2 lenses
d. be provided with a soft neoprene strap
I have reviewed all my answers with an ESA

Instructor and I have understood the explanations of
the wrong ones.
Signature__________________ Date________
30
Unit Two
The understanding of the principles of pressure is of
paramount importance to your future growth within
the diving world.
It will help you understand topics such as equali-
sation, gas consumption, dive time, buoyancy con-
trol and many more.
We will answer questions such as:
what is the most important rule
you must follow when diving?
How many bar of pressure do we
2
have at a given depth?
What should I do if I cannot
equalize my ears on descent?
How should I breathe underwater?
How can I communicate with my
dive partner underwater?
How can I make my supply of gas last longer?
What kind of suit should I use in the
Mediterranean?
These are just a few examples, throughout the unit
we will give answers to many other questions, we
will also cover the subject of weight belts and dive
boats.
You will surely appreciate the ability to control your
position in the water with ease, saving energy and
protecting your equipment and the environment
and too do so you need to know the principles of buo-
yancy.
Would you like to end your course with an extra cer-
tification that widens the scope of your skills or are
you interested in the different possibilities the recrea-
tional diving activities offer?
You will get answers to all these questions at the end
of this unit, when I will tell you about Nitrox diving!
As you go on with the reading, take notes directly on
the side of the page, underline the information that
strike your interest the most and write the questions
you might want to ask your ESA Instructor.
To check your understanding of the topics covered
and help your memory, answer to the Minitest que-
stions, choosing the best answer from the multiple
choice: you will find the correct answers at the bot-
tom of the Minitest cell.
31
PRESSURE
Every time we open a newspaper or turn the tv or
the radio on, chances are that we will receive infor-
mation on the weather. This is because weather con-
ditions strongly affect most aspects of our lives, and
diving is no exception. You will soon find yourself
anxiously waiting for the evening forecast to find
out whether the pressure is going to raise or drop to
Pressure plan your next day dive! Well, right now I’m not
changes here to talk about the weather but I would like to
during tell you something about the pressure.
the descent When weather forecasts refer to atmospheric pres-
sure, they are more simply talking about the weight
of the air over a certain area. As everything, air has
a weight and you can definitely feel the changes in
it when driving up a
mountain: your ears can
depth pressure volume unequalized equalized feel a bit stuffed as the
volume volume
pressure changes on the
way up or on the way
down. That is due to the
0m 1 bar 1 x1 fact that as you move
up or down in the air
column (the atmosphe-
re) the pressure around
you varies and affects all
the airways in your body
10 m 2 bar 1/2 x2 (ears, sinuses, throat,
lungs, etc.). Have you
ever asked yourself how
heavy is the air around
you at sea level ?
20 m 3 bar 1/3 x3 You probably know the
air
answer already, but it is
worth pointing it out
anyway: the weight of
the atmosphere, known
as atmospheric pres-
30 m 4 bar 1/4 x4 sure, equals to 1
Atmosphere (ATM) or
BAR, that is 1 kilo per
square centimetre.
We do not really feel it
because during our
evolutionary process, our body adapted in such
a way that our airways automatically adjust to
the pressure as long as this does not change too
suddenly.
That is why, as we drive up the mountain our ears
feel a bit strange: the pressure is dropping quickly
32
as the amount of air on top of us decreases and the
force it exerts on our air cavities changes. The pres-
sure inside your ears, for example, might become
greater than the one outside them and that is the
cause of that strange muffled sensation you get.
When you walk in the water your legs are harder to
move than when you walk on dry land; this is a sim-
ple but effective way to explain that water is a lot
denser than air, up to 800 times! Therefore also the Pressure
water column will exert pressure upon us once we changes
2
enter it and this will be a lot greater than the atmo- during
spheric one. 20 kilometres of atmosphere on top of the ascent
us only account for 1 bar of pressure, but under-
water we gain 1 bar every 10 metres because we
are moving in an element that has a greater
density than air.
depth pressure volume volume with closed airways volume
So, what do you reckon with increase
the pressure is at a depth open airways rate
of 10 metres? 2 bar ?
Good answer !
That is because we have 0m 1 bar x4
1 bar of atmospheric
pressure and 1 bar of
pressure exerted by the
water column (10 m).
At 20 metres we will 10 m 2 bar x2
have 3 bar, at 30 4 bar
and so on.
The principles of pressu-
re affect your behaviour
underwater and constitu-
te the basis for some of 20 m 3 bar x 1+1/3
the rules you will have
to follow every time you
dive.
During every dive you 30 m 4 bar x1

will have to descend and
at the end of your explo-
ration ascend to the sur-
air
face, thus moving down
and up the water
column. Therefore you will be subject to changes in
pressure: as you go down the pressure increases
(remember? 1 bar every 10 metres) and as you
move up towards the surface the pressure will
decrease.
These pressure changes will mainly affect your air
cavities since all gases are compressible and there-
33
fore affected by pressure. Whenever an air cavity is
open to the outside it will keep a constant volume
under pressure, on the other hand if the cavity is
sealed off by a flexible membrane, its volume will
change when exposed to changes in pressure.
Air cavities? What are they? The air cavity that is
mostly affected by the pressure is our middle ear,
which is connected to our airways through the
Eustachian tube. Other air cavities are the upper air-
ways (including nose and mouth as well), lungs and
cranial sinuses. There are also artificial cavities that
you will have to equalize on descent: your mask
and your dry suit if you are wearing one.
Equalizing on descent
What does to equalize mean? It means to balance
Minitest
1) What is the sea level
pressure?
a. 1 bar
b. 0,5 bar
c. 10 bar Air spaces
in body
2) When ascending the and gear
pressure decreases, but of a diver
the volume of gas enclo-
sed in a flexible contai-
ner:
a. decreases
b. stays the same
c. increases
3) you can feel the

change of pressure in
your
a. ear
b. in the air spaces
c. both b and a
two different pressures. In our specific case, as we

drop into the blue, the pressure around us quickly
Answers: 1a–2c–3c increases and in order to keep a balance the pres-
sure inside our body must also increase at the same
rate. Needless to say that when we ascend the two
pressures must be balanced as well !
What happens if you do not equalize on descent?
34
We will create a depression within the air cavities,
this will firstly be just slightly annoying, then if we
do not do anything about it, it will turn in to a pain
and then it could cause damages to membranes
such as the ear drum or if the cavity affected is the
mask you will get what is called facial squeeze.
In order to avoid these problems, just remem-
ber to equalize both ears and mask constantly
as you descend. When diving with the SCUBA
equalizing is made especially easy by the fact that
you can descend slowly with your head up.
Besides, the techniques used to equalize the

pressure in your ears are very easy to learn,
just pinch your nose and blow gently with your
2
mouth shut, swallow or move your jaw left and
right. Some people use a combination of these
three systems.
To equalize the pressure inside your mask just Left:

blow air through your nose into it as you go depression
down. in the ear.
Right:
If you have never tried this before, do not worry, equalized
you will get a very good ear
chance to practice it with
your Instructor during
the confined water trai-
ning sessions, finding
the techn ique that suits
you the best. How does
the system work?
As you pinch your nose,
the air that you are blo-
wing will not find its - + + +
way out and through the
Eustachian tubes will Air
increase the pressure from
the lungs
inside the middle ear,
thus pushing the ear
drums outwards, contra-
sting the inward push
given by the hydrostatic pressure. Whenever you
dive with a cold or your airways are congested by
mucus, this operation could become hard if not
impossible. Avoid diving with a cold!
Should you anyway have problems equalizing,

ascend a few metres, blow your nose and
descend again, very slowly, equalizing in a con-
35
tinuous manner. Stop your descent every time
you cannot equalize properly, let your
Instructor, Diveleader or partner know what
the problem is.
If you cannot get rid of the problem, well, it’s no
day for diving, stay on the surface and enjoy snor-
kelling!However, as far as my experience goes, I can
surely tell you that sometimes divers run into equa-
lisation problems because they are too tense and
nervous, a relaxed aptitude will greatly improve
your chances of a successful descent.
Equalizing on ascent
As I told you before we must keep the pressure insi-
de our body and the pressure outside it in balance
at all times. This means that as we proceed towards
the surface and the pressure decreases the air cavi-
ties in our body must be equalized as well. In this
case the balancing process is automatic, as long as
we keep on breathing constantly without holding
A diver our breath. Problems might arise with the presence
during of mucus again, trapping air inside some air cavities.
the ascent Our intestine could be affected too, especially if we
along a line have consumed gas producing foods or drinks or
accidentally swallowed air. Badly
done dental fillings could trap air as
well causing pain.
Every time you feel pain in your
ears, abdomen or teeth, stop your
ascent, drop a few meters, until the
pain disappears then start your
ascent again, proceeding very
slowly in order to give the trapped
gas enough time to find its way out.
If the pain is in your ears, try moving
your jaw left and right and swallowing
but do not try to repeat the manoeu-
vre you did on descent, pinching your
nose and blowing. Sometimes the dif-
ference in pressure between one ear
and the other could cause a slight ver-
tigo but normally it will disappear in a
few seconds.
In order to avoid all these inconve-
niences do not dive with a cold, do not use nose
sprays and decongestant, do not force your equa-
lisation on the way down and always ascend very
slowly, especially in the last few metres.
Now, what happens to our lungs as we dive? When
we hold our breath and free dive, our lungs’ volume
36
decreases as the pressure increases on the way
down. On the way up the volume will increase again
going back to normal on the surface. However our
lungs are air cavities directly linked to the mouth and
nose, therefore, they get equalized automatically as
we breathe, through the DV, air at the same pressu-
re as the environment around us. That is why we
must never hold our breath when diving on SCUBA!
The pressure inside our lungs will increase without What
finding a relief rout, possibly causing a pulmonary happens to
barotrauma of ascent, a very serious injury where the our lungs
lungs’ tissues are damaged by an excessive pressure
from the inside. Some people consider this the most
serious of all the diving injuries. It could well be the
most serious but it certainly is the easiest to avoid,
when
we dive?
2
just keep your airway always open when ascending.
Air volume
volume polmonare
at surface
in superficie
37
How do we keep our airways always open?
Minitest Just follow the first and most important of all
the diving rules: breathe continuously and
1) To facilitate the never hold your breath when diving on SCUBA!
equalisation you should:
a. Force the equalisation During the confined and open water training ses-
b. Equalize frequently sions, your Instructor will emphasise this point very
and in advanced strongly. You will get used to a continuous brea-
c. Descend quickly and thing rate and you will always blow little bubbles
will your head first out when your DV is not in your mouth or during
an emergency ascent.
2) When descending if Avoiding this problem will be very easy for you
you have problems with if you follow the rules and check you content
your equalisation, you gauge regularly, so not to suddenly run out of
should: air.
a. Ascend a little and
try slowing down your Breathing and gas consumption
descent As you stop and observe a fish you certainly cannot
b. Continue to descend fail to notice the constant and steady movement of
c. Stop and wait until its gills. This slow but constant movement brings
the sensation has passed oxygen to the fish’s blood stream, allowing it to hap-
pily live underwater. We can do that too, minus the
3) If you feel uncomfor- gills obviously, slowly and steadily breathing
table when ascending through our DV with no rush to go up for a breath
you should: of fresh air! And here is another important rule to
a. Ascend a little and try follow: always breathe slowly, with no rush. Like in
slowing down your the snorkel, there could be water inside the second
descent stage of your DV. This is nothing to worry about,
b. Continue to ascend just take your first breath cautiously with no
c. Descend a little and hurry, pressing the purge button to push the
slow down your ascent, water out.
try to expel the air If you breathe a bit of water, do as you would out
of the water: cough and swallow, keeping the DV in
4) True or False? The your mouth.
main rule when scuba As you know, the gas you breathe underwater is at
diving is to breath the same pressure as the outside environment, for
without holding your example when you are 7 metres deep you breathe
breath gas at 1.7 bar, when you are 18 metres deep the
pressure of the gas will be 2.8 bar and so on
Answers: (remember to add 1bar for the atmosphere!).
1 b – 2 a – 3 c – 4 true Now, always bearing in mind this pressure rule, let’s
take a look at what happens to our breathing under-
water. As the pressure increases, the density of
the gas we breathe increases as well and this
affects our breathing and gas consumption. For
example, 10 metres deep the pressure is 2 bar, twice
as much as on the surface and the density of the gas
coming out of your DV will be 2 times the density
of the same gas if you breathe it on the surface.
That means that within the same volume the amount
38
of gas will be double, so your cylinder will last half Always
of the time than on the surface. In order to deter- follow the
mine the density of the gas you are breathing just first and
multiply the environmental pressure by 1: at 20 most
metres the environmental pressure is 3 bar and important of
the gas density is 3. all the diving
If you want to know how long your cylinder rules:
will last you, divide the time it lasts you on the breathe
surface by the environmental pressure you will continuously
be using it at. and never
2
So, if a cylinder lasts you 60 minutes on the surface, hold your
how much will it last you 30 metres deep? The pres- breath when
sure at 30 metres is 4 bar so 60 : 4 = 15, that is 15 diving on
minutes. SCUBA!
The deeper we dive, the faster we will breathe
through our gas supply
and the denser the gas
depth pressure volume volume with closed airways volume
will be. It is a bit like with increase
drinking a glass of water, open airways rate
fruit juice, yoghurt or a
thick hot chocolate. The
easiest one to swallow is 0m 1 bar x4
certainly the glass of
water, but we can drink
the other ones too with
that little extra time and
effort.
10 m 2 bar x2
It works in the same way
for your gas: when you
are at depth, the best
thing to do is to take
long deep breaths
continuously. 20 m 3 bar x 1+1/3
In this way you will save
a lot of energy, you
won’t get short of breath
and you will keep your
airways well under con- 30 m 4 bar x1
trol. You will experience
all this during your next
course, when under the
guidance of your In- air
structor you will reach
more challenging depths for your deep dives.
You will realise that with a slow and deep breathing
rate and with controlled movements, you will feel at
ease down there too.
Now, what happens to your breathing when you
make a physical effort like sprinting for the bus? You
will probably be out of breath when you stop run-
39
ning. The same thing happens underwater when
you make efforts such as swimming against a strong
current, making fast movements or when you run
into a particularly stressful situation. As I have just
told you, the gas you breathe underwater is denser
than on the surface, therefore it is easier to run out
of breath if you do not keep your respiratory rate
under control. That is why underwater we must
always keep the swimming pace of the slowest
one in the group and breathe slowly, deeply
Minitest and continuously.
Another good reason not to hold your breath when
1) What is the pressure diving on SCUBA, besides all the pressure problems
at 18 meters of depth: we have looked at, is that this may cause a CO2
a. 2 bar build up in our blood stream which makes our brea-
b. 2,8 bar thing rate go up. Our gas consumption will inevi-
c. 18 bar tably increase as well, so do not believe any one
that says that by holding your breath, your cylinder
2) At 20 meters of depth will last longer! Getting used not to hold your
the air density is … thic- breath is extremely important.
ker that at the surface:
a. 20 times We have talked about depth, pressure, volume and
b. 3 times gas density. In order to better remember what hap-
c. 2 times pens during descent and ascent, here is a handy tip
for you: as you descend the depth increases, as well
3) If your air supply as the pressure, the gas density and you consump-
lasts 30 minutes at a tion as opposed to the volume of the gas which will
depth of 10 meter, on decrease.
the surface it will last: When you leave the bottom and begin your
a. 30 minutes ascent the very opposite thing happens: every-
b. 60 minutes thing will increase, apart from the gas volume
c. 15 minutes which will increase.
4) If your air supply to BUOYANCY

last longer you should: Not only during this course, but every time you will
a. Stay in shallow water go diving, you will need to float comfortably on the
b. Breath deeply and surface, perhaps waiting for your partner to get
continuously ready, you will also need to sink easily to start your
c. Both a and b are cor- exploration and maybe stay on the bottom, to
rect practice your skills with the class or to shoot with
your video camera. You will also need to move
Answers: around with the smallest effort possible, and to do
1b–2b–3c–4c so you will have to find your neutral buoyancy.
Now, let’s try to understand why an object immer-
sed in a liquid like water may float (positive buo-
yancy), sink (negative buoyancy) or be suspen-
ded mid water apparently weightless (neutral buo-
yancy).
Archimedes proved that when a body is par-
tially or completely immersed in a liquid it cau-
40
ses some of that liquid to be displaced. The dis-
placed liquid exerts a force on the body called
upthrust which is equal to its own weight.
That is why a large ship weighting thousands of tons
floats and a pin that weights less than a gram sinks:
the ship with her volume and shape displaces an
amount of water weighting more than the ship her-
self. The pin will not move enough water to be pus-
hed up, its weight is greater than the upthrust and Three
will therefore sink. Once you will find the right buo- different
yancy to easily move underwater, that is your neu- bouyancy
tral buoyancy, you will be displacing an amount of
water weighting as much as you do.
Interesting? But how do we vary our buoyancy?
conditions
positive,
neutral,
negative
2
positive
positive
neutral
neutral
neutral
neutral
neutral
negative
negative
In order to alter the buoyancy of a body we

have to change one of these factors: the density
of the water, the weight of the body or the volu-
me of water it moves.
Since varying the density of sea water to our liking

41
could be not so practical and changing weight not
so quick what we are left with is to change our ove-
rall volume and therefore the volume of the water
we move.
As you jump in for your dive with all the equipment
you will be probably wearing a neoprene suit to
keep you warm; all this will increase your volume
and buoyancy. That is why you will learn how to
calculate the amount of weight you need to carry in
your belt during the confined water training. So,
Minitest how do we change our volume then?
1) To change the buo- You will soon notice that to help you float on
yancy of an object, the surface your Instructor will tell you to infla-
you need to change: te your BCD. Why is that? By inflating your jacket,
a. Its density your volume will increase and so your buoyancy!
b. Its volume Your lungs will work in the same way: when they
c. The density of the are full you will tend to raise, when you empty them
liquid you will start sinking.
d. Both a and b When you will try out your floating technique
remember not to empty your lungs too much, it will
be a lot easier! Many experts claim that good buo-
2) To float on the yancy is the main aspect when diving. A diver that
water surface your has good buoyancy, will consume less energies
buoyancy should be: and air, will enjoy himself more and will not
a. positive cause any damage to the fragile marine orga-
b. negative nisms with his movements. Only the feeling of
c. slightly negative hovering in the water like a seagull in the wind or
an astronaut in space will encourage you to want to
3) True or False? dive again.
A diver that has good
buoyancy, will consu- Weight system
me less energies and Many people ask themselves why we need to weigh
air, will enjoy himself us down when diving. You have probably noticed
more and will not that the diving gear, especially the wet suit, increa-
cause any damage to ses your volume and your buoyancy, we need to
the fragile marine use a weight system to contrast this positive buo-
organisms with his yancy. Remember, if you forget to bring along your
movements. weight system and aboard there is no extra one you
will not be able to dive.
Answers: The characteristic that all weight systems must

share is the possibility to release and drop the
1 d – 2 a – 3 true weights quickly with one hand, usually the
right hand.
Today you can find various weight systems: the

most common used belt, the one used for this cour-
se, is probably the nylon belt with a quick relea-
se buckle. You can pin the weights to the belt, but
42
remember that when handling this belt always hold
it upwards to avoid the weights falling out. Another
solution is the pocket weight belt, usefull for those
who need a softer contact with their pelvis bones.
Another system that makes easy to add and subtract
weights and also to distribute them evenly is the
weight pouch made with braces and pockets,
2
A pocket
weight belt
always with a quick release device. Divers wearing

a dry suit generally use this belt. I would recom-
mend this belt for those of you with back problems
or with something more than a paunch!
Most BCDs are equipped with a weight system,

if this is the case you do not need to buy a
weight belt.
You can also use ankle weights: these are very use-
ful when using the dry suit. During the dry suit or
the buoyancy control speciality courses you can
familiarize with the various weight system methods.
Your instructor will help you to choose the right
43
weights according you the weather conditions and
the gear used. It is important to squash, tread on or
hit your weight system, for example with the tanks,
as you might deform the weights or the buckle
making it unusable.
Remember that if you have problems at the sur-
face get rid of your weights to assume a correct
buoyancy.
A wet suit
enforces Wet suit
the priciple You can ski with jeans
of multiple and a jumper but you
layers will be much more com-
to increase fortable and you could
insulation rate ski for longer if you had
the correct gear. Divers
also use special gear,
such as wet suits, to pro-
tect themselves from the
cold and from abrasions
caused by accidentally
hitting the bottom or
with the contact with
certain organisms.
There are various

types of suits, they dif-
fer in thickness and
you can choose the
model that more suits
your needs according
to the type of dive.
If you are diving in the

tropics or in a heated
swimming pool you only
need to wear a thin suit
in lycra or neoprene.
In the Red Sea or May to
October in the Mediter-
ranean Sea you will find
a 4-7 mm neoprene wet
suite appropriate, but in
winter or in cold seas,
such as the waters
around Britain, you will
need to use dry suit.
Two piece wet suit
varies from 3 to 6/7 mm
thickness: you can find
44
suits that do not have zips and give you higher insu-
lation but will be harder to put on and take off in the
beginning.
The trousers come with a high waist or as danga-
rees, where the jacket overlaps the trousers the
neoprene is thicker to guarantee the insulation of
the abdominal area.
Free dive wet suits. Divers that practice this type of
diving use a special wet suit with different thickness A pair of
according to the area of the body, as you require a booties
particular technique ware this type of suite, divers with sole
with tanks prefer not to use it.
Semi-dry suit is a one-piece suit of a thickness of
6/7 mm, it has a special zipper that reducing the
amount of water between the suit and your skin.
2
Many divers especially
in the Mediterranean use
it. Companies that pro-
duce diving equipment
are trying to find a mate-
rial for the lining that
will increase the insula-
tion. When slipping on
wet suits divers usually
put a plastic bag over
the hand or foot, ask the
shopkeeper for advice.
All wet suits include

accessories such as
hoods to protect the
head from the cold, or
protection for the knees
and elbows, or even
with zipper of the ankle
and wrists seals.
The booties protect the

feet from the cold and
possible blisters where
the fins rub against the
skin or from the contact
with the bottom. Booties
with soles are essential
to walk on the rocks and on the boat.
Gloves are used to keep your hands warm and

again to protect them from possible injuries. In cer-
tain places it is forbidden to ware gloves, as without
them the divers will not touch the marine organisms.
45
A diver
wearing
Dry suit
Since when I started using a dry suit my diving
a dry suit:
season in the Mediterranean Sea is practically
see the in
doubled: a dry suit it’s a very good stuff!
and out
Dry suits are made of various materials, the most
valves
common ones are made of neoprene. These suits
are waterproof with special sealing zippers on the
ankles and wrists and
the booties are attached.
Generally, these suits
trap a layer of air bet-
ween the suit and the
divers body to insulate
and to avoid the water
from entering.
To increase and de-
crease the layer of air
the suits are provided
with valves similar to
the one found on the
BCD.
With this type of suit the
diver can use layers of
warm underwear clothes
to be comfortable even
in very cold waters.
Some divers are known
to use “chemical hea-
ters”, sachets with a
liquid that give off heat
for about two hours, that
give the diver extra com-
fort.
The nice thing about a
dry suit is that at the end
of the dive you can just
take off you suit, slip on
your shoes and a jacket
and be ready, 007 style!
You are probably al-
ready asking yourself
what it would be like to
dive with a dry suit: the
important thing is to
learn the correct techniques, it will be worth it!
COMMUNICATION
If you have already had your fist dive in delimited
waters you have probably noticed how important it
46
is to be able to communicate with your diving
instructor.
One of the main aspects of diving is to always
dive in pairs, for this reason it’s important to
agree on a sign language to use underwater.
Without particular instruments it is not easy to com-
municate underwater but with the aid of dive slate
and a sign language it is possible to do so. The dive
slate is used for more detailed information, while
the signs are used for routine or emergency com-
munication. Minitest
With your dive partner you will decide which signs
to use to describe marine organisms, for example to 1) The main characteri-
describe a sea slug you can indicated that you have stic of a weight system is:
antennas! a. The bright colour
b. The flexibility of the
belt
c. The quick release
buckle
2) To evenly distribute
the weight, you should:
a. Use a BCD equipped
with a weight system
b. Use ankle weights
c. Both a and b
3) The wet suit prevents:

a. Cuts and abrasions
b. A loss of body tempe-
rature
Dive slate c. Both a and b
4) The dry suit should

have:
In the next pages of this manual you will find the a. A valve to increase
signs used by most divers around the world, but and decrease the air
remember that there might be a few slight changes. layer
b. A sealing zipper
To avoid misunderstandings it is important to c. Both a and b
decide with your dive partner what signs to use
before diving, your diving experience will be Answers:
more fun and safer. 1c–2c–3c-4c
Some of the signs are surface signs, make sure to

use them correctly to avoid misunderstandings,
mainly by people that has not received any specific
diving instruction.
If you find yourself in difficulty don’t hesitate to use
these signs, time is an important issue..
47
OK: close up at the surface OK at the suface OK: in the distance at the surface
I am out of air give me air I can’t equalize
Let’s ascent Come closer Control your computer
I feel cold Help! come close!
48
OK let’s ascent let’s dive
2
remain neutral at this depth
hold your hands keep clos to your partner
Stop! Keep quit, go slowly something goes wrong
How much air in your bottle? I go first, you follow
49
The most
DIVING BOATS
common
Some of the most beautiful diving locations can only
names
be reached by boat. Entering the water from a boat
of parts and
is easier than from shore and also you will have the
areas of a
advantage of diving directly above the selected spot
boat
avoiding swimming long stretches on the surface.
During this course you will already dive from a boat
and for future referen-
ce it useful to learn a
Anchor few notions that will
facilitate life aboard.
There are various ves-
Anchor
sels that can be used
line Wind for diving: cruiser
ships, sailboats, hard-
hulled boats or even
current an inflatable, com-
monly used in the
Bow Mediter-ranean Sea.
Let’s start with the
terminology:
leeward windward the front of the boat is
called bow (the most
cockpit forward part of the
bow is called stem),
the rear of the boat
where you can often
find the engine is cal-
led stern.
The right side of the
boat looking forward
is called starboard,
starboard
the opposite side is
port
(left) (right) called the port side.
The starboard side is
Stern
the windward side
and the port side is the
leeward side.
The cockpit is where
the boat commands
and instruments are.
If you want to eat, try
asking where the gal-
ley is!
Instead of the term rope it is better if you use the
term line, and it is useful to learn a few knots.
You should always arrive early to the meeting point.
You can ask permission to go aboard, taking off

your shoes if required, ask in which area of the
50
boat you are allowed to leave your gear and per-
sonal things. With the permission of a member of
staff you can help to carry the gear aboard.
Remember that it’s not always allowed to enter the
cabins wearing wet gear, ask for information regar-
ding the boat you will learn how to use the on-
board toilet, where to find drinkable water and
where to store the photographic gear.
When entering the water follow the instruc-
tions, remember that the boat might be
manoeuvring so do not stay close to the stern
once you are in the water. If the meeting point is
at the anchor line this is usually the bow line, use
the same line to descend and ascend, do not ascend
using the stern line as the boat might be moving as
2
it is more difficult to reach the steps if there is cur-
rent.
When getting out of the water wait for your turn
with the mask still on your face, if the sea is ruff Minitest
breath through your regulator until you are out of
the water. During the return trip tidy up your gear 1) Looking at the bow of
and don’t hesitate to ask your instructor or a mem- the boat, on which side
ber of staff questions. If you are seasick try to relax is the port side?
and keep to the centre of the boat, ask if you can a. left
dive in the water as soon as the boat stops. b. right
During the mooring manoeuvres stay clear c. both a and b
from the lines and from the bow of the boat as
you could obstruct the visibility. 2) True or False ?
I have covered the most important aspects to consi- Before a dive, you should
der when boat diving, but remember that there is always arrive early at the
not a set rule so ask the crew for clarification on the meeting point
correct behaviour.
Use a good dose of common sense and follow 3) During the mooring
the instructions given to you, remember that manoeuvres
the captain is always in charge! a. You can talk to the
captain
OXYGEN MIXTURE OR NITROX b. You shouldn’t
Once, during one of my diving holidays I was on obstruct the manoeuvres
my second dive exploring a wreck at a depth of 18 c. You should jump off
meter, when checking my diving computer I noticed the boat and help
that I was at the limit of the no decompression, very
disappointed I re-emerged. It was in this occasion Answers:
that I decided to learn to dive using NITROX, a mix- 1 b – 2 true – 3b
ture of nitrogen and oxygen. What are the advan-
tages of this mixture? Nitrox contains a higher per-
centage of oxygen that reduces the in take of nitro-
gen, making the dive longer and safer for the divers.
To be able to use Nitrox you need to be in posses-
sion of a specific nitrox certificate. ESA offers you
the opportunity to learn how to use nitrox with the
51
ESA Nitrox Diver even during your Open Water
Diver course, ask your instructor for further infor-
mation.
Minitest
1) Nitrox is:
a. Air mixture with a
higher oxygen percenta-
ge
b. Air mixture that con-
tains another gas
instead of nitrogen Remember:
c. A type of pure oxygen breathe
continuously
2) The advantages of and never
using nitrox are: hold your
a. It costs less than air breath when
b. Your supply will last diving
longer on SCUBA!
c. You can stay longer
underwater without
exceeding the no
decompression dive limit
Answers
1a–2c
Congratulations!
This unit was very important. As anticipated you
have the knowledge needed for all future dives, now
you know the most important rule when diving,
don’t forget it! You have learned that it is important
to equalize often and you have an idea on which wet
suit accommodates your needs.
Congratulations, with this information and once
you have completed the delimited waters dive you
can already obtain the ESA New Diver certificate
and move on to achieving the Open Waters Diver
certificate. In the next unit we will talk about the
environment, you will learn the differences between
in and out of the water and we will cover the emer-
gency situations that you might encounter when
diving and how to prevent them.
52
The purpose of this exercise is to go over what you

have learned and to be sure to be ready to move on
to the next chapter. Complete the multiple choice and
hand it to your instructor, he will give you the neces-
sary clarifications, if needed.
1. At 10 meters of depth the pressure is at:

a. 3 bar
b. 1 bar
2
c. 2 bar
d. 10 bar
2. When ascending the volume of a balloon will :

a. increase
b. stay the same
c. decrease
d. double
3. If you have problems with the equalisation when

descending, you should:
a. Descend quicker
b. Continue the descend and force the
equalisation
c. Ascent a little and try to equalize in
advance
d. Descent with you head first
4. The main rule when scuba diving is:

_______________________________________
_______________________________________
5. If the air supply last 30 minutes at a depth of 10

meter, how long will it last on the surface:
a. 60 minutes
b. 30 minutes
c. 15 minutes
d. 20 minutes
6. The buoyancy of a floating object is:

a. positive
b. negative
c. neutral
d. depends on the density of the liquid
53
7. A good buoyancy is need for:
a. To limit the impact with the environment
b. To save energies
c. Prevent damage to the gear
d. a, b, and c are all correct
8. The characteristic of the weight belt are:

a. Putting on the gear faster
b. The quick release buckle system
c. The special material
d. The buckles dimentions
9. The stern of the boat is:

a. The rear of the boat
b. The front of the boat
c. The left side of the boat
d. The right side of the boat
10. To use nitrox you need to:

a. Learn the theory and the knowledge
regarding nitrox
b. Pass the nitrox certificate requirements
c. Obtain the nitrox certificate
d. a, b and c are all correct
I declare that I have gone over all my answers with

the instructor and that I have understood all the cla-
rifications given to me.
Signature_____________Date___________________
54
Unit three
It is natural to think that air is different to water, and it
is easy therefore to conclude that it is also denser than
air, but in some cases, is this so? You should actually
know this already, but we will review it when reading
the first lines of this unit in which I will explain to you
how this factor influences temperature, vision, trans-
mission of sound and movement in the water.
All of this information is to be applied in each dive,
from the moment you descend for the first time with
your instructor during this course; for example, when
you look under the water without the mask in front of
your eyes.
Submerged space allows for the existence of a
truly unique experience and as you will discover
3
with me what you can do to become a modern,
informed and sensitive diver when confronted
with this atmosphere. This aspect is very impor-
tant because it will make it possible for you
to practice sub-aqua activity to
the best of your ability.
Of course, your sub-aqua
career will be unlike any
other, and if you apply the
received instructions you
will probably never need to
deal with the emergencies
that can occur. A good reason
to know the possible potential pit-
falls is the fact that you can pre-
vent them, or that you can react in
the appropriate way.
What can I do to avoid alarming you? If
I get a cramp, how do I deal with it? How
do I resolve a problem such as loss of air? If
the demand valve breaks, what happens? As
always, in this unit, I will try to deal with the
questions that interest you.
We will also see what happens when you find your-
self entangled in a fishing-line, or caught up in the
marker buoy line, how to prevent injuries when in con-
tact with the sea floor or coming across dangerous
aquatic organisms. I will also explain to you something
worthwhile regarding the temperature, seeing as this is
an activity that brings you into contact with atmosphe-
ric factors, and just so you will have the idea how to act
55
when someone is in trouble.
A most in-depth knowledge of these last two subjects is
demanded by the ESA Prevention and Rescue Diver
course, where you will also learn
how to help a diver in panic.
In this unit we speak principally about panic, to learn
how to conquer it or avoid it completely.
Stop and breathe: you will see that everything will be
The surface alright, it is another of these rules that can be very use-
of the sea ful, both underwater and in everyday life. In this case,
separates two I will describe to you, how to put it into practice, perhaps
completely to recuperate after you have over-done it swimming to
different keep up with an insensitive diving partner.
worlds. As in our preceding units I will speak to you about other
components of the equipment, this time, pillar valves
and cylinders, you will discover infor-
mation that you will need again and
again in your career as a recreational
diver.
As you proceed with your reading take
notes directly from the pages of the
manual, underline things that strike you
and write down questions that you
would like to ask your ESA instructor. To
focus ultimately on the most important
information, respond to the questions in
the mini test, choosing the correct answer
among those given, you will find the
solution immediately after the last que-
stion.
In and out
As we have already said, there are some
differences between the underwater
atmosphere and the external one, from
certain points of view more significant
than there could be between a desert
and a rain forest. The ESA Ecodiver will
illustrate to you, in detail, all the diffe-
rences between the two: however we
will limit ourselves to the things that
have a direct effect on the practice of
sub-aqua activity. The factor that deter-
mines the principal differences is of
course the density of the water in respect to the air. As
we have already mentioned about pressure, water is
about 800 times denser than air, this determines
some rather important effects.
For example, in the water your body temperature
drops 20 times faster than in the air. This means that
56
The
if you are in a room, dressed only in your bathing
phenome-
suit, you could stay 20 hours at a given tempera-
non of
ture (Let’s say, 20 degrees, Centigrade) before star-
refraction
ting to shiver, while in water of the same tempe-
is evident,
rature, you would start to shiver after only one
both
hour. This is why your instructor will suggest you buy
through
a good wet-suit!
glass and
The drop in temperature can lead to hypothermia and
water:
become dangerous. Shivers are our bodies’ alarm
in both
signal, if they persist, don’t hesitate! Get out of the
cases
water immediately and dry yourself while trying
the pencil
to get warm. Have you ever seen in a film, the red
appears
Indians leaning their ears near to the railway track to
larger.
find out if there is a train arriving? do you know why?
Iron is denser than air, and the noise allowed the
Indians a much better chance of hearing
the arrival of a train in advance.
Water transmits sound better than air
and about 4 times faster. This pheno-
menon stops the diver from deter-
mining the exact direction of its
source, but it allows him to use sound
to call the attention of his companion
with one of the acoustic monitors that
we will describe later. If under water
you hear a noise, do not attempt to esta-
blish where it is coming from, but look
upwards carefully turning 360 degrees;
only by doing this will you be assured
of identifying the companion that is per-
haps trying to attract your attention. If
you hear the sound of a motor increa-
sing in intensity, it means that it is
approaching; stay well below the surfa-
ce and wait until the noise has faded
away, suggesting to you that the boat
has moved away.
As you will have noticed, under water it
is not possible to see clearly, without the
air that the mask retains in front of the
eyes. The human eye cannot focus cor-
rectly under water because it has a dif-
ferent density that provokes a deviation
in the rays of light that crosses it, impe-
ding normal vision.
The deviation of the rays of light is called refrac-
tion and determines the illusion of seeing objects
about 25% nearer and 33% bigger.
Next time you sit at a table try to put a fork inside a
glass of water and observe how it becomes displaced.
57
If you move a hand outside the water,
Minitest making a wide and circular movement you won’t noti-
ce any particular effects except that of a displacement
1) Water is about -------- of air; try to do the same thing under water and you
times denser than air: will realize that your movement will cause a displace-
a. 2 ment as if you’ve been ‘pulled’ by the hand in the
b. 800 water.
c. 250 This is another example of the effects caused by the
density of the water and I’m explaining it to you
2) Water conducts heat: because it is important, during a dive that you assume
a. faster than air a hydrodynamic position, that you move calmly and
b. like air with the correct compact equipment configuration.
c. the same way as air Now that you have a clearer idea of some of the more
important factors think that you have also set the basis
3) Under water objects of a better understanding of information you will recei-
appear -----------bigger ve during your ESA Ecodiver course, that I strongly
than water and 25% suggest you attend, to get the maximum benefit from
nearer than in air: every dive.
a. 38%
b. 33% UNDERWATER ENVIRONMENT
c. 50% The staff at ESA are firmly convinced that an in-
depth knowledge of the underwater environment
Answers: leads to a better quality of dive, greater safety and
1b–2a–3b greater awareness with respect to the protection of
the environment. On becoming a diver
you obtain the possibility to enter a
unique world, where contact with the
environment is stronger than ever.
This activity offers us a great privilege
and naturally brings with it a series of
responsibilities. If you are a sensitive
diver, you will discover the need to be
able to do something so that the
underwater atmosphere stays as com-
plete as possible for all that inhabit it
and not only for us, but for future
generations.
The first task you can undertake in this
area is to learn as much as possible,
with regard to this wonderful environ-
ment. Well, that’s not too bad, is it? It
could be more of an enjoyment than a
task. The ESA has put together for you
a quality program, to teach you the
basics necessary to become knowled-
geable about what lives under the
water.
The ESA Ecodiver course will be one of
the most important stages in your trai-
ning as a diver; it is easy, enjoyable
58
and will bring you a
whole lot of advantages
connected to the practi-
cal side of the activity
and often in everyday
life. For example, it hap-
pened once that I
brought a group of stu-
dents on a dive, they had
studied sponges, algae,
fish etc. only in books; as
soon as they came out of
the water, they showed
their enthusiasm for
having ‘found out first
hand’ what up to now
had been only ‘paper
and words’. I remember
thinking that they pro- Seas
3
bably would have retur- of
ned to class with a better
understanding of their the World
chosen subject.
In this course, you are
acquiring information
on the basis that leads to
a better awareness of the
atmosphere, during the dives you will get to know Minitest
some of the inhabitants of this incredible world and
appreciate the characteristics of a unique ecosy- 1) True or False:
stem.By the way, do you know what the word One of the first steps that
“ecosystem” means? you can undertake to
For ecosystem we mean the set of living beings acquire a vast knowled-
and of the environment they live in, for example
our planet is a huge ecosystem just like the posido- ge of the underwater
nia prairy or our back garden. world is to attend an
In case you didn’t already know it, you have added ESA Ecodiver course.
another important peg in your diving training. I sug-
gest you inform yourself about all that you will meet 2) True or False:
under water and you will see that every dive will be By ‘ecosystem’ we mean
a real adventure, rich with discoveries. Even today, the set of living beings
I come across organisms that I have never seen and of the environment
before that astonish me with their shapes, colours
and behavior. they live in.
If you are on the right track, work with the ESA
team to build the basis of your diving activity. You Answers:
can therefore immediately dedicate yourself to the 1 true – 2 true
discovery of the underwater world in complete
safety, enjoying every dive, gaining enormous sati-
sfaction and increasing your knowledge.
59
EMERGENCIES THAT MAY HAPPEN
When you travel around the city on a bicycle, the-
re’s always the possibility of getting a puncture,
even if you are careful and often check the effi-
ciency of your vehicle. While you are diving, various
problems can occur, your instructor will prepare you
to either prevent them or deal with them. Many of
the exercises that you undertake will serve to crea-
Getting rid te the automatic responses necessary to prevent or
of a cramp resolve possible difficult conditions. To undertake
under water. dives that are always safe and enjoyable it is impor-
tant to know which are the difficulties that can
occur.
Breathless
We have already spoken about this
problem, and you already know how
to prevent it, now let’s see what you
can do if you lose control of your
breathing under the water or on the
surface. The first thing you should
do is to reduce activity so that you
facilitate restoration of the correct
breathing rhythm. If your partner is
close by, hold his hand, otherwise,
rest on the bottom or hold on to the
shot line, then concentrate on your
breathing and try to slow down your
breathing rate taking long slow
breaths making sure you exhale as
much air as possible as you would
after a run to catch your breath.
Cramps
Whenever our muscles are not pro-
perly trained or the correct balance
between water and sodium is lost
(such as in the case of dehydration),
we could be affected by sudden pain-
ful contractions of the muscular fibers
commonly called “cramps”. Other than
lack of training and dehydration, we
could have a cramp due to excessively
tight shoes or fins or a prolonged
unusual posture.
The most affected parts are the calf and the sole of
the foot.
To reduce the pain it is sufficient to ‘lengthen’ the
contracted muscle cautiously and without jerking.
After an adequate rest you can begin moving again,
60
without ‘loading’ the affected part too much.
You can fin also with only one leg, proceeding
calmly. This treatment of cramp can be applied both
to yourself and a another diver. Your instructor will
show you techniques more adapted to open waters.
To prevent the onset of cramps, drink lots of water
and keep yourself fit.
Loss of air supply Gas sharing

Sometimes you can run out of petrol for your car, during
but it usually happens because you forget or you ascent
don’t feel like filling it up. Otherwise, thanks to the
level indicator on the fuel gauge, it is practically
impossible to end up on foot. If you check your con-
tent gauge often, and decide to come up with at least
50 bars left in your cylinder, you will never be left
without air underwater. You must, however, know
what to do if, during a dive, you realise that you
are running out of air: You must try to reach the
3
surface in the safest way possible in conjuntion with
the conditions in which you find yourself.
When you realise that you have little air remai-

ning and you are far from the boat or the land,
move yourself immediately to shallower
waters. As you remember, in shallow water you
consume less and your supply will last longer.
If you become aware that the air is beginning to run
out, you can start to reemerge continuing to breathe
calmly, you will probably surfice in time before the
supply finishes completely. Remember to respect the
correct ascent rate. If you find yourself without air
and your partner is near you, you can finish the dive
breathing from his/her cylinder, using the second
demand valve. Try to remain near your dive partner,
and before diving make sure he/she has a reserve
demand valve, checking where and how it is fixed.
If your partner is about 10 metres from you and you
are at a depth of 6/7 metres, rather than swimming
horizontally towards him, it would be easier to ree-
merge directly.
Remember to exhale continually, keeping the
airways open and as soon as you reach the surfa-
ce, inflate your BCD by mouth or if in difficulty, do
not hesitate to ditch the weight belt. During training
in open waters, you will learn the techniques to
handle these situations, if you keep checking your
content gauge, you will never have to use them; but
it is reassuring to know that you are prepared
to correctly confront an emergency situation.
61
Breakdown of the regulator
Minitest The modern demand valves have been designed to
prevent the sudden interruption of air flow. In fact,
1) In case of an anxiety if something has to break, it is realistic that it would
attack during the dive, cause a continuous flow of air. The demand valve
the best thing to do is: sends air continuously, noisily. and in abun-
a. Swim quickly dance.
towards your dive part- Don’t worry! Your instructor will teach you to brea-
ner. the safely and continuously from the demand valve,
b. Stop and breathe only remember not to waste time and to swim
slowly and deeply. directly to the surface (respecting the ascent rates
c. Move directly to the indicated by the diving tables or by your computer).
surface. As soon as you reemerge, assume positive buoyancy
and close the valve on your cylinder. If you weren’t
2) To avoid problems of able to warn your companion and the situation
loss of air supply: allows, stay in a vertical position, so that you can
a. Always carry a spare see what is happening much sooner. In the very rare
cylinder. case of having to deal with a demand valve blocka-
b. Make long breathing ge, use one of the procedures described for the loss
stops. of air supply. Remember not to hold your breath
c. Keep a constant eye on your way to the surface.
on the content gauge.
Entanglements
3) In case of the break- The most interesting areas from the diver’s point of
down of modern view, are very limited and frequented also by fis-
demand valves, very hermen; therefore you may sometimes come across
probably:. abandoned fishing lines, or nets that have got stuck
a. The air supply is on the bottom. If you see threads, lines or nets
blocked. during a dive, try to change your path so that you
b. They are working on don’t come into contact with them; if you must pass
continuous air distribu- by them, I suggest if possible to pass above, not
tion. below, the obstacle. It will be easier to control the
c. They are working situation.
intermittantly. It could happen that you feel an invisible hand
that stops you from moving forward, don’t get
4) To avoid worsening a fright, I have never met any ghosts under
the situation in case of water. It is probable that the pillar valve of the
entanglement:.. cylinder has become entangled in a nylon line
a. Stay calm and move that you hadn’t seen.
in a controlled fashion. Stay calm, think of your breathing and get help from
b. Turn yourself your companion; it can be very useful to carry with
around to see behind. you a good underwater knife, well-sharpened.
c. Inflate the BCD and During the dives in enclosed waters, you will have
reemerge noticed a diver marker buoy attached to a lanyard.
This lanyard is renouned for getting entangled and
caught up with your fins or other parts of the diver;
Answers get used to carrying it with you from the first dives,
1b–2c–3b-4a you will learn how to move in order to prevent pro-
blems.
If you pay attention to where you are going and
62
remain calm, thinking of your breathing, it is
unlikely that entanglement will cause an insur-
mountable problem.
INJURIES FROM CONTACT WITH THE

SEA FLOOR
Sometimes the sea floor can be covered by sharp
rocks or littered with glass, metal or ceramic frag-
ments. To avoid injuring yourself you must learn to
control your buoyancy in a way that you keep away
from the bottom.
It is a good idea to protect yourself with your wet-
suit including gloves, even in particularly warm
waters. As I’ve told you already, in some protected
areas, the use of gloves has been banned to prevent
damages to the environment. The
Always pay attention to where you’re going and scorpion
before you rest, make sure that the place you have fish, has
pre-chosen is suitable. Avoid diving in rough sea or poisonous
muddy water.
Dangerous marine organisms

I have been diving for a long time and I must be
thorns,
but is
dangerous
only
3
honest, it has never happened (to me) that I have if
encountered problems with the orga- disturbed
nisms that populate the underwater
world. Do you want to know what is
the most dangerous organism in the
Mediter-ranean sea (besides Man)? In
my opinion it is the sea urchin; to tell
the truth, I have never seen sea
urchins assault a diver, but I have
seen many people, that have gone
there inadvertently above or below the
surface that have rested in ill-advised
places and as a result have spent a
long time, in strange poses, picking
out thorns that have stuck into them.
If you are careful, it is unusual that
you will suffer injuries from mari-
ne organisms.
Some animals have cells that can pro-
duce burns like anemonies and jelly-
fish, others can sting sometimes cau-
sing a shooting pain; in some cases these conditions
can also be life-threatening, but you can prevent
them simply by avoiding disturbing the animals,
taking good control of your buoyancy, watching
with attention where you rest and getting to know
the species that live in the area in which you are
63
The many
diving.
frightening
I suggest you consult the manual ESA ‘Seas of The
sharks, in
World’ written for the speciality ESA Ecodiver, in
reality are
which beyond learning which are the organisms to
becoming
keep an eye on, you will also learn a great deal of
more
information that will add value to all of your under-
difficult to
water explorations.
see.
Some animals can be
aggressive and bite the
diver; which do you
have in mind? Sharks,
right? Correct!
In all my dives, I have
never been attacked, but
neither ‘watched’ by a
shark from close by, on
the contrary, to allow
them to observe, I have
had to dive at dawn and
with few divers taking a
lot of care not to frighten
them.
More times, I have hap-
pened to see a conger
eel, well-intentioned to
‘taste’ a diver that is too
confident, or a small fish becoming aggressive to
drive out an intrusion to his reproductive territory.
Every time I have heard of attacks from marine
animals, they have never been offensive
actions of the animal, as much as defensive
reactions caused by human activity like acciden-
tal injuries, underwater hunting, harassment, inva-
sion of territory, and sarabands that feed the fish.
Always be informed about potentially dangerous
organisms that live in the area where you dive. The
best thing to do is to trust in a professional course
and remember: pay attention at the briefing and to
the instructions before and during a dive.
Handling injuries
To alleviate the pain inflicted from the thorns of stin-
ging fish: immerse the injured part in very hot water.
To treat injuries from burning cells: don’t touch it
with bare hands, rinse it with water and vinegar (or
alcohol) and apply an anthistaminic ointment. In
any case always consult a doctor, with greater rea-
son if the injury happens in tropical areas.
64
The effects of temperature
Subacqua activity, just like other leisure or work
activities, can expose you to particular conditions,
such as intense cold or torrid heat.
The human organism functions well within
well-defined temperature limits. Otherwise you
can run into problems such as hypothermia or
hyperthermia. We have already spoken about hypo-
thermia, and you have understood how important it
is to prevent it. If it happens that you have to help
a person suffering from hypothermia, remember
that it is important to dry them and warm them up Minitest
gradually excluding the extremities. Hypothermic
people must be treated delicately, avoiding brusque 1) True or False:
reactions or movements. Control of your buo-
Note that water and wind, as in a sudden rain yancy plays a funda-
storm, can make a person cold even during the mental role in the pre-
summer period.
The problems arising from excessive temperature vention of injuries from
(hyperthemia) are heat stroke and loss of heat; in accident in contact with
both cases the person concerned must be put in a the sea floor.
cool place in such a way that their temperature can
go down. 2) The injuries due to
The most critical condition comes from heat marine organisms are
stroke, that you can compare with a very high often caused by:
temperature; in this case it is fundamental to a. inappropriate beha-
lower the temperature, putting wet towels on the vior on the diver’s part
person’s body and taking care to change them offen. b. defensive behavior on
If you notice something that is not right, inform the the part of the organism
Diveleader, the instructor, or other diving personnel c. both
and look for medical help.
We have already seen how to prevent hypothermia; 3) In the case of injuries
for hyperthermia, during the practice of diving action the part of marine
vities, in particularly hot days, it is better to put on organisms, it is best:
your wet-suit at the last moment, or leave it open. It a. capture the organism
is pleasant and very useful to throw a bucket of cold b. consult a doctor
water over yourself and it is very important to drink c. neither
a lot. When you travel in areas that experience
extreme heat or cold, follow the instructions from Answers:
your nominated diving centre closely.
You can in time, deepen your capacity to rescue by 1 true – 2 c - 3 b
continuing your training with a program for prepa-
ration of First Aid and by following a ESA
Prevention and Rescue course.
Panic
A friend told me about having to wait for a very
important phone call and he waited with such
anxiety and emotion, that at the first ring of the tele-
phone, taken over by panic, he wasn’t able to say a
65
word. Panic is a very particular condition that can
arise for thousands of reasons, in any place be it in
everyday life or during a dive. It can involve a dan-
ger happening in what we are doing in a given
situation. Generally the underwater environament
creates an atmosphere of tranquility and well-being,
but it can happen that something unsusal or unex-
pected can frighten us. If you find yourself in this
type of situation, remember that is is vital that you
don’t lose your cool and concentrate on your brea-
thing. Don’t react instinctively, but stop, think and
Minitest act sensibly.
Even in the most difficult situations there is
always time to think about the best solution.
1) Exposure to quite low To explore the subacua world with an ESA profes-
temperatures can cause: sional or with a diving expert is prudent, respecting
a. heatstroke your limits, with all your equipment in good wor-
b. hypothermia king order and in optimal conditions, you will les-
c. heat loss sen the possibility of panic becoming a problem.
Stop and breathe: everything will be alright!

2) In case of heatstroke, As you will have seen, anytime a difficult situation
it is important to presents itself, you have to try and remain calm and
a. lower the body tempe- to act in an appropriate manner. Everything will be
rature easier if you think of what is best: to do this, the
b. move around to get brain needs oxygen, this is why, the first thing you
your circulation going have to do is suspend all activity and concentrate on
c. cover yourself so as your breathing.
not to lose heat Breathing is the basis of everything and con-
centrating on it also helps to reestablish calm.
Even out of the water, you can become relaxed by
3) Panic is a condition trying to ‘feel’ your breathing, maybe you will
that can happen: understand all of this better. During dives in confi-
a. diving ned waters, you will practice an exercise that looks
b. in everyday life at relaxation techniques through breathing.
c. both a und b Always remember this phrase, and try to repeat it to
yourself everytime you find yourself in a difficult
situation: ‘Stop and breathe, you will see that
Answers: everything will be alright!’
1b–2a–3c
FREE DIVING (APNEA)
Diving will take you in unique areas where
even a simple swim with a mask can give you
unforgettable moments, think that today millions
of people in the world practice snorkeling.
Snorkeling consists of diving in water with fins mask
and snorkel and exploring the underwater world
primarily from the surface. To practice snorkeling,
you don’t need to have special information like in
66
diving. you will be a privileged snorkeler because
you will have already received superior training in
between.
Remember to prevent hypothermia, to spend at least
three hours, before going into the water without a
wetsuit, after having eaten, and not to practice free
diving after a SCUBA dive.
By the way, do you know what apnea is? Apnea is

the voluntary interruption of breathing.
Some people love practising apnea to explore the

underwater world, initially the majority dedicate
themselves to underwater hunting. Today, various
divers dedicate themselves to this discipline at an
extreme level to establish a record of permanence
and depth.
I enjoy practising apnea, within certain limits, I Breath
mean. Free diving on a recreational level is easy holding
and enjoyable, but it can be dangerous for whoever
disregards some important information.
The most important rule of free diving is to

diving
isn’t done
alone, but
always
3
always practise it in couples: one diver goes in pairs
down and the other
follows him watching
from the surface. The
maximum depth must
not go over that the
diver who descends
least can reach.
Hyperventilation con-
sists of a series of deep
and deliberate breaths,
aimed at eliminating car-
bon dioxide (CO2) from
the organism. Since it is
the accumulation of CO2
that pushes us to ree-
merge for breath, hyper-
ventilating you can
increase your breath hol-
ding time.
Avoid excessive hyperventilation before diving,

because you can eliminate too much CO2 and
finish your oxygen without feeling the need to
breathe, unexpectedly losing your senses.
Rest between one dive and another when you ree-
merge to recuperate. When your companion ree-
67
merges, wait another while and if everything is
okay, do 3 to 4 respiratory exercises, long and
deep, principally to arrive at a state of profound
tranquility.
Equalise frequently, whether it is your ears or your
mask. Remember to stay near the boat or the diver
Minitest marker buoy and it is advisable not to free dive A
after diving on SCUBA.
While diving in Open Water 5, you will be able to
1) True or False try diving in APNEA, learning the correct techni-
The most important rule ques.
of diving in apnea is to
always practise it in DIVING EQUIPMENT
pairs. Let’s continue our exploration of the world of sub-
aqua equipment, indispensable to visit the under-
water world, in peace and safety. As you have
2) To prevent sudden already understood it is important to deepen your
loss of the senses, knowledge with regards to the equipment necessary
during the practice of to avoid useless squandering in the aquistion phase,
free diving, you need to: to choose suitable equipment for the conditions in
a. effect a long hyper- which you will dive and to know how to use it well,
ventilation before with maximum respect for safety.
diving
b. avoid excessive Cylinders
hyperventilation before The oxygen tank serves to contain a supply of air
diving that you carry with you underwater; it is nothing
c. swim vigorously more than a bottle of alluminium or steel appro-
under water. priately structured to resist really elevated pressures
They can be of various dimensions, with capacity
that varies from 2 to 20 litres. The most common are
3) To improve your those of 10, 12 and 15 litres. Do you know how
breath holding ability it much air there is inside a tank of 15 litres ‘pumped’
is useful: to 200 bars?
a. to relax as much as There is so much air, that at sea level you could
possible inflate a ball to a good 3000 litres! How did I arrive
b. savoid stress in diving at this figure? It’s easy, you multiply the tank’s capa-
c. both a) und b) city by the pressure of gas that it contains: (15 X 200
= 3000)!
Answers: Care and maintenence of the recipients that contain
the compressed gasses is scrupulously demanded by
1 true – 2 b – 3 c qualified technicians. Even for the tanks we have to
reserve the same care that we use for all the equip-
ment; rince it after use, and it is even more impor-
tant to always put it in the shade and far from the
source of heat. Why? When the temperature increa-
ses, so does the pressure and vice versa, (Charles
law); for example, imagine what could happen to a
tank loaded to 200 bar that is left inside a black car,
under the heat on a beautiful day in August, or what
you would read on a gage attached to a 200 bar
68
oygen tank when it is immersed in cold water!
Maybe you have already noticed that the oxygen

tanks are rather heavy, thankfully, they move a
good volume of liquid in water and therefore beco-
me lighter, as you will remembr from the unit on
buoyancy.
Out of the water, however, it is good, if they don’t
fall on someone’s feet, so remember it is important To avoid
not to abandon them in a vertical position, but accidental
as a rule, to leave them in a horizontal position falls, always
and attach them to something (e.g. the weights) place the
to stop them from rolling. cylinders
To prevent the formation and accumulation of inter- in their rack.
nal humidity, do not unload the oxygen tank too
quickly and never put it
back completely empty,
you should leave it at
least at 20/30 bar
There are some things

that you must know; on
the back of the oxygen
tank there is some very
important information
printed, that can vary
from country to country;
the date of production,
the date of approval, the
capacity, the weight, the
types of gas it contains,
the manufacturer and
the type of metal. Other
than this, according to a
European norm, the
back of the oxygen
tanks must be varnished
with black and white
segments so as to avoid
confusion with reci-
pients of other gasses.
You need to know that
the oxygen tanks must
be in place for regular
inspection to prevent wear and tear due to the oxi-
disation processes or to the galvanic current and
must pass the tests.
The oxygen tanks not in order with the inspec-
tion cannot be reloaded nor used. If your ESA
professional hasn’t reloaded a tank with an
69
expiry date of even a few days, he shows
serious professionalism, to be appreciated. If
you travel to other countries, inform yourself about
current laws in operation.
If you decide to use oxygen enriched air (nitrox)
and use it to all its advantages, you will be able to
learn other important concepts about oxygen tanks,
during a program to perfect your skills that you
Double pillar could refer to in this course. Ask your instructor for
valve information.
with INT
and Those who practice technical diving, use a combi-
DIN fittings. nation of more oxygen tanks by virtue of the depths
that they have to reach and the length of time (they
stay underwater). Think! the coral fishermen what
dive in the Northern
coast of Sardinia, usually
carry about 5 oxygen
tanks that contain diffe-
rent mixtures of gas. As I
have already told you in
the preface, this type of
diving goes beyond the
scope of our course.
Pillar valves
The pillar valve serves to
allow air into the cylin-
der, keep it inside and
let it out when neces-
sary. Using materials and
constructive techniques
adapted to high pressure
of use by the diver in
warm and salty environ-
ments, the pillar valve functions exactly like a water
tap; turning it anti-clockwise it opens, clockwise it
closes. There are also taps that open and close by
turning a lever. The secret of making a pillar valve
last a long time is making sure that it functions pro-
perly, this is done by having it checked by a quali-
fied technician, do not force the closure of the pil-
lar valve as you will wear out the O-ring seal.
Periodically substitute the o-ring that ensures the
hold between the pillar valve itself and the DV, and
be careful to avoid knocking it or you could dama-
ge the shaft and cause a loss of air.
There are different types of pillar valve, with
one single attachment or with two attachment
valves.
70
Before the widespread use of the content gauge,
divers used a type of valve with a reserve mecha-
nism, that warned the diver with the air was running
low; to continue breathing, he needed to pull the
reserve lever downwards. It seems easy if it wasn’t
for the fact that the lever could easily be moved
accidentally, cancelling the alarm function.
Nowadays it is considered much safer and
easier to directly consult the diving gauge, so Regulator
much so that the reserve function has practi- (DV) with
cally left the scene. DIN fitting
We have spoken about the connection between the

pillar valve and the DV; if you remember, in fact, we
cannot breathe directly from the pillar valve but it
is decidedly better for us
to use a DV, and pos-
sibly a good DV.
According to the types
3
used, there are 2 main
systems of connection of
the DV to the pillar
valve; INT attachment
(international) and DIN
(Deutches Institut fuer
Normung)
The first has a seat with
an o-ring seal to match
the round rim on the
firtst stage of the DV.
The DV is then held in
place by an A-clamp
that screws on the back
of the pillar valve.
Perhaps this is still the
most used system, even
if the DIN attachment is
gaining ground. The lat-
ter is considered more
reliable, because it
allows for a more solid
connection literally ‘scre-
wing’ the DV to the pil-
lar valve thus bearing
pressure of use up to more than 250 bar.
The majority of divers involved in ‘extreme’ diving,
such as cave, ice, deep and wreck diving, choo-
se the DIN fitting for this reason.
Trust in an ESA professional to advise you on a
system that best suits your needs. In tropical zones,
71
INT is more common, so if you have a DV, with a
DIN fitting, I advise you to carry with you a
Minitest DIN/INT converter.
1) A 15 litres cylinder
filled to 200 bar con-
tains__________ litres
of air:
a. 1500
b. 2000
c. 3000
2) To prevent the for-

mation of rust/mildew:
a. do not empty the
cylinder too quickly by
opening the valve all the
way
b. always leave some air
inside (20/30 bar)
c. both a) e b)
3) Nowadays the safest

system to check the air
supply is given by
a. The pillar valve with
the reserve lever
b. The pillar valve with
the INT fitting
c. The content gauge
4) The pillar valve with

the threaded seat on
which the first stage of
the DV is screwed down
is called:
a. Pillar valve with INT Congratulations!
fitting Well done! You have arrived at the end of this unit,
b. Pillar valve with dou- maybe a bit demanding but equally, very important,
ble fitting because learning the differences between the surface
c. Pillar valve with DIN and underwater environments, you have improved
fitting your possibilities of getting maximum enjoyment out of
your diving.
Answers: Your safety will benefit from what you have learnt with
1c–2c–3c-4c regards to possible emergencies. It is easier to avoid an
unpleasant situation if you know how and why it can
happen. For this reason, in the next unit, we will conti-
nue to speak about pressure, analyzing some pheno-
mena that can influence or cause it! Don’t go away, see
you soon!
72
The scope of this exercise is to review the most important
information of the relative Theory Unit. Above all to
improve your training, but also to arrive more prepared
for your next appointment with your instructor.
Answer the questions choosing the best among those
indicated, specifying if the affirmation is true or false or
writing the response in the appropriate space. Show
your instructor this test, if he finds incorrect answers, he
can give you the necessary explanations. Off you go!
1. In the water sound travels faster because:

a. water is about 800 times denser than air
b. water is about 80 times denser than air
c. water is about 8 times less dense than air
d. water stimulates hearing
2. To see clearly underwater it is necessary to

a. carry special lenses
b. you don’t need particular devices
3
c. put an air space between the eye and the
water
d. all of the above
3. To prevent anxiety, try to:

a. swim calmly
b. respect your pace
c. breathe deeply and slowly
d. all of the above
4. If you realise that your air has run out and your
partner who has a spare DV, is near you:
a. surface directly, exhaling air
b. begin the procedure of sharing air with
your partner
c. with your partner, go to the surface, using
the spare DV
d. (a) and (b) are correct
5. The majority of times accidents with injuries due

to marine organisms are attributable:
a. to a defensive action by the animal
b. to a lack of attention by the diver
c. to an offensive action by the animal
d. (a) and (b) are correct
73
6. To prevent problems of hyperthermia:
a. drink a lot
b. stay in the shade
c. put on your wetsuit just before you go into
the water
d. all of the above are correct
7. In the case of difficulties in diving, the first thing

to do is:
a. swim directly to the surface
b. inflate the BCD to the maximum
c. apply the rule ‘Stop and breathe, you’ll see
that everything will be alright’
8. During the practice of free diving, it is a good

rule of thumb to:
a. apply rigorously the partner system
b. avoid excessive hyperventilation before
diving
c. avoid stress in diving
9. For safety reasons, diving cylinders ___________

cannot be filled:
a. whose approval has expired
b. that are more than 2 years old
c. with the top varnished in black and white
segments
d. all of the above
10. In the DIN fitting the first stage of the DV is:

a. secured to the pillar valve by an A clamp
and screw
b. connected to the pillar valve without seals
c. screwed down directly into its seat in the
pillar valve
d. damaged by a pressure lower than 3 bar
I declare that I have gone over all my answers with

the instructor and that I have understood all the cla-
rifications given to me.
Signature_____________Date___________________
74
Unit four
We have already spoken about pressure and you
have already learnt to interact with the effects that
the diver experiences during a dive. As I have told
you, for us divers, it is important to know the mecha-
nics of pressure because it is precisely their varia-
tions that cause the particular effects on the diver.
To know these effects will allow you ultimately to
understand why you must respect the limits of time
and depth, why you have to ascend slowly from every
dive, what to do if your companion behaves in an
unusual way during a dive, why oxygen can be toxic
and why you have to choose the cylinder filling sta-
tion carefully.
Some topics you will learn in more depth in
the ESA Advanced divers course or ESA
Nitrox diver, therefore the relative certifica-
tes will allow you to dive beyond the limits of
depth and established times than the Open Water
Diver.
To learn about the existence of some accessories will
be useful to you, to remain at ease in the water, to
improve your safety, not to give up on a dive if you
break the strap on your mask or not to lose your
camera, if suddenly you have to use both hands for
something. Even the quality of your dives will bene-
fit from using these particularly useful objects.
You will learn that you will have to respect the limits
4
of time and depth and you will involuntarily ask
yourself: how do I check the time under water? Who
will tell me at which depth I find myself?
The depth gauge and dive watch or integrated
instruments and the dive computers will be indi-
spensable companions for every dive, after reading
this part you will be able to think better about your
personal strategy with regards to your instruments
and to ask your instructor for advice. Some divers
consider them unimportant instruments, others can-
not do without them. There is a friend of mine who
is an instructor, that carries a compass with him in
every dive, even those carried out 100 or so times, I
couldn’t easily ignore my curiosity, about the water
temperature, which is why I chose an electronic
instrument provided with thermometer and I record
the temperature of every dive in my logbook.
Where will I dive after the course? who can help me
75
with logistical questions? who will advise me on my
best points? how can I resolve some doubts that I
have? What do I have to know to fully enjoy my next
diving trip? Questions, more questions! don’t worry!
it’s natural to be curious while you are learning
about a new activity. We will look for the answers to
all your questions together, in particular these last
ones. We will deal with them in the final phase of the
unit and remember that the ESA professionals will be
very happy to help you in your training.
As you proceed with your reading, take notes directly
from the pages of the manual, underline the things
that strike you and write yourself questions that you
want to ask your ESA instructor.
To focus further on the most important information
answer the questions on the mini-tests, choosing the
correct responses from those indicated, you will find
Scheme the solutions after the last question.
of air
composition OTHER EFFECTS OF PRESSURE
Going underwater, the pressure around us increa-
ses, just like the pressure of the air we breathe.
Normally we breathe a mixture composed of
about 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. In order to
live, the cells of our organism use oxygen, produ-
cing Carbonic anhydrite as gas to release. On the
Oxygen 21% other hand we don’t use nitrogen, for that reason
Ossigeno 21,00% it is definitely an ‘inert’ gas.
Although not participating in the vital func-
tions during our dives, we have to consider
the effects that nitrogen can have on the
diver because of its elevated pressure.
Decompression sickness
When a gas exerts a pressure on a
liquid, the gas will spread and dis-
solve in the liquid, until the pressure
of the dissolved gas and that of the
gas that is outside will reach a state
Azoto 79,00%
Nitrogen79% of equilibrium and the amount of gas
dissolved in a liquid will be directly
proportional to the partial pressure
of such gas. This important principle of
physics (Henry’s law) explains why, when you open
a bottle of sparkling water you hear the escape of
gas and they form little bubbles.
Do you know how sparkling water is produced? It’s
quite simple! You put water in contact with gas,
(usually CO2) to a higher pressure than the atmo-
sphere this way the gas dissolves in the water and
76
the bottle is then hermetically sealed.
When you unscrew the top, you don’t do anything
but put water in contact with gas (air) that has a
lower pressure than the dissolved gas. At this point,
the gas previously absorbed is released, turning
into a gaseous state.
As you know when we dive, we breathe air at the
pressure of the environment in which we find our-
selves, therefore at a greater pressure than that At the end
which is on the surface. of every
dive it is
Nitrogen which is the main component of the more safe
breathing gas we call air is an inert gas and is to stop at 5
not used up by our body, it simply travels in meters for 3
and out of our respiratory system. However, minutes
according to Henry’s law as we increase the
pressure of the gas we
breathe, the amount
of nitrogen dissolved
in our bloodstream
will increase as well.
The deeper we go the
more the nitrogen in
our tissues will be.
As we come up, the

pressure diminishes,
therefore, the gas dissol-
ved in our tissues will
tend to come out of
solution to be expelled
throughout external
respiration. Like in a
bottle of mineral water,
it can cause the forma-
tion of bubbles if we
‘open the top’ too sud-
denly, or rather if we
come up too quickly or
dive beyond the limits.
Bubbles can originate
or come together at
critical points and
interfere with normal
cellular functions, causing decompression sick-
ness or DCS.
If the quantity of nitrogen absorbed stays within the
limits, if you respect the correct ascent rate and if
you always carry out a safety stop on your way up,
the dissolved gas will be released without anything
77
dangerous occurring.
Listen to your instructor’s directions, learn the cor-
Minitest rect use of the dive tables and dive computers,
always plan your dives between established limits,
1) Normally, in the air ascend slowly from any dive and keep abreast of the
that we breathe, there is techniques of diving.
about ______ of According to many hyperbaric doctors and the
Nitrogen and about US Navy diving tables the ascent speed mustn’t
______ of oxygen. go above 10 metres a minute, that means about
a. 80% - 20% 3 metres every 20 seconds.
b. 20% - 80% Some computers give different ascent rates in func-
c. 50% - 50% tion of the depth, with respect to the theory accor-
ding to which near the surface it is better to slow
2) To prevent decom- down even further. Many divers stay down for a
pression illness, you long time, undertaking thousands of dives without
must: running into the problem of decompression. How?
a. Respect the limits of Simply respecting the rules and diving with care!
the tables Divers should be aware of the signs and symptoms
b. Dive prudently of DCI so that should a problem arise they can pro-
c. Ascend slowly from vide aimed help to a stricken partner. Normally, the
every dive signs and symptoms of DCI become evident after
d. All the above are the stricken diver has reached the surface, someti-
correct mes, even a few hours after the dive. Should you
suspect a case of DCI in a fellow diver, follow the
3) When symptoms of proper DCI first aid procedure. First of all, as
decompression illness always, make sure you have the ABC (airways brea-
manifest themselves: thing and circulation), monitor the state of con-
a. Wait to see how they sciousness then lay the victim down and give
develop him/her pure O2, possibly with a demand system. It
b. Seek medical help as is also good practice to re-hydrate (giving only
soon as possible water), unless this could hinder the overall safety of
c. Dive again to try the victim (such as in the case of an unconscious
reduce the bubbles casualty). Seek medical advice, providing the doc-
tors with as much information as possible on the
4) First Aid in the case dive profile and schedule, signs and symptoms and
of DCI, prescribes the developments of the conditions during the transfer
administration of time. In most cases therapeutic hyperbaric treatment
a. 100% pure Oxygen will be of paramount importance, so make sure you
b. Hot coffee are aware of the location of the nearest facility.
c. Anti-depressive In order to be more responsive to such situations
drugs and to become a more complete diver, I strongly
advice you to take part in the following courses:
ESA First Aid, ESA Prevention and Rescue Diver and
Answers: Oxygen Provider.
DCI is a general term that covers many different
1-a - 2-d - 3b - 4a types of pressure related injuries such as DCS and
gas embolism.
Nitrogen Narcosis
Nitrogen breathed under pressure can have peculiar
78
effects on our system. A diver could suddenly beha-
ve strangely, take off his mask and DV, laugh like a
madman or seem in a trance, could feel super-con-
fident or afraid of his shadow. Truth is nitrogen nar-
cosis, that some experts call ‘the Martian effect’ is
not easily provable during normal recreational
dives, especially within the depth for which you are
able. In the ESA Advanced diver course, you will
learn with your instructor techniques to dive safely Nitrogen
also to more demanding depths, pre- narcosis is
venting possible nitrogen narcosis as cured by
much as possible. reducing
For now you only have to know your depth
that it can manifest itself with great
probability beyond 30 metres. it is
not serious per se, in fact you only
have to ascend a little and the
effects of the nitrogen disappear
without leaving residual signs and
symptoms. On the other hand, if
you don’t ascend inappropriate
behaviour can make you do even
dangerous things.
Well, what do you do when in deep
water your partner shows unusual and
irrational behaviour or you feel stran-
ge? Congratulations! you have already
answered: ascend calmly to a lesser
depth without lingering on the bot-
tom.
Hyperoxia
4
Do you know that oxygen is dange-
rous for Man? Seems strange, doesn’t
it? you know that oxygen is indispen-
sable for life and you come to think
the more oxygen you breathe, the bet-
ter it is. In reality, our system functions
better only within very precise para-
meters.
A partial pressure of oxygen, that
is too low or too high can be dan-
gerous.
As you know, going underwater, the
pressure around you increases, just
like the pressure of gases contained in
the mix that you inhale, (e.g. air and
nitrox) It is in this way that the partial
pressure of oxygen can become exces-
sive. However you must know that by
79
breathing air at the prescribed pressure for recrea-
tional diving, that is no deeper than 40 metres, it is
almost impossible that you will get hyperoxia
If you dive with oxygen enriched mixtures, as in
nitrox, you have to pay more attention. If you hap-
pen to be on a boat where there are cylinders of
nitrox, take care not to mix them with those contai-
ning air. In order to use nitrox it is necessary to
learn other concepts. Ask your instructor, you can
learn and benefit form the advantages of nitrox,
even during this course.
Polluted air
How would you react if, during a boat trip there was
an emission from the engine facing towards you?
Very probably you wouldn’t be so happy and you
would try to breathe ‘clean’ air. Even when you stay
A
inside a room for a long time, you often say, “ I’m
professional
going to get a breath of fresh air!” and many people
filling
escape every weekend from the city and go some-
station
place where they can breathe ‘good air’.
Divers also prefer to breathe good air, but it can

happen that carelessness or a technical problem at
the filling station allows
contaminating agents
into our air cylinders.
The most frightening
contaminant is carbon
monoxide that impedes
the normal transport of
oxygen to the cells; this
is odourless and tasteless
which is why it is diffi-
cult to isolate. Moreover
its effects increase in
depth by means of a
great deal of pressure.
Think of the effects of a
cigarette smoked on the
surface, doubles at 10
metres and so on as you
get deeper.
The only way to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning is to get air from a
reliable filling station. Refer to ESA Points.
If a strange taste alerts you, a dizziness, an

inexplicable feeling of anxiety, warn your part-
ner, interrupt the dive and ascend, respecting
80
the correct speed, exit the water, breathe fresh
air and if possible, oxygen. Minitest
Obviously, your partner will also stop diving and
ascend with you. A very evident sign of carbon 1) Nitrogen narcosis
monoxide poisoning is the colour of live red tissues, most probably manifests
you can notice it more easily under the lip or in itself from the depth of
clearness, under the nails. If you suspect that a fil- _____ metres and is
ling station isn’t working appropriately, alert the cured when _________.
person in charge so that he can eliminate the pro- a. 15/ exiting
blem. Even you can collaborate in the function of b. 40/ swimming faster
the most efficient service. c. 30/ ascending
EQUIPMENT ACCESSORIES 2) Hyperoxia is due to a

What can you do to keep a spare DV in view and at partial pressure of oxy-
the same time ready for use? Probably you will be gen that is:
thinking of using a suitable fastening systems! Fine, a. Too high
these are accessories that make our dives safer and b. Too low
more comfortable. They are so important that these c. a. and b. are both
days there are companies who specialise in the pro- correct
duction of these particular products. Let’s look at
some of them: 3) True or False:
To guarantee pure brea-
Cutting utensils are used nearly exclusively to free thing gas when diving,
you or your partner from an entanglement; they you must go to a trust-
come in various types, from the classic diver’s knife worthy filling station,
with a steel blade, to the multi purpose scissors, to managed by diving pro-
very sharp cutters of very reduced dimensions and fessionals.
made for cutting fishing lines and lanyards with a
minimum of effort and a clear strike. The most 4) If you are alerted by
important point, anyhow, is that when you need a strange taste, dizzi-
them, they must work. ness, a feeling of inexpli-
cable anxiety, you must:
The underwater slate is used to communicate in a. Increase your brea-
detail and to trace the profile of the dive. Usually it thing rhythm
is made of plastic, to write you use a pencil and you b. Continue diving
can erase with a rubber. It is very useful from a taking long deep breaths
naturalistic viewpoint to write the names of the c. Interrupt the dive
organisms you have come across and take notes. and as soon as possible
There is also the model that you write on using a breathe clean air or oxy-
suitable plastic point and that cancels automatically gen if possible.
by pulling a lever, very convenient!
As you have learnt, the spare DV is kept clearly in Answers:
view and ready for use and all the equipment must 1-c 2-a 3 true 4-c
always be worn closely around the body. For this
purpose, there are suitable fastening devices that
can be made of plastic, neoprene or velcro. Make
sure that the fastening system for the spare DV
allows a quick, easy one handed access.
Lanyards secured to dive torches, slate, cameras

81
or any other extra gear you might be carrying are
very useful because they allow for both hands to be
free. There are models connected to an extendible
spring loaded line, that allows you to hold the torch
or other tools, close to the body, when not in use.
Carabiners and clips are useful to hook the lan-
yards of the various accessories to the BCD, or to tie
off the SCUBA when you want to get dressed in the
water, or to connect a lifting bag to an object to be
recovered. Make sure you use carabioners suitable
to their purpose, big enough to be easily opened
wearing gloves and made of either brass or stainless
steel so as not to rust away after a couple of dives.
Diving torches are indispensable to see real

colours in depth, illuminate areas in the shade, and
to explore the underwater world at night. Very pro-
Fastening
bably it is one of the first things that a diver wants
devices
to own after his first recreational dives, in which he
for
has to ‘make ado’ with the light of the dive guide.
spare DV
In the ESA Advanced divers course you will find out
which torches are available and how to use them
during a night dive. There are also different light
sources useful to identify an exact position in the
water or the exit point,
such as chemical lights
and strobe lights, that
are mostly used in lakes
or in poor visibility. I
suggest you buy a high
quality lamp with a
good light beam; besi-
des the fact that you
will own a good piece
of gear, you will find it
useful even for the
next course.
Get advice from an ESA

Professional and read
the instructions supplied
by the manufacturer
carefully. It is a good
idea not to leave your
diving torch on outside the water: it might not last
long enough during the dive or get damaged due to
high temperatures that can occur. To do this use the
safety switch or take out the batteries.
Divers that dive inside wrecks, under the ice, inside
caves or in areas of low visibility use as their refe-
82
rence a safety line and reel suitably set up in order
to safely find the exit point.
A good diver will become keen in the discovery and

recognition of animals and plants that live in under-
water environments, carrying in his dives a plastic
recognition slate.
You probably agree that it is not very convenient to
carry all this equipment in a mess, dragging it and
losing bits here and there, for this reason it is useful
to use a suitably made equipment bag; there are
different models available, from the simplest ones to
those large ones resembling a rucksack, supplied
with wheels and different compartments. When
choosing, pay particular attention to the zippers:
they should be particularly robust and of synthetic
material, avoid metal in that it has a tendency to
A diving
form rust and corrosion.
torch is
a useful
In some diving centres, divers can place their
investment
equipment in large plastic crates for the duration
of their diving holiday. In the Red Sea for example,
the diving personnel load and unload the crates
from the boat. This system is useful because it pre-
serves the bag that stays clean and dry
for the return journey. For the same
reason, net bags can be useful, they
are robust, and take up very little
space, allowing for rinsing the equip-
ment and hanging it directly to dry.
As you have learnt, under water

sounds spread very well and to attract
the attention of your partner, it can be
useful to carry an acoustic signalling
device. There are different ways of
producing a noise underwater, for
example you can hit something metal-
lic (a knife) against the cylinder,
thread a big piece of elastic with a
small ball of resin around the cylinder
to beat against the metal, or use a
metal tube containing steel ball bea-
rings that you can shake (shaker), in
the swimming pool you can also snap your fingers.
Some manufacturers have invented diving horns
that use the air of the BCD lp hose, producing a
warning sound underwater that can go quite a dis-
tance. The latter are also very useful to call for help
on the surface and to attract attention in the case of
83
emergency. Still on the surface for the same reason,
it is very useful to carry a whistle.
I beg you to use acoustic warning devices with par-
simony, and only in the case of effective necessity,
if you don’t want to turn an enjoyable and relaxing
adventure into a traffic jam with horn crazy drivers!
The ready-to-go kit

Useful I advise you strongly to carry with you a container
multi-purpose of accessories that could ‘save’ a dive for you or
tool your diving companions. You could put in mask
and fin straps complete with their fastenings, a tube
of silicone grease, some O-rings for the pillar valve
and other O-rings of different sizes, a mouth-piece
for the DV, some cable wraps (zip-ties), a wet-suit
repair kit, a roll of electrical tape, zip-
per wax, anti-fog spray, and some
multi purpose tools.
The kit could be more or less comple-
te, depending on your destination, for
example: if you know you can count
on a quality diving centre, you can put
in the minimum indispensable items.
If you dive autonomously with your
partner in an area with few services, it
is a good idea to be far-seeing and
prepare yourself with a “mega kit”.
Consult your ESA professionals, indi-
cating where you are diving and they
will advise you on what to put in your
magic box.
Multi-purpose tools take up little

space, there are even folding pliers
and sets with all the spanners nor-
mally used by divers, choose those
made with good stainless steel.
The diver marker buoy, is very use-

ful as a support and to indicate a dive-
r’s position, in many countries it is
compulsory and must have a little flag
that shows the presence of a diver.
The diver flag most used is a red rectangle with a

white diagonal stripe but in some areas it is obliga-
tory to use the letter ‘A’ of the nautical alphabet, a
flag with two triangular points, the half towards the
flag-staff is white, and the rest is blue. To avoid
unpleasant mishaps, always signal your position
84
with the appropriate flag and gather information on
the laws of the place where you are diving.
The support buoy, a convenient surface station, is
useful when you dive from the shore either for
transporting cumbersome accessories, such as a
camera and light set or a spare cylinder or as a sup-
port for the descent/ascent line, or as resting point
if necessary. When drift diving you
can use a large buoy connected to a The surface
rather thick line. You will find some marker buoy
pretty technical looking ones on the is useful
market, however you could just use a above all
large fender of an inner tube and get in drift dives
the same result!
The surface marker buoy, a sort of

tube closed at one end that can be
inflated, from the opposite side with
your spare DV. Appearing on the sur-
face it signals the position of the
divers, some models rise a good deal
above the surface resulting in them
becoming visible, even in a rough sea.
It needs to be attached to a line that is
slightly thick and quite long to allow
you to use it as a support for your in-
water safety stop. It is very useful,
especially on drift dives, rolled up, it
takes up very little space and can be
kept in the BCD’s pocket.
Protection covers for the mouth-

piece are useful if you are thinking of
traveling to a place where you will
rent equipment, preventing direct con-
tact with the mouthpiece. I advise you
to buy them before leaving, because in
some areas they are not easy to find.
The diver’s log book is indispensable

for documenting your experience and
demonstrating the type of dives that
you have undertaken, but also to
remember and relive your underwater
adventures. It will happen that you encounter divers
who don’t use a log book, I think they are making
a mistake. I have been recording my dives for years
and I’m truly happy that I did.
In the log book, you will note down the time of

85
the dive, the depth, the weather conditions, the
temperature, visibility, partner, organisms
Minitest observed etc.
The registrations are important because, by demon-
1) When diving, the strating your experience, they open doors to new
underwater slate allows adventures and allow you to access programs of
you to: ongoing training.
a. Communicate in
detail with your partner DIVING INSTRUMENTS
b. Take notes for the As in everyday life, when diving we have the neces-
planning of your dive sity to learn a series of fundamental parameters, that
c. Draw the marine are mainly important for our safety.
organisms that you want We will see some characteristics common to all the
to identify diving instruments that we will deal with: they must
d. All the preceding be robust, compact, resistant to pressure, water-
answers are correct proof, easy to read, illuminated or supplied with a
luminescent dial and you must be able to wear them
2) The spare DV is fixed easily or fix them to a console that usually contains
with a device that: your content gauge as well.
a. Frees it using both Seeing the importance of covering them for safety,
hands they are treated with particular care; rinse them after
b. Hides it accurately every use, replace them away from light and any
c. Frees it easily source of heat and protected from knocks. In com-
mercial dives there are containers made specially for
3) When the symptoms preserving diving instruments.
of decompression illness In unit one we spoke about the content gauge,
are present: because of its importance and its necessity to use it
a. Wait to see the deve- from the first dive, now we will analyse the other
lopments components of the instrumentation, necessary to
b. Seek medical help as dive safely and with the maximum enjoyment.
soon as possible
c. Return to the dive to Depth gauge and Watch
try and reduce the bub- To respect the limits dictated by your training and
bles (see mini test pg.80). your dive tables, you need to learn the depths to
which you have been and in which you find your-
self and the time spent underwater.
Today nearly all divers use a computer to monitor
these two fundamental parameters, we will speak
later about these useful instruments.
Answers: The depth gauge, tells you at which depth you find
1d–2c–3b yourself because it measures the pressure of the
water around you and using the same principles of
these guages, translates it into metres (or feet) that
you can read on the dial of your instrument. It is
important that it is easily visible and supplied with a
indicator of maximum depth.
The watch will tell you the time spent underwater,
those traditional ones are supplied with a metal
bezel , that at the beginning of a dive you have to
set on the minute hand and little by little as you
86
proceed with the dive, you can read the time spent,
observing the number indicated by the minute hand
on the bezel. Minitest
It is important to buy a watch with a bezel that only
turns in the anti-clockwise direction, so a final acci- 1) To attract atten-
dental movement will not falsify the data in a dan- tion when diving it is
gerous way. Some digital watches and timers activa- useful to be able to set
te themselves as they enter in contact with the in place a:
water, others need to be set off by pushing a button a. A surface marker
or touching some contacts. Once more it is very buoy
important to read the manufacturer’s instructions b. An acoustic
carefully! signalling device
The instruments that integrate different functions are c. A lifting bag
very convenient and provide the diver with the pos-
sibility of monitoring maximum depth, actual depth, 2) The diver’s flag is
temperature, time and are fitted with fast ascent an accessory _______
alarms. Moreover on the surface they offer the pos- in different countries
sibility to consult the time spent out of water and in the world
they hold in their memory previously undertaken a. Obligatory
dives. Today, many divers dive with a computer and b. Optional
one of these electronically integrated instruments, to c. Useless
double their possibility to check and to offset the
possible break-down of one of them. Answers: 1b–2a
Dive computers
The underwater computer, is an elec-
tronic instrument that, besides suppl-
ying all the parameters given by the
integrated instruments we have just
spoken about, calculates, in func-
tion of the diving tables adopted,
the absorption of nitrogen during
the dive, indicating also on the dis-
play the time remaining before
exceeding the non-decompression
limit.
It holds in its memory the residual
nitrogen at the end of the dive, it cal-
culates the de-saturation during the
surface interval and takes into consi-
deration repetitive dives. If the diver
exceeds the non-decompression
limits, the computer will indicate the
decompression stops to do. Computer
It is a valid assistant but a good diver must know similar
how to use the dive tables, and must be in the posi- to a wrist
tion to plan and manage his own dive also with a watch
watch, a depth gauge and the tables (which we just
spoke about).
Today, there is a great variety of dive computer,
87
there is a continuing evolution that makes them
easier and easier to use, more trustworthy and less
cumbersome, indeed some have dimensions similar
to those of a wrist watch.
There are models on which you can change the
oxygen percentage of a breathing mixture, very use-
ful if you wish to specialize in the use of enriched
air (nitrox)
The help from your ESA Instructor will be invalua-
ble for the choice which is appropriate to your
needs.
It is very important to read the instructions
supplied by the manufacturer carefully, to
make the most out of your instrument but also
to avoid potential dangers such as decompres-
sion sickness, which we have already spoken
about.
Display
One way to use the dive computer consists of using
of dive
it to its maximum capacity to calculate the multi-
computer
level dives in such a way that you always stay well
within the safety curve. To do this, just ascend
some minutes before the safety curve. Even if the
computer is designed for in-water decompression
use, do not surpass the limits of the safety curve,
you could find yourself with decom-
pression to make, and with an insuffi-
cient quantity of air in your cylinder.
Diving within the decompression
limits, is much more relaxing, safer
and more enjoyable.
Before using a dive computer, isolate

precisely where on the screen you will
read:
• the time - do not exceed the decom-
pression limits
• the time of the dive
• the actual depth
• the maximum depth
• fast ascent alarm
• the possible decompression stops
Compass
It is a very useful instrument, inside and outside the
water, to relocate an exit point at the end of a dive,
or take reference points on the surface so as to be
able to return to a particular point on a dive. During
the course you will attempt to use it, but to become
good, I suggest you practise often, and continue
88
with your sub-aqua training. In the ESA Diver cour-
se, there will be a very interesting and informative
dive especially dedicated to underwater orientation. Minitest
The dive compass functions exactly like the boat
compass, essentially it is composed of a box that 1) In a dive watch, it is
contains a non-gelling liquid, a magnetic needle important that the bezel
(that always points towards North), a luminous dial turns:
with cardinal points indicated, the course line, (that a. Only anti-clockwise
indicates your direction) and a bezel with the refe- b. Only clockwise
rence indexes. c. Either clockwise or
When choosing your compass, remember that anti-clockwise.
it is better if it is as compact as possible and
check that the needle can turn freely, even with 2) The Depth Gauge
the compass tilted. indicates the depth by
reading:
Compasses can be worn on the wrist with a strap or a. The air pressure
mounted in a console with gauges and other instru- b. The water pressure
ments. There are more and more divers that despite c. The speed of descent
the higher cost, choose an electronic compass, not
only because we are in the computer age, but 3) True or False:
because above all it offers a lot of very interesting The electronic instru-
and different functions, for example the possibility ments, integrate many
to memorise the course to be undertaken. functions in a single
dial.
Thermometer
It is not indispensable but I assure you that you will 4) True or False:
be very happy to know the temperature of the water Before using a dive
every time you dive You can register it in your log computer, it is not
book, and compare temperatures of different places
or of the same place in different periods. I have
done many dives, I have met many divers and have
often heard and participated in discussions on the
important to read accu-
rately
manual.
the user’s
4
temperature. What I mean is man is curious, and 5) The needle of the
when it is possible curiosity is satisfied. compass is always
There are some small waterproof thermometers that oriented towards:
indicate temperature with a dial, some carry more a. North
traditional mercury thermometers. Today, it is more b. South
common to use a digital thermometer as an integral c. East
part of a dive computer or electronic timer. By the
way, the computers that don’t show temperature on Answers:
false – 5 a
the display, sometimes reveal the temperature all 1 a – 2 b – 3 true – 4
the same, so you can discover it when you are
downloading data from the computer on a P.C.
DIVE CENTRES
Today, divers can count on a well distributed net-
work of service centres for the practice of diving, in
these centres you can: attend diving courses, take
part to guided dives, take advantage of boats sui-
tably equipped for divers, buy or rent equipment,
89
refill cylinders, get suggestions, meet up with friends
etc. The most commonly used names for these ‘sub-
aqua houses’ are: dive centre, sub centre, dive
school etc.
It is most likely that even you will want to trust in a
centre of this type, therefore I offer you some sug-
gestions, that you will find useful in your everyday
diving adventures.
Trip When you decide to dive in a given area, try to
in a RIB obtain the address and list of all the dive centres in
with a the area. To find your ESA point consult the list on
dive school the web site, www.esaweb.net, contact the centre in
advance, to verify if it’s still in operation or if there
is availability for the service you intend to use it for.
Sometimes diving centres also deal with the logisti-
cal aspects not strictly inherent to
diving.
Remember to carry with you, your

diving certificate, the log book, and
piece of identification.
Trustworthy centres that operate
with professionals will not be able
to offer you some services if you
are not able to produce a certifica-
te and demonstrate the level of
your experience.
Inform yourself about the dives of the

area and clarify the fact that you want
to dive with respect to the limits of
your certificate or of a lower level of
whoever is with you at that moment.
Listen carefully to the briefing on the
structure and of the boat, not only will
you avoid misunderstandings and useless disputes,
but you will use all the services better, thus increa-
sing your enjoyment.
Inform yourself in advance about the rules and
respect them, so as not to argue with the personnel
that have the task to ensure you observe them. The
staff who will accompany you will be made of
experts, so you should therefore listen to their sug-
gestions to improve as a diver. Ensure that the cylin-
ders are within the limit of their testing certificate. If
that is not the case do not fill them nor put pressu-
re on the person in charge of the refills, it is useless
and dangerous, both for you and him.
When guides cancel a dive or change destina-

90
tion, trust them! Very often they do it to gua-
rantee your safety and enjoyment.
Book your dives in advance and write down the

dates and times in a way that you don’t miss the
appointments. If you can’t participate in a dive, give
the diving centre adequate notice.
If the centre which you are using doesn’t respect the
safety directions of that you learnt in your course, I Dive cruise
suggest you change and look for a more ‘relaxed’ ship
place. Remember the centres affiliated to ESA, to
maintain the right to registration, must demonstrate
the highest levels of professionalism.
Diving Trips
Your certificate will
open for you doors to
innumerable diving
adventures, among
which trips in famous
diving locations such as
the Red Sea, the
Caribbean islands, the
Maldives and many
others that allow you to
discover them with your
ESA instructor.
Very probably, in your
trips as a diver, you will
go with the local diving
centres, where you will
be able to follow the
same suggestions that
we have just seen toge-
ther. Here is some advi-
ce for your future trips: inform yourself of the atmo-
sphere conditions of the place, if there are certain
hygienic measures that need to be taken, if you
need to exhibit a medical certificate, if there are par-
ticular laws and limits regarding diving activity;
inform yourself of the services offered from the
diving centre and the availability of the equipment
and spare parts. Check and prepare carefully your
equipment, try to avoid superfluous items carrying
only what you need and what you cannot buy in the
area.
For the plane trip, I suggest you put I your

hand luggage the most delicate compo-
nents such as the computer, the other
91
instruments and the gauges (also the
mask, if it has prescription lenses)
All the water-tight components, such as the diving
torches or water tight cases should be stowed not
completely closed to avoid possible damage due to
variation in pressure. The hold on the plane is not
as pressurized as the cabin for the passengers.
In some cases it is good to carry a small supply of
The best medication (first aid kit) you can ask your doctor,
souvenir: explaining to him where your destination is you
your can get him to help you make a list of directions for
photographs! when and where to use them.
Even if you are not thinking of travelling, I

strongly advise you to take out an insurance
policy especially for diving emer-
gencies.
The choice of company is up to you,

I can suggest to you to take into con-
sideration the policies offered by spe-
cific organisations, they can be useful
for cover of medical expenses, trans-
port and finally treatment in a hyper-
baric room, all things normally astro-
nomical in price. Often they offer logi-
stical support in nearly all the areas of
the world. Read the policy well and
ensure that you have good cover. You
can get more information from your
ESA Instructor or from any ESA Point
- www.esaweb.net.
Also, tour operators may provide spe-
cific travel insurances, they are used
in the case of postponement of depar-
ture, loss of baggage, etc. Check care-
fully the travel contract and ask for
explanations if something is not clear.
Another useful thing to do is to

make copies, perhaps authentica-
ted ones, of your documents and
keep them separate from these:
they could be useful in case of loss
of the originals.
You will not be able to cross a border with a pho-

tocopy of your passport, but it will serve you to
complete necessary research and ease various
92
bureaucracies.
Dive from the first day and plan ‘land’ trips for the
last days before departure, in a way that you take
the plane after a suitable interval on the surface.
This way, you will ultimately increase your safety
as you will be able to understand when we speak of
the ‘rules for flying after a dive’
Photographs
When you arrive, respect the ways and customs help to
of the locals in a country that is not yours, the- remember
refore as underwater, you must resist the your most
impulse to collect souvenirs, it is better to carry beautiful
with you a good camera or a video camera and moments
‘collect’ some pleasant pictures as a memory of
your fantastic trip. Avoid buying pearls, shells

or other dried up sea animals.
Ask your instructor information on a specialised

program in underwater photography. This is only
93
practical advice, surely your ESA professional will
know how to respond to your questions putting at
your disposal a precious experience.
Nutrition and fitness

The practice of SCUBA diving will bring you in con-
tact with the environment in very beautiful places,
often in peaceful conditions. On these occasions
you get the urge to do something more for your
well-being, such as being careful of nutrition and
undertaking a bit of physical activity. This aspect is
important if you think that sometimes, the rough
sea, the cold and other particular conditions could
lead, even if rarely, to a situation contrary to that
proposed at the beginning of this ‘chat’. Therefore,
the fact of dedicating a little attention to your health
and your physical fitness has a double objective:
Good
mainly to complete the beneficial effects derived
physical
from diving in contact with nature, secondly, the
fitness
fact of being more prepared to react adequately to
helps you
a possible critical situation, like for example, to
to enjoy
make an effort to reach the boat at the end of a dive.
your dives
The rules to respect are simple, they are the same
more.
that we would follow in everyday life.
It is important to eat in a balanced way, to have

energy to expend in case of necessity, but pay
attention to not weigh yourself down.
In the morning, have a good breakfast, taking into
consideration the time of the dive or, when boat
diving, departure especially if you suffer from sea-
sickness.
Low fat yoghurt, biscuits and honey, can constitute
an ideal choice, even if each one of us has his own
habits. It can be useful for you to know that milk
causes the production of mucus, while tea and cof-
fee cause loss of heat in diving. Avoid fatty foods
that take longer to digest.
In the breaks between dives, continue with
light easily digestible foods, don’t take too
much alcohol or fizzy drinks, instead it is
important to drink a lot of water.
The night before the dive rest well. If you happen
to party to the small hours, avoid diving, especially
if the conditions will be too demanding.
When you plan to participate in a special dive
or in an intense diving trip, try to go to bed
early and get plenty of rest: the benefits you
will derive will surely be worth the sacrifice of
a few hours enjoyment.
94
Maintain fitness practicing physical activities, such as
running, cycling or walking, you will have better
muscle tone, you will find it less tiring to control Minitest
your posture, you will be able to resist strong cur-
rents with considerable ease or help your partner in 1) When you go to a
a more efficient way. diving centre make sure
Do not overdo it with respect to your limits, if you you carry with you:
haven’t moved for a long time, begin again gra- a. Your diving certifica-
dually and calmly but with continuity and consi- te
stency. b. Your log book
If there is a swimming pool in your area, swimming c. a. and b. are correct
during the winter months will allow you to maintain
great fitness and get the most of your dives from the 2) Where would you put
first outings. Ask your instructor or go to the ESA your computer during a
point nearest to you to obtain suggestions and airplane trip?
worthwhile directions. a. In your hand lugga-
ge
Some illnesses or particular conditions can pre- b. In your main lugga-
clude the practice of diving, I suggest you go ge
for a complete medical check-up every year to c. In the cock-pit
make sure you have no contraindications.
3) If the return is by air,
Your doctor can advise you as to which tests to have land excursions should
done to maintain a good overview of the situation. be planned ________
With a cold it can be difficult, if not impossible to a. In the first days
equalise and illnesses with the respiratory or cardio- b. Half way through the
vascular systems must be thoroughly attended to. trip
Recreational dives must be enjoyable and relaxing, c. In the last days
releases of adrenaline will occur for the continuous
discoveries that you will make during your dives. To 4) The evening before a
enjoy the dives to the maximum it is fundamental to demanding dive:
stay both mentally and physically fit. In some cases a. Rest adequately
when you are under the weather, stressed from daily b. Avoid alcohol and
life or in difficult situations, a good dive can put you food excesses
right back in form and give you an extra boost to c. a. and b. are correct
resolve other problems.
In this case, choose carefully an easy dive, not Answers:
too deep, and with plenty of light, with good
atmospheric conditions and perhaps with assi-
stance from a professional expert.
If you are a woman, you must know that you can 1c–2a–3c–4c
dive at ease even when you have your period,
depending on how you feel. The experts have esta-
blished that it is better to give up diving during pre-
gnancy, but in favourable weather conditions you
can easily go snorkeling. As you can see there is
nothing in particular, but only simple rules, also use-
ful for everyday life.
Make the most of the benefits of diving to stay
mentally and physically fit.
95
Congratulations!
Interesting, this unit, don’t you think? You have
learnt a lot of information about relative problems
with pressure, thus you will do the exercises and
dives with a greater knowledge, increasing your
safety and enjoyment.
The next time you enter a scuba diving shop, you will
go hunting for the accessories that will improve your
diving, moreover, you will be happy to know that the
diving centres offer all services for practicing diving
comfortably and with the best results. You will find
suggestions for trips and considerations of physical
fitness especially good.
In unit five we will speak again about the atmost-
phere and I will give you important suggestions for
the planning of a dive, for the use of tables and of
what you will be able to do after the course.
See you soon!
96
The scope of this exercise is to revise the most impor-
tant information of the relative theoretical unit, pri-
marily to improve your training, but also to arrive
more prepared for your next appointment with your
instructor.
Respond to the questions choosing the correct one
from those indicated specifying if the affirmation is
true or false, or writing your response in the appro-
priate space. Show your instructor this test, if you
have some questions, he will give you the necessary
explanations.
Get to work!
1. The main gas present in the air is:

a. Oxygen
b. Nitrogen
c. Helium
d. Hydrogen
2. In the case of suspected dci, First Aid prescribes:

a. That the patient is lying down and calm
b. The administration of pure oxygen
c. Medical intervention
d. All the above are correct
3. If you suspect your partner is under the effects of

Nitrogen narcosis:
a. Try to help him ascend to shallower waters
b. Descend and make him remain still on the
seabed
c. Offer the spare DV
d. Unhook his weight belt
4. If you think your cylinder has been refilled with

contaminated air, it is important:
a. Not to breathe deeply when diving
b. Surface with at least 80 bar in the cylinder
c. Alert the person in charge of refilling
d. All the preceding answers are correct
5. In order to see colours in diving, it is useful to

have:
a. A mask with magenta colour lenses
b. A dive torch
c. A magnifying lens
d. A full face mask
97
6. In diving the majority of computers indicate on
their display:
a. Depth
b. The time spent underwater
c. The time you can remain underwater
without exceeding the non-decompression
limits.
7. To make the best use of services offered by the

diving centres, it is very important to carry with you:
a. Your diving certificate
b. Your log book
c. A piece of identification
8. In taking steps to undertake a diving trip use the

possibility to:
a. Arrange an insurance policy
b. Carry with you as much equipment as you
can
c. Carry with you authenticated copies of
your documents
d. a) and c) are correct
9. To travel with ease by air:

a. Avoid diving on the last day of your holi
day
b. Plan land-based excursions on the last
days
c. Respect the ‘rules for ascending above sea
level after a dive’
10. To practice diving in safety and with maximum

enjoyment it is useful:
a. To maintain good physical fitness
b. Eat well, without weighing yourself down
c. Rest adequately
I declare that I have answered all the questions with

an ESA Instructor and to have understood the expla-
nation of all my mistakes
Signature__________________ date ______________

98
Unit Five
The atmospheric conditions will play a funda-
mental role in the development of your dives, for
this reason I want to give you some information
that you and your partner will need to decide
whether or not to undertake a dive or not, with
some suggestion on how you
should act in certain situa-
tions. We will see that if
there is a strong wind,
probably the conditions of
the sea will not be good and
what you have to do to return to
the seashore when there are
waves.
How much of an influence do the
variations of tides have on the conditions
of the dive? What will it be like under the
water when it is raining outside? What is a
thermocline? Responding to these and other
questions will add other important tiles to the
mosaic of your modern and safe sub-aqua trai-
ning.
Not only for this safety, but especially for your
enjoyment, you will have to know about the plan-
ning of a dive. It is not fun to be on the point of
diving and discovering that there are no cylinders,
because you hadn’t agreed with your partner about
who would do what.
The dive tables are very important, it is true that
these days everyone uses a computer, but if the bat-
tery goes down and you are on paradise island
5
where there are no shops, knowing the tables you will
be able to continue to dive, enjoying your holiday,
knowledgeable about what you are doing.
There is also a list of rules to respect to guarantee
your maximum
safety and that of the other divers. You will find it
useful to know how long you have to wait before
taking a plane to return home after a diving holiday.
What will I be able to do when the course has finis-
hed? What does my future as a diver hold?
You will learn about different opportunities, so that
you will be able to imagine or decide which ones
you prefer to undertake, together with the suggestions
that your ESA professionals will be happy to give you.
99
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS
During the course the instructor will give you speci-
fic information on the atmospheric conditions of the
place where you are training as a diver.
As already mentioned, when you have reached your
objective, and you will have obtained your certifica-
te ESA Open Water Diver, you will be able to dive
in similar or better conditions that you have met in
The greater the course. For this reason that you will be able to
the distance distinguish as soon as possible, an acceptable situa-
travelled by tion from one that is ill-advised.
the wind, the Moreover, when you attend the ESA Prevention and
greater will Rescue Diver course, you will discover, how much
be the height the atmospheric conditions can influence the possi-
of the waves bility or not of an emergency occurring. It is for this
I would like to speak to
you about the atmosphe-
ric factors that mainly
influence a dive.
Wind
It is the major factor
responsible for the
movement of water; it
can become very strong
and change the state of
the sea rapidly. Observe
its direction and if you
are in charge of a boat
remember that if the
wind blows from the
shore towards the open
sea it can make re-entry
difficult. I suggest you
distance yourself a little
from the coast, and before going too far out, turn
the bow towards the shore see what the return will
be like. The wind causes the waves and the grea-
ter the distance travelled from the point of ori-
gin, the greater will be the height of the waves
and the strength of the sea. In some cases a
strong wind can generate very violent showers,
even in areas that by reading a nautical chart, you
would believe yourself to be well sheltered.
Waves
The waves are jerky movements of the sea: they can
be small and short or high and distant among them-
selves.
A rough sea can create problems such as sea-
100
sickness, loss of balance during dressing opera-
tions and of entering or creating discomfort
during the waiting phase before the dive.
Remember that you have to wait at the top of the
anchor, you shouldn’t hold onto it too tightly or you
would suffer the effects of the waves more, but hold
yourself so as not to drift away, assume a good posi-
tive posture and breathe from the snorkel or indeed
from the DV. Remember it is absolutely inadvisable
to dive in a rough sea.
The waves that reach the seashore or an area of low With strong
water get smashed letting off their own energy and surf, often
creating a boiling of white water. it is neces-
When the breakers beat against an obstacle they sary to post-
turns back, creating a coming and going motion cal- pone the
led surf. dive
Breakers and surf are very strong and should

be avoided and in any case require particular
techniques when entering and leaving the
water.
Conditions judged acceptable in some geographical
regions, could be considered prohibited in other
areas that are normally more tranquil.
A rough sea also influences visibility, in that the
movement of the waves stirs up sediment that
muddy the water. For this reason the best condi-
tions of visibility are on the rocky seabed
where there is no sand or worse still, mud. Get
information from an ESA professional, a local diver,
or a professional fisherman of the area, to judge if it
is alright to proceed with the dive or whether it is
better to postpone it or change location.
Ask suggestions about possible alternative points,
called sheltered places, or areas less exposed to the
force of the sea.
Currents
If you stand on the bridge over a river, you will
notice the movement of the water that runs towards
the valley: it is the current. In rivers, they can be
5
more or less impetuous in relation to slope, to the
morphology of the riverbed and the shore, and the
quantity of water that gets moved.
In the sea the currents are mainly due to the wind,
according to land rotation, to the thermal gradients
and variations of tide.
A weak current can be fought against finning ener-
getically, but if it becomes a bit too strong, it can be
impossible to try to swim against.
101
If possible, it is a good idea to begin the dive against
the current in a way that facilitates your return.
In the Mediterranean Sea you will rarely come
across such strong currents, usually they are super-
ficial. It is useful to enter the water already prepared
and hold on to lines that hang from the boat.
In the dive boats, you usually easy off a floating
line through the nipple, if you find yourself in
difficulty, swim crossways towards the lineand
hold on tightly to it, rest, take control of your
breathing and pull yourself up onto the boat by
your arms.
When you dive in the shoals at sea, you can expect
to meet strong currents underwater, even in the
Mediterranean. In some areas like the Red Sea, or
the Maldives, the currents can be really insurmoun-
table and often dives are undertaken exploiting the
When the
force of the current.
water has to
You enter at one point and the boat collects you at
run through
another on your re-emergence; undertake this after
narrow pas-
adequate training, and these dives will be very enjo-
sages, the
yable.
current
Remember that the current can change direction
increases
during a dive, that the current down deep can go in
in intensity
the opposite direction to
that on the surface and
that the current is stron-
gest when the water has
to pass through a narrow
passage, such as bet-
Isola
ween two islands, in a
canal or in a pass (the
passage that allows you
to go beyond a reef) and
during changes of tide.
Entering from land, in

Isola the presence of waves
that arrive diagonally
towards the coast, you
could meet a reflux
current that will carry
you towards the open
sea. Do not panic
swimming against it, but swim crossways to it
until you find the area where the current re-
enters towards land.
If you happen to be ‘taken’ by a current on the sur-

face, inflate your BC and don’t hesitate to ask for
102
help. Do not lose control, think of your breathing
and listen to the directions of whomever you want
to help you. Minitest
Tides 1) A Strong wind coming
The tides are raising ad lowering of the sea level from the land can be dan-
due to the attraction of celestial bodies, principally gerous because it pushes
to that controlled by the moon by way of its vicinity boats and/or dinghies:
to our planet. The majority of tide excursions hap- a. Towards the coast
pen when the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are all b. Towards the open sea
aligned. The tides can influence visibility, currents, c. Along the coast
the possibility of entering and leaving the water and
the quality of diving. 2) In the case of large
In the Mediterranean, the tides are not as abun- waves, it is reasonable to:
dant, but on the coast of Britain at the same a. Put off the dive
point, you can walk on the bottom of the sea b. Enter anyway, and
during low tide and dive to 7/8 metres deep a decide later how to exit the
few hours later. water
An instructor friend that works in Kenya, told me c. Put on the SCUBA gear
that he had to consider the movement of the tides on the jetty
in order to leave the lagoon, to go on a dive with
sharks and return before low tide blocked access to 3) In the presence of a
the port. To find out the right times he had to con- light current, generally it
sult the tide tables and the timetables of departure is a good idea to begin the
because the dives varied from day to day. dive:
When you travel in remote places, inform yourself a. In the direction of the
in advance about the role the tides can play in the current
planning of a dive. b. Towards the open sea
c. Against the current
Rain
In itself the rain doesn’t create problems for dives, 4) If you come up against
on the contrary, it is highly fascinating to dive a strong current that car-
during a shower, and watch from the below the ries you towards the open
drops that ‘make holes’ on the surface of the sea. If sea, try to:
you pause a while, you can even hear the sound if a. Swim against the cur-
the rain. In other words you will experience sen- rent in so far as possible
5
sations that are truly strong and unforgettable. b. Swim crossways with
Very strong rain, however, can interfere with the respect to the current
cleanliness of the water or be accompanied by c. Swim with the current
strong wind, lightening and thunder. In this case
sometimes it’s better to postpone the dive. Answers:
Temperature
The temperature of the water is an important factor 1b–2a–3c–4b
because it influences the comfort of the diver and
the aquatic animals that populate a given diving
area. We have already spoken about the wetsuit and
the loss of heat; your ESA instructor will advise you
as to the most appropriate wetsuit for the conditions
of the place you want to dive in. Water can be arran-
103
ged in layers of different temperatures, determining
areas in which it is possible to be exposed to a fast
change in temperature, called a thermocline. If
during a dive you meet a thermocline and you feel
too cold, go to an area where the water is warmer,
usually at a shallower depth.
PLANNING A DIVE
Sometimes you to leave the house to go into the city
Are you sure centre and try to accomplish the greatest number of
that you errands possible. To do this you need to plan well,
have all the finding out the most convenient routes and the best
necessary times to use the various services. To get all this done
equipment? as efficiently as possible planning often plays and
important role.
We go underwater, to relax and enjoy ourselves
as much as possible, without ever compromi-
sing our safety. For this reason, it is very important
to plan our dives well. Imagine travelling some kilo-
metres to arrive at the diving place and discovering
that both your and your partners’ cylinders are
empty and that there is no re-filling station open.
Of course you can take a lovely walk along the
beach and have a nice lunch in a quaint local restau-
rant, but dive? It is a real pity not to have been able
to undertake it due to a triviality. Even if the majority
of times you go with a Dive Centre, where the staff
does a lot of the organisation for you, there are
however some aspects that you will have to consider.
Moreover, with the necessary experience, you could
always decide to dive autonomously with a friend. I
am trying to suggest to you the best thing to do in
planning your dives, divide it into two main parts:
General planning and planning at the point of
diving.
General Planning
Think about when and where you want to dive and
of the scope of your diving excursion. Contact
your dive partner and verify his availability, let-
ting him know your ideas. To prevent misunder-
standings, decide together the time of departure, the
subdivision of tasks, and which form of transport to
use to arrive at the agreed location. Consult a mari-
ne meteorological service to have an idea of possi-
ble weather conditions.
Check carefully that all your equipment is in
order and adapted to your type of dive, for
example, the thickness of the wetsuit, the cylinder
capacity, the dive torches etc.
104
In the appendix of your manual, you will find a
checklist that is useful to verify that you have every-
thing. In successive courses you will learn about
specialised equipment necessary for specific types
of dives. In particular, check that the cylinder is fil-
led, also test the good functioning of the DVs, the
inflating mechanism of the BC and finally of the dry
suit, if you use one.
If they are okay, put them in the bag, taking care to
arrange the more delicate things such as the instru- Just before
ments, the mask and the DVs in such as way that entering the
they can’t be damaged. water, it is
It is not a good idea to put the weight belt in the a good idea
bag, nor the cylinder. to make the
Do not forget the First Aid kit that we have already final agree-
spoken about in the unit on accessories. Inform ments
someone of your intentions, explaining the establis-
hed plan and giving a predicted time of return. If,
for example you’re thinking of using a dinghy to
reach an island, and the engine doesn’t start, someo-
ne will give the alarm and alert the rescue services.
Planning at the dive location

When you arrive at the dive location, verify that the
atmospheric conditions are appropriate or if there
is a case to change location or postpone the dive.
Remember you are prepared to dive in condi-
tions that are equal to or better than what you
have met in your training.
If you have doubts, ask for information at an ESA
Point or a sailor from the area. Do you know the
atmospheric factors that can influence a dive? And
do you know that to establish suitability of con-
ditions, you have to take into account, the most
inexpert diver participating in the dive?
Establish with your partner or partners, how to enter
5
and leave the water.
Often the entry is very easy while the exit can crea-
te problems, which is why you need to evaluate this
last aspect carefully, taking into account the fact that
atmospheric conditions can vary.
Plan together, the limits of depth, time, and
how much air you will have to surface with.
Review conventional signals and agree on par-
ticular signals to indicate aquatic life that you
observe.
Generally, it is good idea to descend directly to the
maximum planned depth, maybe to observe a
couple of big groupers, to ascend little by little to
shallower areas, observing other types of fish and
105
trying to isolate the smaller organisms, such as the
nudibrancs. Do not forget to continually check the
Minitest computer to be sure you are not exceeding the
limits of the safety curve and the gauge for arriving
1) General planning is at a safety stop with more than 50 bar.
very useful to prevent Try to plan the dive using the dive tables; I mean a
a. A useless journey good reason is if one of the participants doesn’t
b. Misunderstandings have a computer. For this it will be necessary to cal-
with your partner culate in detail, the depth and the maximum time
c. a) and b) are correct under allowed.
These aspects will be elaborated in the paragraph
2) During general plan- relating to the dive tables.
ning, check that: Before descending, check each others equip-
a. All the equipment is in ment, starting with the pillar valve, ending with
order and working the fins. This check can be carried out on seasho-
b. The cylinders have re, on a boat or on land before descending, check
been refilled that both your and your partner’s equipment is func-
c. a) and b) are correct tioning and connected correctly.
You can check his equipment and he yours. This can
3) As soon as you arrive be useful in case of emergency when you have to
at a diving location intervene, using his equipment, maybe to make con-
a. Verify that the atmo- tact with his source of alternative air. During dives in
spheric conditions are confined waters, your instructor and the staff will
suitable teach you and make you try the correct technique.
b. Enter the water imme-
diately without wasting
time to evaluate the con- DIVE TABLES
ditions As we have said in the paragraph on planning and
c. a) and b) are correct the one concerning decompression sickness, it is
important to establish and know the parameters of
4) Just before descen- our dives in a way that we can be certain to respect
ding: the limits and avoid unpleasant mishaps. The kno-
a. Check that all your wledge and use of the dive tables serve mainly to
equipment is in your bag avoid decompression sickness. Their use is quite
b. Follow your equipment simple, a little like a game of battleship, with two
check with your partner facts available you can deduce a third, necessary to
c. a) and b) are correct plan your dive.
Answers: Terminology
1c–2c–3a–4b Graph of the dive: The schematic representation of
the dive with relevant data, it is useful to complete
calculations correctly.
Non decompression limit: The maximum time
you can spend at each depth, to surface without
having to make the obligatory decompression stops.
Non decompression limit for repetitive dives:
The maximum time that you can spend at each
depth, in repetitive dives, to surface without having
to make the obligatory decompression stops.
Duration of dive: The time that elapses between
106
the beginning of the descent and the beginning of
the actual ascent.
Speed of ascent: Maximum velocity allowed to
ascend in safety.
Surface interval: The time spent on the surface
between dives. Useful graph
Repetitive dive: Follow on dive within 12 hours of for repetitive
preceding one. dives
calculation
Group of nitrogen Surface interval Surface interval
First Repetitive
Dive Dive
5 Metres 5 Metres
3 Minutes 3 Minutes
Duration of Dive _________
Nitrogen residue_________
Aggregate Time _________
Depth Depth
Time Aggregate Time
Group of nitrogen: Letter of the alphabet that

represents the quantity of nitrogen still present after
the dive or after a surface interval.
Nitrogen residue in minutes: serves to calculate
the repetitive dive, its value must be added to time
actually spent at pressure.
5
Aggregate Time: in repetitive dives, the amount
between the duration of the dive and the nitrogen
residue in minutes.
Safety stop: 3 minute stop carried out 5 metres
depth with the objective of caution, it is not obliga-
tory but advised by all the experts.
Obligatory decompression stops: must be done
when you surpass the limits of non decompression; depths
and times are indicated on the tables and the computer.
107
Attention!
To surface without respecting the obligatory decom-
pression stops can be particularly dangerous and
you can run the risk of decompression sickness! For
this reason, during recreational diving activity you
shouldn’t plan or execute dives that surpass the
limits of non decompression.
Imagine being underwater and having the sud-
den necessity to re-emerge, if you have respec-
ted the limits you can do so liberally respecting
the speed of pre-established ascent. While if you
Minitest have gone past those limits, you will definitely have
to wait the necessary time at the indicated level, or
1) The graph of the dive is: risk the possibility of seriously compromising your
a. The map of the dive safety. Well, which situation seems the best to you?
b. The schematic represen- Certainly the one with the dives undertaken within
tation of a dive with relati- the limits!
ve data Now let’s try to apply this terminology using an exam-
c. The representation of the ple of a typical day of diving, during a hot day at the
profile of the seabed end of the season. Imagine going on a dive weekend
in Portofino in Liguria, in Estartit in Spain, or in some
2) The maximum dive other region of the world (provided that you find
time is: yourself at sea level) and you want to do two dives
a. The time that you decide on the same day; the first on a wall that reaches 17
to spend underwater metres in depth for 45 minutes and the second in a
b. The maximum time you fossil beach stretching at 12 metres for 37 minutes.
can spend at a certain As the first thing, to avoid confusion and possible
depth according to the dive errors, I suggest you design a graph of the dives.
tables
c. The maximum time that Write down the depth and the time of the first
you spend on the surface dive, and cross-referencing the data, determine
between two consecutive on the first table the nitrogen group that you
dives will belong to at the end of the dive. Remember
that you will have to note down carefully the
3) The nitrogen group is: starting time of this first dive.
a. A preformed group of
divers Single out on table 1, the chosen depth: 17 therefo-
b. A group of dives under- re do not consider 18 and verify that the time plan-
taken on the same day ned doesn’t surpass the limits of decompression.
c. A letter of the alphabet On the 18 metres line, moving towards the right,
that quantifies the nitrogen find the first ‘time’ that includes 45 minutes and you
still present in the tissues will find 50. Descend under the box saying 50 minu-
tes and find the nitrogen group, what letter does it
Answers: have? H! Well done! Easy, isn’t it? While you wait
between dives, decide to take a break of an hour
1b–2b–3c (write it on the graph), this way you can calcula-
te on table 2 the nitrogen group that you will
have after a surface break.
Single out the nitrogen group of the previous dive
and running horizontally, towards the left, in the
108
relative boxes find the pair of values that makes up
your surface break, in this case: 0:37 and 1:06
Look under this little box and read the new nitrogen
group. What result do you get? OK, Bravo! It is
exactly G.
Now write down the parameters of the second dive
and using the nitrogen group of the land break (G),
calculate the maximum time available to you for the
second dive. How? Crossing, in table 3, the nitro-
gen group, (G) with the pre-selected depth (12
metres), you will find a small square divided into
two rectangular boxes; in the upper box the
nitrogen residue in minutes is indicated, that is Insert the
always summed up in the time actually spent under- unaccounted
water in a repetitive dive. In the box below, the data into the
non-decompression limits are carried over for graph of the
the repetitive dives. dive
1 h 00’ 1 h 45’
First Second Third
Dive Dive Dive
5 Metres 5 Metres 5 Metres

3 Minutes 3 Minutes 3 Minutes
17 12 Metres 6 Metres
Metres
Depth Depth Depth
45 Minutes
Duration Duration
5
of Dive 37 Minutes
_______________ of Dive 45 Minutes
_______________
Nitrogen residue _________ Nitrogen residue _________
Aggregate Time _________ Aggregate Time _________
How long can you remain underwater in the second

dive? 57 minutes? Good! Excellent work!
Now you can decide the duration of the second dive
that cannot exceed the maximum time at your dis-
posal (57’).
109
In this case you have planned a time of 37 minutes,
therefore well within the limits.
Minitest Congratulations! You will actually stay underwater
for 37 minutes, but the quantity of nitrogen that you
1) By crossing depth and have at the end of the dive will also include what
time on the first table you was left over from the first dive, in this case, corre-
will find: sponding to 73’.
a. The limit of the safety Now, after two dives, the Diveleader propose to visit also
curve a exiting archaeological site, just in front of a small island
b. The surface interval at 6 meters depth.
c. The nitrogen group You decide to participate with entusiasm, also because the
weather conditions are good and the sea is very flat. You
2) By crossing, in the plane to make a tour of 45 minutes, but how do you go
second table, your nitro- on planning it?
gen group after your first First of all you must always write down the time at
dive and the time box con- which you reached the surface after your first dive
taining your surface and your nitrogen group.
interval you will find:
a. Your nitrogen group Then, you must remember to add your dive
after the surface interval time (37’) to the residual nitrogen time (73’),
b. The time available for the end result is the actual total dive time.
your second dive
c. The safety curve limit Now go back to table 1 and cross the total dive
time (110’) with the nearest depth on the table
3) The non decompres- (12m). Like so, you will find your new nitrogen
sion limit for a 13 metres group (J).
dive is:
a. 55’ You surface time will be 1 hour and 45’, so in table
b. 70’ 2 you will find your nitrogen time after the sur-
c. 130’ face interval and then plan your third dive just
like you did for the second one.
4) In order to find, in
table 2 your nitrogen That is why you should always mark down your exit
group after a repetitive and entry times so that you can work your dive
dive, you have to: plans out on the tables accurately.
a. Add you dive time to
you residual nitrogen Sometimes, when the environmental condition are
time very good, I carry out also 9 dives in 3 days. In this
b. Consider the dive time vay I can fully and safely enjoy a small dive vaca-
alone tion.
c. Consider the residual This is possible just because I know very well the
nitrogen time alone use of the dive tables and their rules and because I
always plan to dive in shallow water.
Answers: A good knoledge of the dive table make you able to
plan in advance the data you will respect during the
1c–2a–3b–4a dive.
You will discover how interesting is to study if it is
better to wait some more time out of the water, to
reduce the time of the previous dive or to change
the depth of the next dive, in order to fully enjoy a
110
wonderful dive day in the maximum respect of the
safety rules.
You will surely notice that many experienced

divers rarely use their dive tables, this is becau-
se dive computers are taking over the use of
tables. However it is always a good idea to keep
up your practice with the dive tables as they
can be used in conjunction with computers to
help you increase your safety.
Rules to respect Minitest

• Respect the limits of depth dictated by your certi-
ficate and your experience. 1) If on the table you
• Dive when you are healthy and physically fit. don’t find the necessary
• Eat well and drink lots of water during the day. depth:
• Avoid diving under the influence of alcohol, a. Choose the one imme-
medicine or drugs. diately lower
• Always dive well within the maximum limits of b. Plan the dive with a
established duration for each depth. depth present on the table
• If you don’t find the necessary depth on the table, c. Choose the depth
use the one immediately above it. immediately above
• If you don’t find the necessary time on the table,
use the one immediately above it. 2) It is preferable to
• In the table of surface intervals, ensure that you carry out the safety
use the value that effectively includes the time you stop:
have spent outside the water. a. At the end of the dive
b. Only for dives
• Ascend slowly from every dive, not faster undertaken at 16
than 10 metres a minute, checking the instru- metres or more
ments, if the instruments indicate a slower c. Only if you go beyond
speed, respect it without hesitation. the limits of the safety
• Always effect a safety stop for 3 minutes at 5 curve
metres.
3) If a diver realises that
• During the stop, always check the computer, your he has accidentally sur-
5
instruments and those of your partner. If you think passed the safety curve he
you have accidentally surpassed the limits, prolong must:
the 5 metres stop and if you are using a computer, a. Follow the indications
follow its directions. on the computer
• If you accidentally surpass the limits of non b. Prolong the safety stop
decompression for 5 minutes or less, you must c. All the above are correct
stay at 5 metres for 10 minutes.
• If you surpass the limits of non decompression for
more than 5 minutes, you have to stay at 5 metres Answers:
for at least 15 minutes, air permitting.
1c–2a–3c
• After a dive that has necessitated an emer-
gency decompression stop, you must wait at
least 24 hours before diving again.
111
• If you must surface after having accidentally
surpassed the limits and without having com-
pleted the decompression stops, you must
remain out of water, lying down and calm,
breathing 100% oxygen and under observation
to check if the symptoms of DCI manifest
themselves.
• Check the gauge frequently to always re-emerge

with at least 50 bar in the cylinder.
• To use a gas mixture different than air it is neces-
sary to get adequate training and use suitable tables.
• If you use oxygen rich air (Nitrox) remember to
also consider the exposure to oxygen.
• To dive to altitudes greater than 300 metres, you
have to apply particular rules.
• I suggest you begin the dive at the deepest level
and little by little proceed to shallower waters; in
any case avoid moving continually up and down
and changing your level.
• Avoid diving in extreme conditions, such as very inten-
Remember se cold or situations that require particular physical force. If
the rules for you find yourself in conditions of this type, you can increa-
flying after a se your safety by reducing the duration under water.
dive • After diving, avoid
excessive effort
Consideration
According to the experts it
is not necessary to plan
dives in a specific sequence.
However I suggest you to
plan the first dive at the
greater depth and the
following ones at lower
depth.
You have made an
underwater tour to visit
a seagrass prairie at the
depth of 6 metres. One
hour later you have
dived at the depth of 18
metres in a nice reef. In
the afternoon (6 hours
later) a friend proposes
you to visit a particular
underwater wall at the depth of 16 metres, What do
you do? Do you decide to go? Yes, good choice! It is
possible to make the dive, also because the surface
interval is reasonably long and the depths of the
112
dives were conservative.
Anyway the dive must be planned well within the no
decompression limits. Minitest
Rules for ascending to altitude after a dive 1) Using nitrox, you have
I know a diving centre in a very beautiful area, to monitor also:
where it is possible to undertake very interesting a. The temperature of the
and enjoyable dives. Given that the access road pas- water
ses through a mountain pass at 1000 metres in alti- b. The exposure to oxygen
tude, every time, after my dives, I have to stay in this c. The variations of the
locality for a few hours before going home. This is percentage of oxygen
because to go up to this level means being
exposed to a pressure notably lower than that 2) After a single dive,
there is at sea level. within the safety curve,
In substance you actuate the same mechanism that wait _______ before tra-
there is in water during the ascent. As you learnt in velling with an airplane:
the unit about decompression sickness, during the a. 24 hours
ascent dissolved nitrogen, that little by little reaches b. 36 hours
a pressure greater than that of outside, could return c. 48 hours
to a gaseous state quickly forming bubbles. The
same thing could happen taking a plane after a 3) Dives at altitude requi-
diving holiday, let’s look together at which recom- re particular considera-
mendations are most common. tions by way of:
a. Greater atmospheric
After a single dive within the limits of the safety pressure
curve, wait at least 12 hours before flying. b. Lower atmospheric
Of course, a diver that goes on more repetitive pressure
dives and over a few days absorbs more nitro- c. a) and b) are correct
gen that on one dive only.
Nevertheless, according to the experts it is a 4) To dive at altitudes of
good idea to keep it simple and use the same ______ or more, you have
rule for whatever type of dive of a recreational to use particular procedu-
nature: wait at least 24 hours before flying or res.
going to altitudes greater than 300 metres. a. 100 metres
The dive computers indicate the waiting time for b. 1000 metres
going above this level, some could be more restric- c. 300 metres
tive, others less. Don’t hesitate: always choose the
solution that guarantees the safest solution: wait 24 Answers:
hours before flying or going to altitude. For exam-
ple, after a dive cruise, going between the islands of
Thailand, diving 3 times a day for a week, your 1b–2a–3b–4c
computer will affirm that you have to wait 16 hours
before flying, your partner’s computer (that has
done the same dives as you) warns him to wait 24
hours. Which indication is better to follow? Always
the more prudent indication and choose 24 hours!
Now you will have understood why, during a diving
holiday, it is a good idea to plan the land excursions
at the last part of your stay: to remain 24 hours
without diving.
113
Dives at Altitude
As you have learnt in one of our first lessons, at sea
level the atmospheric pressure is equivalent to 1 bar,
if we leave sea level going up, the pressure
surrounding us diminishes. For example at 3000
metres we have about 0.7 bar. This difference of
pressure determines the necessity to review the
planning of our dive, whenever we decide to
dive, for example in a calm alpine lake with crystal
clear water. First of all it is better to wait a little befo-
re diving to allow the pressure of the dissolved
nitrogen in your system to find its balance with the
pressure of that contained in the air that you brea-
the in altitude.
To calculate your dive correctly, you have to convert
real depth into false depth.
Once more computers can do all of this for you,
but it is indispensable to read the manufacture-
r’s instructions carefully because there are
many models that work in a different way.
If you are thinking of diving at altitudes higher than
300 metres above sea level, I suggest you gain the
necessary experience under the safe guidance of
your ESA Instructor, participating in the most appro-
priate training program.
FUTURE PERSPECTIVE
Congratulations on the work you have done! Now
you have everything necessary to become a good
diver and very probably in a very short time you will
receive your instructor’s certification that will open
to you doors for a consistent fan of new experiences
and exciting adventures.
You have made an excellent investment working
hard to arrive at this point, let’s look together at the
horizons which are open to the certified diver. Now
you can dedicate yourself to simply recreational
dives during which you think only of what you can
see, perhaps guided by an ESA Professional that
guarantees your enjoyment and everything will pro-
ceed in the best possible way. Use these moments
to continue to grow, water is a great teacher! Every
time you go into the water you will improve your
techniques and will acquire a greater sense of secu-
rity.
Most probably you are thinking of embarking on the
next course, an excellent choice! In this way, not
only will you acquire experience, enjoying yourself
but you will reinforce your training receiving further
valuable information from your ESA instructor.
114
The ESA Programs have been suitably designed to
train divers according to an itinerary, step by step,
bringing you to the point of becoming an excellent
diver and, why not, a future recreational diving pro-
fessional.
With an instructor at your side, your in water abili-
ties will visibly improve and not only this: participa-
ting in ongoing ESA training programs you will be
able to practice particular activities that you have
already practised outside the water like, for exam-
ple, photography or video filming.
The ESA courses, like the specialised ESA Ecodiver,
will increase the quality of every one of your future
dives, letting you play an important role in the
underwater community and increasing your kno-
wledge when facing the marine environment.
Whether you are thinking of dedicating yourself, for
the moment in pure and simple dives, or whether
you have decided to throw yourself into the next
ESA course, you will have the opportunity to learn
many new things; meet new friends, live through View of a
emotional diving adventures and participate in fan- coral reef at
tastic journeys, enjoying not only what is out of the 28 metres of
water, but in a special deep
way, what you will see
every time you put your
nose under the surface.
The ESA Nitrox Diver
certification, which you
can already obtain
during this course, will
allow you to spend more
time under water and
perhaps work on your
sub-aqua documentary
more calmly or perhaps
make better use of the
services offered on a
dive boat.
Continue your training!
Participating in 5 intere-
sting dives and acquiring
new information, you
can enjoy yourself a lot and obtain your ESA
Advanced Diver certificate, that allows you to go
beyond the threshold of 18 metres, fixing at 30
metres your new depth level, a great step forward!
The ESA First Aid course, Sub-aqua activities can
bring you far from points of assistance, you will feel
you are one step ahead, knowing how to help a
115
person that is unwell or injured. Moreover, the tech-
New Diver niques that you will learn can also be useful in
everyday life. It is also open to those who don’t go
underwater, simple and useful, it can make a real
difference!
Open Water Diver
The various ESA Specializations will allow you to
deepen your knowledge of particular areas of diving
and to enjoy every dive more, improving your tech-
niques, educating yourself to the respect and to the
Specialty 1 knowledge of the underwater world. Also diving on
a plateau of seemingly deserted sand can reveal
Advanced Diver itself to be exciting and satisfying after the ESA
Ecodiver course.
It would be fun, on coming back from a diving holi-
day to look through the photos that you have taken
Specialty 2 underwater, reliving the sensations experienced
while diving.
First Aid Often, after an ESA Prevention and Rescue Diver
course, I ask the newly-certified divers to express
their opinion. Even though it is a program that a
Prevention & Rescue person decides to take on when he begins to be
Diver interested in taking care of the other divers, the
most frequent answer is: ’Now I feel much calmer
and more prepared, this course really has given me
Hi Diver a lot’ Learning how to prevent and handle emer-
gencies, you will improve so much as a diver: try it
to believe it!
Diveleader ESA Hi Diver is the most prestigious recognition a
recreational diver can plan to obtain. When you
have achieved it, the relative certificate will attest
O/W Instructor that you have participated in various training
moments acquiring a notable experience compara-
ble to that required to get into professional pro-
grams. The ESA instructors and dive leaders will
appraise your certificate allowing you to participate
in the most exclusive dives. Today it can seem to
you a distant dream, if you continue with your trai-
ning and continue to dive, you will find yourself
achieving it sooner than you think.
If you are considering a professional career or if you
want to turn into work what is now a passion, you
can already inform yourself about training courses
for the ESA Diveleader and ESA Instructor certifi-
cations. Of course it is a bit soon and to become a
professional takes patience and a lot of work, but
the fact of knowing the routes to take can help to
plan better the achievement of this ambitious objec-
tive.
116
Congratulations!
You are already at the end of the theoretical part
and you have done great work! Now you will be
more curious when the instructor or captain of the
boat makes comments on the weather conditions
and you will understand better the decision of the
dive leader to change the location of the dive. If you
use my suggestions it will be impossible that you find
5
yourself about to dive without your fins and mask
inside your equipment bag. Remember to read the
instructions of your computer carefully before using
it in a dive and ask the assistance or your ESA
instructor for explanations. The next two units deal
with underwater techniques which you could have
already consulted; if this isn’t the case I advise you to
glance over it, finding important information that
will help you to follow the exercises in water more
clearly. Many, many congratulations! I hope I meet
you soon in the ESA Manual of your next course; I
still have many things to tell you!
117
think the
future
protect
ocean life
118
The aim of this exercise is to revise the most impor-
tant information in the relative Theoretical Unit, in
other words not only to improve your training, but
also to arrive more prepared at your next appoint-
ment with your instructor. Answer the questions
choosing the correct response from those given, spe-
cifying if the affirmation is true or false or writing
the answer in the appropriate space. Show your
instructor this test; if he finds incorrect answers he
will give you the necessary explanations. Good luck!
1. The main factor responsible for the movement of

water is:
a. The wind
b. The wave motion
c. The current
d. The excursion of the tide
2. Very strong breakers and surf:

a. Are to be avoided
b. Can be confronted with special equipment
c. Can create dangerous conditions
3. If you come up against a current on the sur

face:
a.Swim as quickly as possible against the cur
rent
b. Dive as far as your air will last
c. Assume positive buoyancy and ask for
immediate assistance
5
4. In the case of rain:
a. Is absolutely forbidden to dive
b. If the other conditions allow, you can dive
c. To dive, it is necessary to have a diving cer
tificate at a professional level.
d. During the dive, you consume much more
air than usual
5. True or False: Even if the majority of times you

use the services of a diving centre, there are some
aspects of planning that you still have to consider.
119
6. Before beginning any diving activity, at the dive
location, you must:
a. Evaluate the atmospheric conditions
b. Assemble your equipment
c. Measure the temperature of the
water
d. Check your partner’s equipment
7. The surface interval is:

b. The time that elapses before rea
ching the dive site
b. The break during which you eat
c. The time between a free dive and
another
d. The time spent between two dives,
from the moment you surface to the
next successive descent
8. The maximum dive time for a dive at 18 metres

is:
a. 55 minutes
b. 60 minutes
c. 50 minutes
d. 52 minutes
9. The nitrogen group for a dive of 45 minutes at 18

metres is:
a. G
b. H
c. I
d. F
10. Leaving surface with the letter B, the residual

nitrogen in minutes for a repetitive dive at 14 metres
is:
a. 57
b. 17
c. 13
d. 6
I declare that I have revised all the answers with an

ESA Instructor and to have understood the explana-
tion of those which I got wrong.
Signature__________________ date _____________

120
Unit Six
Delimited Water Activities
Have You ever noticed that at mountain resorts, ski
instructors teach and demonstrate the basic move-
ments and manoeuvres to their new pupils on slopes
that are almost flat and you would hardly call a ski
run? This is done so to make sure that all the neces-
sary exercises are practiced in a controlled environ-
ment and the basic techniques are well honed befo-
re venturing on steeper terrain, the real ski runs!
Well, we do the same underwater, your Instructor
will teach you all the necessary techniques and let
you practice them in the controlled environment of
the shallow confined waters. The techniques you will
have to learn are for the most easy and straight for-
ward; you will tackle the more complex ones through
gradual steps. If you will find some exercises harder
to learn than others, you should not worry: in swal-
low water you will have all the time you need to try
them over and over again until you get them right!
And besides, your Instructor will be right there, with
a Diveleader, ready to help you, advise you and, why
not, have fun with you and the other divers.
Practicing and repeating all these exercises will
allow you to gain all the necessary expertise to enjoy
your future open water dives in full comfort and
safety.
Now I will explain to you all the different exercises,
you will also watch them on the video and then you
will be briefed by your Instructor. Once in the water
he will demonstrate to you the exercise you have to
practice in a very slow manner so that you can
memorise all the main steps. Pay great attention
during the demonstration phase, wait for your turn
trying to visualise the movements you will have to
make and then try it when you will be told to by the
Instructor.
Besides your swim suit you might need other acces-
sories that will make your training session more
comfortable and enjoyable, ask your Instructor or
Diveleader for advice. You might need a swimming
cap and flip flops, coins for the hair dryer and other
bits if the training is carried out in a swimming pool,
or a wind breaker and woolly hat if you are at sea
6
in the spring, rather than sun screen and a cap if
121
it’s summer.
Below you will find the list of the exercises divided
into the different delimited water dives with their
names, the standard that you will have to meet (in
bold) and a brief description. Should you find some
description a bit complicated, don’t worry most of
these things are easier done than said! The demon-
stration of the exercises and the assistance and expe-
Equipment rience of the staff will make reaching the standards
preparation: as easy as a stroll in the park!
BCD – cylin-
der assembly
Delimited Water Dive 1
Briefing
Listen to the description of the activities that
will be carried out and ask questions should
you find something not clear.
This is a very important phase, listen very carefully
as you will be informed of what you will have to do,
how to do it, where and when. Stop everything else
that you might be doing and pay great attention and
don’t hesitate to ask if you don’t understand some-
thing.
Equipment assembly
Correctly assemble the regulator, get fins, mask
and snorkel ready for use, wear the wet suit (if
necessary)
You will follow this procedures throughout the
whole of your diving career. At some diving resorts,
the staff will take care of getting all the equipment
ready, however, familiarity with these practices will
increase your level of autonomy.
Firstly, check your BCD by inflating it by mouth to
make sure the flotation bladder has no punctures
and that the overpressure valves work correctly.
Then connect the BCD to the cylinder using the
cam-lock system (some manufacturers use different
systems but the working principles are common to
most) making sure to pull it tight. It is always a good
idea to wet the cam-lock straps so to prevent the
cylinder from slipping out once you get into the
water (dry straps tend to stretch once they get wet).
Double check the tightness of the connection by lif-
ting the cylinder from the BCD handle and shaking
it. It is also very important that you set the height
of the BCD over the cylinder correctly so not to
have the pillar valve banging against the back of
your head.
122
Connection of the regulator to the cylinder
Take the DV set by the first stage and place it
against the pillar valve making sure is correctly
orientated, that is with the main regulator coming
over your right shoulder with the exhaust whiskers
facing down and the BCD inflation hose coming
over your left shoulder. If you are using an INT type
pillar valve, make sure the O-ring in it is clean and
in good condition, then place the first stage filter Equipment
seat over the O-ring groove and secure it in position prepara-
by screwing in the A-clamp making sure it is grip- tion: con-
ping well in its own seat at the back of the pillar nection of
valve. If, on the other hand, you are dealing with a the regula-
DIN type pillar valve, make sure the O-ring is in its tor to the
own seat inside the first stage of the DV and that pillar valve
there is no dirt over it, then place the
DV’s male thread over the female seat
on the pillar valve and screw it on all
the way.
Once you have your DV properly
secured to the pillar valve, connect the
inflation hose to the BCD
inflation/deflation device. You are
now ready to open up the gas from
the cylinder: turn the valve slowly
anticlockwise keeping the purge but-
ton of the second stage pressed and
making sure the content gauge dial is
not facing you. Only once the whole
DV has been pressurised turn the con-
tent gauge over and read the pressure
to make sure your cylinder is filled to
the required pressure. Check the
system for leaks.
Mask, fins and suit

Set the straps of your fins and mask to
the correct length and keep them at
hand. Apply some anti fog liquid over
the inner side of your mask’s visor
and, since it is a handy tool to have at
all times, place the snorkel on the left
hand side of the mask strap.
Weather and water temperature per-
mitting, you could wear your wet suit directly in the
water, it will slip on more easily. In whichever way
you decide to wear it, work from the bottom up as
if it were normal clothing, just make sure you don’t
get confused between front and rear! Dry suits might
6
require some particular dressing-in techniques, ask
123
your Instructor or Diveleader for information and
advice. It is always important that you and your dive
partner help each others out, especially during this
dressing-in phase, for instance zipping each others
up if your suits’ zippers are on your backs.
Wearing the weigh belt

Wear correctly your weight belt
If you are using a classic type weight belt you can
either place it on the ground in front of you, then
step over it and pull it up or hold it with your right
hand by the end with no buckle and then swing it
around your back and grab the buckle with your left
hand. Once you have the belt around your back, set
Weight belt it comfortably and buckle up. Whichever technique
adjustment you decide to use it is easier if you bend forward so
to rest the weight of the belt on your back, then
adjust the buckle. If you do so with your eyes shut
you will find it easier to set and adjust the belt pro-
perly and quickly.
If you are using a BCD with an integrated weight
system, you will wear SCUBA and weights at the
same time so you need not to worry about these
steps. If you have a weight harness, wear it like a
jacket.
Generally speaking, every time you enter the water,
make sure you can float easily so if you are getting
directly into deep water (like you do diving from a
boat) you can either get in with all the equipment
on or if you kit up in the water, wear the SCUBA
first, then the weight belt.
Make sure the belt is clear at all times from the rest
of your gear, so that should you need to ditch it, all
you have to do is pull the strap and unbuckle it.
Entry into the water

Entry in shallow water with the partner’s help
Enter the shallow water, helping each other carrying
your SCUBA equipment with you. If the conditions
allow it, it is easier to wear the SCUBA directly in the
water as it gets lighter. If you are wearing fins walk
sideways or backwards.
Dressing-in in shallow water

Wear the SCUBA equipment in shallow water
with the help of your partner and staff
Once again, take advantage of your partner’s help!
Work one at the time helping each others out with
the gear and the balance. Before wearing the
SCUBA, make sure all the hoses and are clear and
124
laid properly, then loosen up all the straps. Wear the
BCD/cylinder set as if it were a normal jacket slip-
ping in on arm at the time. If you are wearing instru-
ments on your wrist (such as depth gauge or dive
computer) or have a sleeve mounted dry suit defla-
tion valve, slip in first the arm with the valve or the
instruments. Once you have the SCUBA on your
back, fasten all the buckles and Velcro straps and
then pull them until you find the right fit (but don’t
squeeze yourself too much!). Make sure all the
accessories and hoses are in the right place.
As far as mask and fins are concerned, you can wear
them whenever you prefer, just remember that in
choppy seas, it is a good idea to have them on from
the start.
In water equipment check

Reciprocal
Carry out a correct in-water pre dive check on
pre-dive
your partner’s gear
equipment
This simple procedure must become second nature
check
to you and it will save you from unpleasant incon-
veniences such as beginning the dive with the cylin-
der valve not properly open or finding out that your
spare second stage is caught under your shoulder
strap only when your dive partner has no gas left
and needs it!
So, once you are both fully dressed-in make sure
that all the hoses are in the right place and clear of
obstructions, that the spare second stage is easily
identifiable and accessible, that the weight belt can
be easily and promptly ditched in case of need and
that the valve on your cylinder is fully open. Double
check the correct opening of the cylinder and its
content by watching the dial on the content gauge
as you press the purge button on the DV: when the
valve is fully open (and turned a quarter back) the
dial on the gauge mustn’t move as you breathe or
purge the DV and must read the correct pressure
necessary for your dive. Also check the BCD and
dry suit inflation and deflation system.
Underwater breathing
Breathe slowly and deeply through the regula-
tor underwater for 8 times
This exercise has been developed to help you gain
the necessary calmness to move and breathe under-
water. Hold on to your dive partner or to a member
of staff, drop to the bottom (you will be in very shal-
low water so that by standing up your head will be
6
out of the water again), find a comfortable position
125
and breathe slowly and deeply for at least 8 times.
Take the chance to look around and familiarise with
the underwater world. At the OK sign by the
Instructor, ascend with your partner.
Emptying the regulator

While underwater, remove the regulator from your
mouth, replace it and start breathing (4 times)
Your first This exercise teaches you how to empty a regulator
breath from the water that enters it once you have remo-
underwater ved it from your mouth.
will be exci- It is useful for all those situations when you will
ting and need to either use someone else’s regulator or tem-
unforgettable porarily remove yours from your mouth. When not
in use the second stage housing of your regulator
fills up with water; to clear it you can either exha-
le into it and push the water out through the
exhaust whiskers or press the purge button keeping
your mouth shut, in this way the water will be pus-
hed out through the same way. Try them both like
so: take a deep breath, remove the regulator from
your mouth remembering to gently blow out bub-
bles and to keep the mouth piece facing down so to
avoid useless free flows. Wait a few seconds, then
replace the regulator in your mouth making sure the
exhaust whiskers are facing down and empty it
using one of the two techniques I explained earlier.
Start breathing again gently in order to make sure
there is no water left inside the housing of the
second stage.
Once you have tried both emptying techniques
once, the Instructor could ask you to carry out the
other two trials together with the next exercise.
Regulator recovery
Drop and recover the regulator underwater 2
times
The recovery of the regulator from behind your
back is a very useful skill that might come on handy
in several different situations. You will hardly ever
lose the second stage from your mouth, in which
case the first best thing to do is grab on the spare
second stage, empty it and breathe from that one
until you have found the main one, however you
will find this skill very useful during the in-water
dressing-in procedure.
Firstly, as you did before, take a deep breath, the
take the regulator off your mouth and throw it
behind your back. Remember not to hold your
breath but to always blow small bubbles. Lean over
126
the regulator’s side with your trunk so to make the
hose and second stage dangle from that side, now
move your arm back along the thigh and hip stret-
ching it all the way, then bring it back in a semicir-
cular manner. Like so you will have “hooked” the
regulator’s hose, use the other hand to find it and
replace it back in your mouth.
Remember the blow bubbles and to empty the regu-
lator as you have tried before. Your Instructor will Regulator
stand by you to help you at any time, you will soon recovery
find out that it is a lot easier that it sounds!
Practice with the BCD

Inflate (by mouth or button) and deflate (by
button or quick exhaust valve) the BCD in shal-
low water
This simple exercise will help you master the use of
your BCD. As we have seen when we spoke about
buoyancy control, you will have to adjust the
amount of gas inside your BCD frequently during
your dives in order to get the right buoyancy set or
to gain positive buoyancy once on the surface. You
will try all the different ways to do so for the kind
of BCD you will use during the course, however,
once you will buy your own, make sure to be fami-
liar with its own inflation/deflation system before
you use it as it might be slightly different from the
ones you already tried. To inflate the BCD with the
LP inflation system, apply short repeated pressures
with your finger on the inflation button. To inflate it
by mouth, blow inside the corrugated inflation hose
pressing on the deflation button and releasing it as
you stop blowing. Remember not to blow all the air
in your lungs out as you will need some to empty
the regulator. This second technique is well handy
should the LP inflation system fail. Learn how to use
correctly all the inflation/deflation devices on the
BCD and remember that they only work properly if
they are facing upwards as air tends to go up.
Flooding and clearing the mask

Flood and clear the mask underwater in shal-
low water without resurfacing
Learning how to empty a flooded mask is one of the
most important skills that you will have to master.
This is simply because during your dives water
could possibly find its way inside your mask and
this only works as a valuable visor when empty. To
clear the mask just follow these easy steps: take a
6
deep breath of air through your mouth, then blow it
127
out through your nose pressing with a hand on the
top of the mask’s frame and looking up. If your
mask has a purge valve follow the same procedure
but look down instead. Try to keep your eyes open
and you will get an idea of what is going on around
you (even though the picture will be a bit blurred).
However, if you wear contact lenses keep your eyes
shut so not to lose them. Relax and trust your
Instructor, he will take you trough this exercise step
by step giving you the right suggestions.
Practice with diving signals

Recognize and correctly perform 5 diving
signals
To clear the Knowing your diving signals is very important, they
mask blow will help solve problems or simply let you commu-
through your nicate with the other divers. These are some of the
nose looking signals that you might be required to perform: OK,
up descend, can’t equalise (sticky ear), something is
wrong, stay with your partner, slow down/calm
down, breathe, ascend and safety stop. You will find
out in the next exercises that you will have to use
many other signals.
Underwater swimming in neutral buoyancy

Swim underwater keeping away
from the bottom for 25 metres
without resurfacing
A good buoyancy control is the good
diver’s calling card! You will have to
learn this technique well to save
energy, enjoy yourself more and avoid
damages to the underwater environ-
ment. To practice it, lay flat on the bot-
tom (possibly where it is clear of
obstructions and marine life), breathe
normally and gently inflate the BCD
until you slowly start moving up. Hold
on there for a second to get the feel of
your buoyancy, don’t stop breathing,
make the due adjustments to your
BCD, then lift your feet up and swim
mid-water together with your partner
trying not to reach the surface but kee-
ping a straight horizontal course. Remember that in
order to deflate the BCD the deflation device must
be raised above the level of the BCD’s bladder.
Content gauge check

Independently check your pressure gauge
128
underwater indicating, upon your Instructor’s
request what your content read out is
You must always remember to check frequently
your content gauge in order to avoid annoying out
of gas situations. This manoeuvre will have to
become second nature to just like many others.
During this exercise the Instructor will make the
“how much gas?” signal to you, you will check the
gauge and using your fingers answer the question.
Moreover, during this and all the other dives you
will have to autonomously inform the Instructor or
Diveleader when you reach 100 and 50 bar using
the correct signals.
Gas sharing
Execute, in a steady position, the signals “I’m
out of gas” and “I need gas”, take the spare regu-
The “how
lator off your dive partner (or Instructor),
much gas
empty it with the purge button and breathe 5
have you
times slowly and deeply, maintaining contact
got?” signal
with the gas sharing partner
If you follow the instructions I gave you previously
and always check your content gauge, you will pro-
bably never need to put this exercise into practice.
However, should you inadvertently run out of gas,
maybe in front of a truly breath taking scenery, here
is how you should respond to such a situation.
Firstly, signal to your partner that you are out of gas
and you need the his/her spare regulator. Find the
spare regulator and bring it to your mouth whilst
removing yours. Remember to blow small bubbles
and not to hold your breath. Make sure the spare
second stage is in the right way up (with the exhaust
whiskers facing down) and empty it by pressing the
purge button. Take the first breath cautiously to
ensure there is no water left inside the regulator. As
you are now breathing from your partner’s cylinder,
you have to stay close together, holding each other
so not to lose contact with your air source. Take 5
deep and slow breaths, then ask your Instructor to
terminate the drill. Exchange the OK signal with
your partner, go back breathing from your regulator
and swap position, now you will be giving gas from
your spare regulator.
Surface buoyancy
Inflate or deflate the BCD in order to float com-
fortably on the surface
You will use this skill every time you will go diving,
6
while you wait for the rest of the group to gather at
129
the anchor line or for your turn to climb the ladder
and get back on the dive boat.
On the surface, in deep water, adjust the pressure
inside your BCD to go from a very positive buo-
yancy to a neutral one, that is when you will float
with the water at your eye level without finning nor
moving your arms. During the drill breathe normally
through the regulator or the snorkel.
Gas sharing
using the Snorkel/regulator exchange
partner’s Exchange the snorkel with the regulator on the
spare regula- surface for at least 5 times
tor If you are using a snorkel to breathe on the surface
before you start the dive you will have to exchange
it for your regulator as you are about to leave the
surface. You will do the oppo-
site once you get back on the
surface with your regulator in
your mouth and you want to
breathe from the snorkel. Get
used to exchange snorkel and
regulator keeping your face in
the water so that you can keep
a constant eye on your dive
partners or the massive school
of fish you might be surroun-
ded by. In order to empty the
snorkel you will have to blow
hard inside it like you would
with a blow pipe.
Swim on the surface

Swim on the surface for 40
metres with all the equip-
ment on: 20 metres brea-
thing from snorkel or regulator (face in water),
and 20 metres swimming on your back keeping
on a straight line and following a set direction
This is something you will have to do every time
you will end your dive at some distance from your
starting point, the dive boat, the beach, etc. Your
Instructor will set the distances and you and your
partner will have to swim together and in a straight
line. If you use the correct technique, you will feel
no need to use your arms as this would slow you
down and make you more tired. Keep your face in
the water and use the sea floor for reference. Every
once in while stick your head out of the water to
make sure you are going in the right direction. Use
your snorkel to save up air, but if the weather con-
130
ditions require it, don’t hesitate to breathe from the
regulator. On the second 20 metres, swim o your
back but use no snorkel nor regulator.
Repetitions and fun

Repeat the exercises under the staff’s supervision
Your Instructor will use up some of the time availa-
ble to let you repeat and practice the drills you have
just performed. Take advantage of this extra chance Positively
to hone your skills and work on the ones you find buoyant flo-
a little harder than the others. tation
Exit
Take off the equipment helping each other and
exit from the water
At the end of the dive, exit the shallow water after
you and your partner have removed the SCUBA fol-
lowing the instructor’s directions. Depending on the
environmental conditions it could be better to remo-
ve the weight belt first, then the rest or viceversa.
You could also walk up to the beach with your fins
on (walking backwards) or take them off and climb
out of the swimming pool.
Disassembly and care of the equipment

Disassemble the SCUBA and proceed to the care
of the equipment
After every dive you will have to take your gear a
part and rinse it. In order to remove the regulator
from the pillar valve you will have to shut the cylin-
der valve off and purge the air out of the system
pressing the purge button on the second stage.
When the pressure inside the regulator has been
relieved you can unscrew it off the pillar valve
making sure no water enters it. That is why is so
important that you replace the (previously) dried
protective cap as soon as possible. Take off the BCD
releasing the fastening system (cam lock) and rest
the cylinder in a horizontal position or put it back in
its rack. The best thing would be to dip the assem-
ble equipment straight away in a tank of clean fresh
water. If this is not possible, store the gear back in
your kit bag and rinse it whenever possible. Take
care of all your gear, including fins, mask, suit,
weight belt and instruments.
Debriefing
At the end of the training session, make sure
you listen to the Instructor’s summary, asking
6
questions if necessary
131
Debriefing
after a deli-
mited water
dive
132
Briefing.
Listen to the description of the activities that
will be carried out and ask questions if neces-
sary
Equipment assembly. Your partne-

Correctly assemble the regulator, get fins, mask r’s help will
and snorkel ready for use, wear the wet suit ( if make dres-
necessary) sing-in
Proceed to the equipment assembly following the easier
steps we have already explained during the first
dive.
Dressing-in
Wear the equipment with the help of the staff
or dive partner
If the characteristics of the site allow you, the
Instructor will ask you either to wear all the equip-
ment out of the water, or to proceed like the you
did in the previous dive. Wear the equipment with
your dive partner, working one at time while the
other helps to keep your balance. Before wearing
the SCUBA, make sure all the hoses are clear and
laid properly, then loosen up all the straps. Wear the
BCD/ cylinder set as if it was a normal jacket slip-
ping in one arm at the time. If you are wearing
instruments on your wrist (such as depth gauge or
dive computer) or have a sleeve mounted dry suit
deflation valve, slip in first the arm with the valve or
the instruments. Once you have the SCUBA on your
back, fasten all the buckles and straps and then pull
them until you find the right fit. Make sure all the
accessories and hoses are in the right place, then
wear fins and mask.
Equipment check.
Carry out a correct pre dive check on your part-
ner’s gear
Take great care when inspecting your dive partner’s
gear, you can do it by asking yourself these que-
stions:
• Is the BCD properly secured to the cylinder? Are
the valves working all right? Are the straps properly
set? Are the hoses clear and connected?
• Is the cylinder valve open all the way? Can I hear
any air leaks?
• Is the gas enough for the dive? Does the content
6
gauge work? Does the hand move when I press the
133
purge button?
• Can I quickly ditch the weight belt?
• Can I see the spare regulator? Is it readily availa-
ble if necessary?
• Are the regulators correctly working?
Check also that the mask hasn’t got any hair or else
under the seal and that it is properly positioned.
To remind you of this sequence you could

memorize the following sentence:
Be Prepared and Wise on Safety Test
B = BCD
P = pillar valve
A = air
W = weight belt
S = spare regulator
F = test of regulators
To remember
the pre-dive Entry
check list use Enter the water with the giant’s step or with the
the sentence technique indicated by the Instructor
“Be Prepared In your future dives you will find out that entries are
and Wise on mostly made from a boat or a platform, wearing
Safety Test” already all the equipment. The Instructor will let
you try the giant’s step
only in good conditions
otherwise he will show
“ Be Prepared and you a better technique to
use. If you do the giant’s
Wise on Safety Test ” step, make sure all your
equipment is well collec-
B = BCD ted around you, fins,
mask and weight belt are
P = Pillar Valve properly positioned, the
regulator is in your
A = Air mouth and the BCD is
suitably inflated. Get
W = Weight belt close to the edge as
much as possible, check
S = Spare Regulator that the area is clear,
make sure that you have
F = Function test of regulators enough water below you
not to hit the bottom,
with one hand keep the
regulator and mask in
position and with the
other hold the hoses and instruments and grab the
bottom edge of the BCD pulling it down.
Get into the water doing a very long step without
bending your trunk and looking straight in front of
134
you. Let yourself go, keep on breathing from the
regulator and hold your mask until you reach the
surface, then signal OK to your partner or to the
Diveleader and check that the mask strap hasn’t
moved, exchange the regulator for the snorkel and
move away to let other divers step into the water. It
is important that you hold the mask until you reach
the surface because if the mask strap accidentally
comes off, you could lose the mask and if there is
no one else in the water keeping an eye on it to
see where it falls you might have to abort the dive.
Weighting check.
Wearing all the equipment carry out a weigh-
ting check in deep water keeping your eyes at On your way
surface level holding a normal breath down equalise
In order to achieve the bests results with your buo- mask and ears
yancy, which is one of the most important skills in continuously
diving, you have to find the most suitable weighting
for you. In water where you can’t touch the bottom,
try to deflate the BCD completely, hold a normal
breath and don’t move, you should float vertically
with your eyes at surface level. If not add or remo-
ve weight until you reach a correct buoyancy. At
the beginning you might have a few problems fin-
ding the right negative buoyancy to begin your
descent and to comfortably rest on the bottom, your
ESA Instructor and his staff will help you to get over
eventual difficulties.
Descent
Descend correctly equalising the ears the mask
and adding air in the BCD in order to gently
reach the bottom without moving your fins
In order to correctly begin your dive, you have to
relax and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world,
managing correctly all the effects caused by the
changes in pressure. It is therefore important to
practice all those control techniques necessary to
the good outcome of your dives.
Start by exchanging the “let’s go down” signal with
your partner, place the regulator in your mouth and
breathe, make sure your dive partner does the same,
check that your computer is switched on and set the
timer, hold the BCD inflation/deflation system and
verify that your partner is ready to descend, exchan-
ging with him the “OK” signal.
Upon receiving the “OK” signal from your dive part-
ner deflate your BCD and start the descent equali-
6
sing ears and mask. Descend in a vertical position
135
with your head up.
Relax and let yourself drop towards the bottom
remembering that to speed up the start of your
descent you have to exhale deeply and fully empty
your lungs. As you go down keep control of your
buoyancy by slowly inflating your BCD. As you near
the bottom your descent should be so slow as to let
you gently come to a rest on the bottom, without
the need to move your fins and hands lifting little or
no suspended particles off the bottom. These exer-
cise will be repeated several times as well as the
ascent one.
During these phase it is very important that you stay
together with your dive partner making sure you
are both doing the same thing so that you can check
Whenever on each others. This will greatly improve your
possible, enjoyment. Should you have any problem, stop your
ascending descent or should your partner stop, wait with him
along a refe- and be ready to help.
rence line is
the best Ascent
option Correctly ascend to the surface without holding
your breath and keeping the right speed of
ascent
Every descent is followed by an
ascent! Even though it might sound
obvious to you, you should remember
that if it is important to correctly per-
form your descent, it is even more
important that you ascend properly.
By studying the dive tables, you will
find out how important it is to stay
within their limits. Therefore, as you
reach the end of your planned time,
approach your dive partner and after
you have showed him your watch or
dive computer, signal “OK” an d “let’s
go up”. Place yourselves one in front
of the other and begin your ascent
controlling your speed using your
instruments as a reference. Keep your
hand on the BCD deflation device,
pulling the corrugated hose up so as
to let the air you dump out. Dumping
air will slow you down, allowing you to control the
speed of your ascent. Raise your other arm up over
your head as a protection against possible obstacles.
Look over your partner’s shoulder, he/she will do
the same and this will keep you away from any pos-
sible hazard. Should you for any reason ascend on
136
your own, keep turning around as you move up so
as to have a 360° view. As soon as you hit the sur-
face, inflate your BCD and if the conditions allow it,
swap the regulator with the snorkel.
Relaxation exercise
Relax underwater concentrating on your brea-
thing, counting 12 slow and deep breaths
Many relaxation and meditation techniques are
based on the control of one’s
breathing. The purpose of this simple exercise is to When you
show you how to use your breathing rate to control are neutrally
yourself and relax, especially in case you have a buoyant you
problem and need to stay calm to solve it. When save up ener-
told by the Instructor, lay down on the floor, finding gies and
the most comfortable position and with your eyes respect the
shut, concentrate on your breathing, clearing your aquatic life
mind from any other thought. Count 12 slow relaxed
breaths, making sure you are not forcing them.
Underwater swimming techniques

Swim underwater keeping away from the bot-
tom and without resurfacing for at least 50
metres, using the different techniques
You could spend all
your time underwater in
the same place, bub-
bling away enjoying the
scenery. However, in
most cases you will be
following an “underwa-
ter track”, swimming
about, exploring away.
Swimming underwater
with the correct techni-
que is firstly good for
your body (it’s a good
training!), it will also
help reduce your efforts
and will prevent dama-
ges to the marine envi-
ronment.
Your Instructor will
demonstrate to you the
two main swimming techniques, you will then try
them out and decide which one is the most suitable
to you.
The first one is the most classic finning technique
and is performed kicking your legs up and down
6
keeping your knees straight as you would do if you
137
were swimming free style in the pool. Nowadays
most divers swim with their knees slightly bent. This
reduces the efficiency of the kick cycle, however
decreasing your effort, thus improving your endu-
rance.
The second technique you will practice is very simi-
lar to the kick cycle of the breast stroke, the only
difference being the fact that you have to modify it
a bit as you are wearing fins. However slower, it is
less tiring than the other technique and it allows you
to keep your fins well away from the sea floor, allo-
wing you to swim over silty bottoms without ruining
the visibility.
No matter which technique you chose (you could
use them both) it is important that you take advan-
tage of the momentum of each kick cycle and do
not rush your movements. Make slow but effective
To prevent
movements and rest between one kick and the
bubbles from
other. Remember that you should have a neutral
getting in the
buoyancy at all times when you swim, this will help
way of your
you reduce your efforts and will prevent you from
mask, tilt
dragging along the bottom or moving feet up and
your head to
head down to keep your position. In order to cor-
one side
rectly adjust your buoyancy you should always be
aware of the position of your BCD’s inflation/defla-
tion device and dump
valves (some BCD have
valves on the lower side
as well so that you can
dump air even if you are
peering into a hole upsi-
de down). As you swim,
try to keep your arms
crossed as you do not
need them for propul-
sion. This will also show
your Instructor that you
have a good buoyancy
control. Before you start
the exercise find the
right neutral buoyancy,
then move away from
the bottom and adjust
your depth using your breathing.
Breathing from a free flowing regulator

Breathe underwater 6 times while pressing the
purge button of the regulator
It is almost impossible that a modern, well maintai-
ned regulator could break down on you, however,
138
should anything happen, most regulator’s are desi-
gned to free flow in order to guarantee a gas supply
to the diver should this remote possibility occur
(some very specialised regulator’s do not do this
and should always be used together with another
complete spare regulator – first and second stage –
your Instructor and dive equipment dealer will be
able to advise you on this subject).
This drill will give you the chance to experience
breathing from a considerable amount of gas free
flowing out of your second stage. When told by the
Instructor press the purge button of your regulator
and keep on breathing, taking care not to hold your
lips too tight around the mouth piece so that the
excess gas can bubble out. Place a hand on your
mask holding it so as to prevent the bubbles from
moving it, letting water in. In order to have a clea-
Once the
rer view, tilt your head to one side and let the bub-
mask has
bles float up the other. Once you have completed
been clea-
your 6 breathing cycles, signal OK and go back to
red, hold it
normal breathing.
firmly while
you replace
Remove and replace the mask
the strap
Remove and replace the mask underwater
This is yet another useful
skill to learn. It will help
you build up confidence
and it could come on
handy in many situa-
tions, such as when you
need to reposition your
mask strap, find a better
fit between mask and
hood or give a good
rinse to the lens. Before
you remove the mask it
is a good idea to flood it
so that your face get
used to the water. Take
your time, fill the mask
with water, then remove
the strap and move the
mask away from your
face, holding it tight in
your hand. Before you replace it, make sure it is the
right way up with the frame up and the nose down,
then place it on your face making sure the seal is
clear from hair and hood. Clear it as you have
already learned then replace the strap on your head.
6
You could swap these last two phases if you prefer.
139
If the mask does not empty all the way, just clear it
again. In order to replace correctly the mask I sug-
gest you to hold it with your hands, blow hard
through your nose moving it back and forth on your
face until you find the right fit.
Buoyancy variations using your breathing

Inflate underwater the BCD as to reach neutral
buoyancy and perform some level oscillations
through your breathing
During your dives you fill find out that the easiest
way to make small variations on your depth is to
use the volume of your lungs like so: you will move
up when their volume increases and down as it
decreases. You will hone these techniques during
the ESA Advanced Diver and Hover Diver courses,
however, now you will get the chance to start prac-
Tow your
ticing this very useful skill.
partner pul-
When your turn comes, lay flat on the bottom with
ling him
the BCD fully emptied and using the inflation but-
from the pil-
ton, start filling the BCD with short bursts of air. As
lar valve
soon as your upper body starts moving up, fully
empty your lungs. Now you should be able to move
up and down like a pendulum just by using your
lungs: when you inhale your upper
body goes up and when you exhale it
goes down. Remember to anticipate a
bit these movements as in the water
actions and reactions happen a little
slower than on dry land.
In water assistance to the dive partner

On the surface, simulate to help
your diver partner calming him
down, inflating his BCD, removing
a cramp and towing him for at
least 25 metres
Should your dive partner have a pro-
blem on the surface, you will probably
be the nearest person to him. By lear-
ning these simple techniques you will
always be ready to help. The drill
starts with your partner asking for help
using the conventional signal (waiving
both arms) and saying that he/she has a cramp on
one calf. You will first inflate your BCD so as to gain
a good positive buoyancy, while you talk to him
trying to calm him down. Once you get close, infla-
te his BCD as well (without overdoing it impeding
his breathing) and find out which leg he is having
140
the cramp on, then hold his ankle and gently press
the tip of his fin toward his body, stretching the
muscle. As soon as he will signal OK to you, you
will tow him for 25 metres, starting by pulling him
from the pillar valve, then pushing him from his legs
in a wheel barrel fashion. Whenever you have to
position your dive partner on his/her back, make
sure he is not breathing through the snorkel. At the
end of the 25 metres your Instructor will tell you to
swap roles and you will be now acting victim.
Weight belt removal

Unfasten and ditch the weight belt on the sur-
face
The quickest way to gain positive buoyancy on the
surface in a real emergency is to ditch the weigh
belt, letting it drop to the bottom. When told by the
As your
Instructor, unbuckle your weight belt and move it
partner
away from your body (making sure it is clear from
pulls your
the rest of your equipment), then either pass it to a
SCUBA set
member of the staff or drop it to the bottom. Just
up, help
remember that this is just a drill and that in some
him by pus-
pools or certain marine areas you are not allowed to
hing the
drop heavy objects to the bottom unless it is a real
tank up
emergency; your Instructor will illustrate to you the
best course of action.
Repetitions and fun

Exit
Take off the equipment using the partner
system and get out of the water

of the equipment
Debriefing
6
141
Briefing
Listen to the description of the activities and
ask questions if necessary
Equipment assembly
Assemble the regulator correctly, prepare fins,
mask and snorkel, wear the wet suit (if neces-
sary)
Entry
Enter the water with mask, fins and snorkel
working together with your dive partner
In some cases, such as a dive from a small dinghy
or from a crowded RIB, it is a good idea to first enter
the water and then dress the SCUBA and the weight
Pre-dive
belt. From whatever you are diving from (side of the
briefing
pool, gun whale of the boat, pontoon, etc.) you will
proceed like so: sit facing the water with your mask
and fins on breathing from your snorkel, place your
hands on your side and turn by 180° letting you
slowly drop into the water. You will use this techni-
que every time you will want to enter the water with
no gear on from a deck that is not too high up. If
you think that the water is too far down, use the
giant’s step or a ladder.
Wearing the equipment

Wear the SCUBA and the weight belt with the
help of your partner in deep water
Kitting up in the water can be a good option in
cases like the ones we just mentioned. To do so,
lower the SCUBA into the water with the BCD infla-
ted (so to make it float) and secure it to the boat
with a lanyard or ask someone to pass it down to
you after you have entered the water. Once you are
in the water, undo all the buckles and loosen up all
the straps and make sure that all the hoses are clear
and in the right place. Take the cylinder from the
boot and sit on it with your back level with the waist
strap of the BCD and balance on it. Now, slip your
arms inside the shoulder straps and slide down the
cylinder, still laying on your back. You should be
now floating face up with the BCD open below you.
Fasten all the buckles and straps adjusting them to
the right tension, making sure no hoses get caught
underneath them. Alternatively, you can wear it just
like it were a normal jacket and with the help of
your partner buckle up and adjust all the straps as
142
you have done in shallow water. Once the SCUBA
is on, ask for the weight belt and wear it making
sure again that no hoses get caught underneath.
Always grab the belt from the end with no buckle
so that there is no chance of the weights slipping
off. If you are using a harness type weight belt,
wear it before the SCUBA taking care to remove a
couple of weights from it that you will slip inside
the BCD pockets later.
In water equipment check

On the surface, check your partner’s equip-
ment making sure that it is correctly positioned
and that it works properly
Remember the safety sequence :
BCD - Pillar valve - Air - Weight belt - Spare
Regulator Function Test
Wearing
As you perform these checks, make sure you hold a
the SCUBA
steady position and don not drift off in a current.
in the
water with
Team up with your dive partner
your part-
Swim underwater with your partner, checking
ner’s help
each other’s content gauges and using the cor-
rect signals two times
As you well know by now, the dive partner system
is of paramount importance for our safety and
enjoyment. This is a chance to practice it and
emphasise its value. To perform this drill correctly
you and your partner will swim together in neutral
buoyancy. During this small underwater “tour” you
will use the “how much air have you got” and “OK”
signals at least twice each, giving each other the
answer to the question.
Underwater breathing without the mask

Breath underwater in shallow water with no
mask on (6 breaths in a steady position and 6
while swimming)
This exercise will help you gain confidence under-
water and will demonstrate to you that you can
easily stay underwater with no mask on.
Take your mask off on the surface in shallow water
and together with your partner (who is wearing the
mask) dive down. Breathe slowly and deeply for at
least six times relaxing and getting used to the water
in your eyes (keep them open if you are not wea-
ring contact lenses), then move away swimming and
breathing another six times, your dive partner will
guide you back to the starting point. Repeat the
6
exercise swapping roles. Remember not to breathe
143
through your nose, however you can expire through
it to keep it clear of water.
Treatment of cramps
Show how to deal with a cramp on your leg
during the dive
You have already practiced this exercise on your
partner’s leg, now you will do the same to your own
You can leg. Should you have a cramp during a dive, you
easily swim can get rid of it with this easy procedure, allowing
underwater you to continue your exploration without the need
with no to resurface.
mask on kee- At the Instructor’s signal you will have to bend your
ping your knee bringing it to your chest, then grab the tip of
eyes open your fin and slowly pull it toward you without jer-
king it, at the same time stretch the leg without for-
cing it.
Disconnection of the BCD LP inflation hose

Disconnect the LP inflation hose from the BCD
underwater, simulating the free flow of the
inflation system (blow up)
This is a very simple operation that could save the
day, should the inflation system on your BCD leak
or malfunction. Gently press the inflation button
simulating a free flow and with your other hand dis-
connect the LP inflation hose. Make sure you per-
form the drill only when your Instructor is well close
to you and can help you hold your position.
Buoyancy control inflating the BCD by mouth

Find neutral buoyancy inflating the BCD by
mouth
This exercise is the obvious follow up of the pre-
vious one. Should you have a problem with the
BCD inflation system, you can carry on your dive in
neutral buoyancy after you have disconnected the
inflation hose.
Hold the inflation system with one hand bringing it
close to your mouth and the regulator’s second
stage with the other. Take a deep breath, remove
the regulator from your mouth and blow part of the
air you hold in your lungs inside the BCD inflator,
whilst pressing the deflation button. Release the
pressure on the button just before you stop blowing
into the inflator. Remove the inflator from your
mouth and put the regulator back in, pressing the
purge button. Start breathing again making sure
there is no water left inside the second stage and
assess your buoyancy. Should you need to inflate
144
the BCD a little more, just repeat the procedure.
Now you will have to float neutrally mid-water
demonstrating that you have reached the correct
neutral buoyancy.
Repetitions and fun

Repeat the exercises under the staff’s supervi-
sion
You can get
Exit rid of a
Remove the equipment in deep cramp
water and, working together underwater
with your partner exit from the as you would
water on dry land
Sometimes, the only way to get out
of the water comfortably is by remo-
ving your gear in the water, passing
it up to the surface crew and then to
climb back up on the boat or pier
without the burden of weight and
cylinder on you. Firstly remove the
weight belt and pass it to the surfa-
ce assistant, always holding it from
the end with no buckle. It is a good
idea to do this while breathing from
the regulator. Once the belt is off
and safely stowed on board, unbuc-
kle and loosen the straps of your
BCD and remove it. Secure it to a
lanyard or pass it out. If you have to
climb up a ladder, wait for your turn
but do not hang around underneath
it while someone else is climbing
up. When the ladder is clear, hold
on to it, then remove your fins. If
you have to pull yourself up the side of the boat and
there is no ladder (just like on many RIB’s), keep
your fins on to help you whilst you pull yourself up
with your arms. Should you have problems, just ask
for help and someone aboard will give you a
“friendly pull up”.

of the equipment
Debriefing
6
145
Rinsing your
gear after a
dive is
always a
good practi-
ce
146
Briefing
Equipment assembly
mask and snorkel, wear the wet suit (if necessary)
Dressing-in
Wear the SCUBA and the weight belt with the
help of your partner in deep water
Once again, take advantage of your partner’s help!
Work one at the time helping each others out with
the gear and the balance. Before wearing the
SCUBA, make sure all the hoses are clear and laid
Always
properly, then loosen up all the straps. Wear the
remember
BCD/cylinder set as if it were a normal jacket slip-
to perform
ping in one arm at the time. If you are wearing
the pre-dive
instruments on your wrist (such as depth gauge or
check toge-
dive computer) or have a sleeve mounted dry suit
ther with
deflation valve, slip in first the arm with the valve
your part-
or the instruments. If you get the chance, use a
ner
bench or a step to rest the cylinder and, while your
partner holds it, sit down in front of it and slip your
arms in the shoulder straps. Once you have the
SCUBA on your back, fasten all the buckles and Velcro
straps and then pull them until you find the right fit.
Make sure all the accessories and hoses are in the right
place. Now slip your fins on and wear the mask.
Equipment check
Check your partner’s equipment making sure
that it is correctly positioned and that it works
properly
Remember the safety sequence : BCD - Pillar valve
- Air - Weight belt - Spare regulator - Function test
Entry
Enter the water backwards or as suggested by
the Instructor
If the conditions allow it, the Instructor will show
you a new way to enter the water: the backwards
entry. This is a useful technique when diving from
RIB’s or boats with a low gun whale. Once you are
fully dressed-in and checked, make sure the area
you will be diving in is clear of obstructions and the
water is deep enough, then sit on the side of the
6
boat facing away from the water. Gather all your
147
When you
gear in front of you or in between your legs (watch
remove your
out for torches with long lanyards, content gauge
weight belt,
and any other long hose) and make sure your BCD
never leave it
is properly inflated. With your mask on and the
regulator in your mouth, ask for the “all clear behind
me” and holding regulator and mask with on hand
let yourself fall back into the water. As you enter
the water breathe normally and let your BCD bring
you back to the surface, still holding your mask.
Once back on the surface signal “OK” to the
Diveleader, check your mask strap and clear the
entry area reaching your dive partner or waiting for
him at the anchor line. Should the characteristics of
the boat or the dive site not allow this type of entry,
your Instructor will indicate the most suitable way to
access the water and postpone this drill to a more
convenient time.
Emergency free swimming ascent simulation

Practice the emergency free swimming ascent
swimming horizontally and breathing out con-
tinuously
As you have learned, in the remote possibility of an
out of gas situation (which can be easily avoided
simply keeping a good eye on your content
gauge and staying close to your dive partner),
you can reach the safety of the surface from
a reasonable depth by the means of an
emergency free swimming ascent, that is by
simply swimming upwards blowing air out of
your lungs. Therefore, in order to be ready for
any situation we might encounter underwater, you
will have to practice this drill by swimming hori-
zontally (not upwards) after you have taken a deep
breath of air and then blowing it out of your mouth
as you swim. This will also show you how far you
can swim with only one breath of air. When told by
the Instructor take one deep breath then, holding
the BCD inflation device with one hand, swim away
blowing air out and looking straight in front of you
so as to stretch your neck (this helps keeping your
airways open). As you run out of air, breathe again
slowly to make sure you do not inhale any water
and look back to see how far you have gone. In the
case of a real emergency ascent you will be able to
go a lot further than swimming horizontally as the
gas in your lungs will expand as you swim upwards
toward the surface and the pressure decreases (the
gas in your lungs will, therefore, increase in volu-
me). During the drill, your Instructor will swim
148
When you
along with you, making sure you exhale conti-
take the
nuously. You can help him by making a quiet but
SCUBA off
constant vowel sound as you breathe out; this will
your back,
also help you control the amount of air you exhale.
keep it close
to you so as
Unfasten, remove and replace the weight belt
not to lose
Unfasten, remove and replace the weight belt
the regula-
underwater
tor off your
This exercise could become useful in the case you
mouth
need to remove part of the weights you are carrying
in your weigh belt. The only way to do so is by tem-
porarily removing your belt in order to take off
some of the weights, then replacing the belt. Grab
your belt from at the open end, unbuckle it and
remove it holding it away from your body as if you
had to ditch it but without dropping it nor resting it
on the ground, otherwise you will automatically
gain neutral buoyancy and will have trouble holding
your steady position on the bottom. At your
Instructor signal replace the belt around your waist
as if you were out of the water. It is always a good
idea to lean forward and rest the belt on your back
as you adjust the buckle. Try to work away with the
buckle with your eyes shut, it usually makes the
manoeuvre easier as you visualise the movements in
your head and let your fingers do the work. Do not
start the drill unless told to do so by the Instructor.
Remove and replace the SCUBA set

Remove and replace the SCUBA set underwater
without letting the regulator off the mouth
Familiarity with this procedure could help you in
case you had a leak at the pillar valve and first stage
connection and wanted to check it out. Besides,
this exercise will further your confidence and ability
in the water. Just remember, during the drill, do not
drop the regulator and before you start, fully empty
the BCD so as to gain the best negative buoyancy
you can. Kneel down on the bottom and keep your
legs spread in order to assume the most stable posi-
tion. Unfasten all the retaining straps of the BCD in
the waist and chest area, then loosen or release the
buckle on your left shoulder strap and pull your
arm out. Once the left arm is clear of the strap, grab
the right shoulder strap with your left hand and pull
the whole SCUBA around so that your right arm is
also clear and the cylinder is brought in front of you.
As you carry out the procedure, try to empty your
lungs as much as possible when you exhale to gain
6
even more stability (the more negative you are, the
149
more stable you will feel on the bottom) and keep
your SCUBA set close to you, like so, you will find
keeping the regulator firmly in your mouth much
easier. Now that your SCUBA is off, you can fasten
the buckle on the left shoulder strap and dress the
set as you would with a jacket (as you have done
before). Alternatively, you can leave the left shoul-
der strap open and, with the cylinder in front of
you, grab the corrugated inflation/deflation hose
and the top half of the shoulder strap with your right
hand, then, as you pull them over your head, slip
the right arm inside the shoulder strap (the one that
is still buckled). Once the SCUBA is on your back
again, fasten the open straps and adjust their ten-
sion. You will find this second technique handy
when wearing a dry suit (with valves on the left
arm) and you could also use it out of the water.
Once the SCUBA set is back on, make sure all the
hoses and straps are in the right place and clear of
entanglements.
Gas sharing - swimming

out of gas” and “I need gas”, take the spare regu-
lator off your dive partner (or Instructor),
empty it with the purge button then swim away
When sharing breathing 6 times slowly and deeply, maintai-
gas, find a ning contact with the gas sharing partner
normal brea- Firstly, signal to your partner that you are out of gas
thing rate and you need the his/her spare regulator. Find the
before you spare regulator and bring it to your mouth whilst
start swim- removing yours. Remember to blow small bubbles
ming and not to hold your breath. Make sure the spare
ensure there is no water left inside the regulator. As
you are now breathing from your partner’s cylinder,
you have to stay close together, holding each other
so not to lose contact with your air source. Once
you feel ready, swim away and take at least 6 deep
breaths of air, staying as close as possible to your
partner and keeping a neutral buoyancy. Exchange
the OK signal with your partner, go back breathing
from your regulator and swap position, now you will
be giving gas from your spare regulator. For a succes-
sful outcome of the drill you will need a good under-
standing with your partner; do not start swimming
until you have agreed to do so with clear signals.
150
Mask exchange with the dive partner
During the dive, exchange the mask with your
dive partner (or a staff member) and clear it,
repeat the exercise to have your mask back
The main purpose of this drill is to increase even
more your confidence and calmness underwa-
ter, however it could be useful in case you
wanted to try out your partner’s mask and
compare it with yours, maybe during a
boring safety stop.
When told by the Instructor, you and
your partner will remove your masks and
swap them. Place the mask on your face
making sure it is the right way up and
that there is no hair (or wet suit hood) in
between the seal and your face. Press
the top of the frame and blow through
your nose while looking up. Once
your partner has finished clearing
his/her mask as well, repeat the exer-
cise to get your mask back. Let me
remind you that if you are wearing a
mask with a purge valve, you should
press it against your face and look down
as you blow it clear.
Mask
Repetitions and fun exchange
Exit
Take off the equipment helping each other and
get out of the water

of the equipment
Debriefing
6
151
Briefing
Equipment assembly
mask and snorkel, wear the wet suit (if necessary)
Dressing–in for free diving

Dress-in for free diving working together with
your dive partner
Following your Instructor’s directions, wear all the
equipment you will need for free diving. Lighten up
your weight belt and leave the SCUBA set ready on
its side with the cylinder valve shut off.
Once you are
in the water
Weighting check
signal “OK” to
Make sure you have a slightly positive buo-
your partner
yancy
Whenever you go free diving you should be slightly
positive on the surface so as to make your surface
swimming and ascents as easy as possible. This will
make your descents a little harder but will greatly
increase your safety. You should float vertically with
the water surface at eye level and your lungs fully
emptied.
Entry
Enter the water dressed-in for free diving using
the dive partner system
Use the most suitable entry technique and follow
the Instructor’s directions. You should try to be as
quiet as possible without splashing about too much,
you could find a great school of fish just below you.
Surface flip-dive
Free dive 5 times using either the standard sur-
face flip or the collected one applying the dive
partner system
One of the most important rules in free diving is that
you should get the most out of the smallest effort.
That is why a good surface flip technique will
greatly improve your enjoyment and ability to dive
with the smallest effort.
From a horizontal position with your arms stretched
in front of you, bring your hands back as if you
were swimming breast stroke. At the same time
bend your waist pushing your head down while lif-
152
ting and stretching your legs up. Extend your arms
forward and take another breast stroke and equali-
se ears and mask. Relax and stay a little on the bot-
tom without forcing your breath-holding. You can
swim around while your dive partner follows you
from the surface. As you dive down, drop the snor-
kel off your mouth so that when you come up to the
surface you can breathe again normally as the snor-
kel gets emptied. Replace the snorkel in your mouth
and catch your breath. As soon as you are ready,
signal “OK” to your partner and let him dive follo-
wing from the surface. Repeat the exercise 5 times
exchanging roles.
Dressing-in and equipment check

Dress-in the SCUBA and check the equipment
using the dive partner system
Before you
You can chose to get kitted up straight in the water
descend,
or to get out and do it on dry land, according to the
exchange
different situations. As soon as you are ready inspect
an “OK”
each other’s gear making sure everything is at the
with your
right place and that is in good working order.
partner
Descent
Descent correctly with your dive partner
without resting on the bottom
Using this technique you will be able to dive even
in extremely fragile environments or where any con-
tact with the bottom could greatly jeopardize the
visibility. When ready tell your partner, place the
regulator in your mouth, check the time, signal
“OK”, deflate the BCD and equalise. As you
descend, inflate the BCD so as to be in neutral buo-
yancy at the desired depth. When the Instructor
signals the end of the exercise, descend a little more
and rest on the bottom.
Underwater pendulum
Using the BCD inflation device, find neutral
buoyancy and inspiring and exhaling air from
your lungs move your upper body up and down
with your fins (or other suitable part of your
body) touching the bottom
This is yet another exercise focused on your buo-
yancy control. It will improve your in water abilities
and your position control. The working principle of
this drill is the same as the one you performed
during the second delimited water training dive,
except that you will have to keep your fins touching
6
the bottom, then moving up and down with your
153
upper body only, as if your feet were the fulcrum
and your body the pendulum.
Lay down on the ground, grab the BCD inflation
device keeping one finger on the inflation button
and another on the deflation one so that you are
always ready to dump air out in case you gain too
much buoyancy. Spread your feet apart to be more
stable and start inflating the BCD with short bursts
of air. As you breathe in your upper body will move
up and as you exhale (with a certain promptness)
air out of your lungs it will go back down. Once you
find the right balance between the BCD upwards
pull and your breathing you will be moving up and
down like an horizontal pendulum. Anticipate your
breathing actions like so: breathe in before you
touch the ground and start exhaling as you are still
going upwards, remember that all actions are follo-
Repeating the
wed by reactions a lot slower underwater than on
exercises you
dry land. Carry on with the exercise until the
have already
Instructor stops you.
tried can be
very useful to
Assisted swimming
hone your
Swim on the surface for 25 metres using the
techniques
BCD as surface buoyancy device
This drill will be perfor-
med in deep water.
Remove the BCD from
your back and place it in
front of you, then take
off your weight belt and
rest it on top of the BCD
securing it to on of the
shoulder straps so as no
to drop it and lose it.
Now rest your chest on
top of the BCD and use
it as a swimming board,
kicking your feet to
swim for 25 metres. This
will be a valuable techni-
que to cover certain dis-
tances without tiring
yourself too much and
without ditching and
losing your weight belt
Repetitions and fun

Your Instructor will use up some of the time availa-
ble to let you repeat and practice the drills you have
154
just performed. Take advantage of this extra chance
to hone your skills and work on the ones you find
a little harder than the others so as to be more pre-
pared for your future open water dives. It will also
give a good chance to take a few shots of your
Instructor and course partners with a handy dispo-
sable underwater camera that you can carry inside
one of your BCD’s pockets.
Exit
Take off the equipment helping each
other and get out of the water

Disassemble the SCUBA and pro-
ceed to the care of
the equipment
Debriefing
At the end of the
training session,
make sure you
listen to the
Instructor’s sum-
mary, asking que-
stions if necessary
Congratulations!
Well done, now that you have gone through the
whole Unit, I’m sure you cannot wait to get yourself
straight into the water and put all this into practice.
As I have said to you before, you will soon find out
that most of these exercises are a lot easier to do than
you might think just by reading the manual, howe-
ver it is always good to first check them out on the
book so that the briefings will make a lot more sense
to you. So, do carry on with your readings, you will
find in the next Unit a lot of good tips to cruise
through your open water training dives...and besi-
des, this is one of the most fun parts of the whole
6
course!
155
UNIT 7
Open water dives
Now the time has come for you to put all you have
learnt during your course into practice. This will cer-
tainly be the most fun part of your training, you will
now get the chance to go out and do it for real…it’s
open water time ! Your Instructor and his staff will
give you all the help and support you need to enjoy
this fantastic experience as much as possible in com-
plete safety. Once again, if you listen to their sugge-
stions and try to put them into practice, you will find
everything easier. Besides helping you to build up
your confidence even more, the purpose of this unit
is to further your abilities as a good dive partner, in
order to possibly become “the ideal dive partner”,
that is why many drills you will have to perform are
based on the partner system.
Another target of this final unit is to help you gain
even more awareness of the underwater environ-
ment. As a visitor of the undersea realm you should
behave like a grateful guest and act with respect;
work on your buoyancy control and move as gently
in this delicate world as if you were in a china shop!
During the open water dives your Instructor will
not demonstrate to you the exercises you have
already successfully performed during the deli-
mited water training, he will give you indica-
tions on what to do either using conventional
signals or an underwater slate, so pay particu-
lar attention during the pre-dive briefing.
As you know, in order to achieve the New Diver
certificate level, you will have to complete two
open water dives, alternatively, if you are aiming
at the top, the Open Water Diver certificate, the dives
will be four and the fun even more! It goes without
saying that in order to complete a valid training dive
you will have to perform successfully all the exercises
indicated by the training objectives. Most of these are
drills that you have already practiced during the
delimited water dives and they will probably seem
even easier now. By reading through this unit you
will know in advance what you and your Instructor
will soon be doing, you will thus be more prepared
for your next appointment with the sea!
156
Open Water Dive 1
7
Briefing
At this stage of your training the pre-dive briefing is
extremely important, besides anything else because
going back up to the
surface every time you
need an explanation is
definitely not very con-
venient. It is a lot easier
if you listen to your
Instructor before you get
into the water, then put
his advices into practice,
carry out your drills and
gain as much time as
possible for your under-
water explorations. The
Instructor will explain to
you exactly what you
will be asked to do once
in the water, so interrupt
whatever you might be
doing an d listen care- During the
fully. Don’t be shy, ask pre-dive
questions if you find something is a little less clear briefing we
than it should be, Instructor and Diveleader will be agree on
happy to help. what and
how we will
Equipment preparation do during
Correctly prepare all the necessary dive equip- the dive
ment
Firstly, check your BCD by inflating it by mouth to
make sure the flotation bladder has no punctures
and that the overpressure valves work correctly.
Then connect the BCD to the cylinder using the
cam-lock system (some manufacturers use different
systems but the working principles are common to
most) making sure to pull it tight. It is always a good
idea to wet the cam-lock straps so to prevent the
cylinder from slipping out once you get into the
water (dry straps tend to stretch once they get wet).
Double check the tightness of the connection by lif-
ting the cylinder from the BCD handle and shaking
it. It is also very important that you set the height
of the BCD over the cylinder correctly so not to
have the pillar valve banging against the back of
your head.
157
Take the DV set by the first stage and place it
against the pillar valve making sure is correctly
orientated, that is with the main regulator coming
over your right shoulder with the exhaust whiskers
facing down and the BCD inflation hose coming
over your left shoulder. If you are using an INT type
pillar valve, make sure the O-ring in it is clean and
in good condition, then place the first stage filter
A very seat over the O-ring groove and secure it in position
important by screwing in the A-clamp making sure it is grip-
part of the ping well in its own seat at the back of the pillar
pre-dive valve. If, on the other hand, you are dealing with a
checks is the DIN type pillar valve, make sure the O-ring is in its
gas supply own seat inside the first stage of the DV and that
check there is no dirt over it, then place the DV’s male
thread over the female seat on the pillar valve and
screw it on all the way.
Once you have your DV properly secured to the pil-
lar valve, connect the inflation hose to the BCD
inflation/deflation device. You are now ready to
open up the gas from the cylinder: turn the valve
slowly anticlockwise keeping the purge button of the
second stage pressed and making sure the content
gauge dial is not facing you. As soon as air starts
coming out of the second stage, release the pressure
on the ourge button. Only once the whole DV has
been pressurised turn the content gauge over and
read the pressure to make sure your cylinder is filled
to the required pressure. Check the system for leaks.
Set the straps of your fins and mask to the correct
length and keep them at hand. Apply some anti fog
liquid over the inner side of your mask’s visor and,
since it is a handy tool to have at all times, place the
snorkel on the left hand side of the mask strap.
Dressing-in
or dive partner.
If the characteristics of the site allow it, the
Instructor will ask you either to wear all the equip-
ment out of the water, or will tell you how to pro-
ceed. You may wear the weight belt fist, making
sure the buckle and strap are clear and ready to
open should you need to ditch it. Wear the equip-
ment with your dive partner, working one at time
while the other helps to keep your balance. Before
wearing the SCUBA, make sure all the hoses are
clear and laid properly, then loosen up all the
straps. Wear the BCD/ cylinder set as if it was a
normal jacket slipping in one arm at the time. If you
158
are wearing instruments on your wrist (such as
depth gauge or dive computer) or have a sleeve
7
mounted dry suit deflation valve, slip in first the arm
with the valve or the instruments. Once you have
the SCUBA on your back, fasten all the buckles and
straps and then pull them until you find the right fit.
Make sure all the accessories and hoses are in the
right place, then wear fins and mask.
If you are
Equipment check wearing the
Carry out a pre dive check on your partner’s right
gear amount of
Once you are both fully dressed-in make sure that weights,
all the hoses are in the right place and clear of you should
obstructions, that the spare second stage is easily float with
identifiable and accessible, that the weight belt can an empty
be easily and promptly ditched in case of need. BCD with
Double check the correct opening of the cylinder’s the water
valve and verify its content by watching the dial on level with
the content gauge as you press the purge button on your eyes
the regulator: when the valve is fully open the dial
on the gauge mustn’t move as you breathe or purge
the regulator and must read the correct pressure
necessary for your dive. Also check the BCD and
dry suit inflation and deflation system and the cor-
rect position of the masks.
Entry
Enter the water following the Instructor’s direc-
tions
Enter the water wearing all the equipment. The
Instructor will indicate to you the most suitable tech-
nique to use. If you still have not practice it, either
the Instructor or the Diveleader will demonstrate it
to you. However, no matter which technique you
use, there are a few things that you have to bear in
mind a t all times: all your gear must be correctly
worn, your partner must be ready as well, the entry
point must be suitably deep and clear of obstruc-
tions, before you enter the water you must ask for
an OK from a staff member and your BCD must be
properly inflated. As you drop into the water, keep
all the equipment collected with one hand so as to
prevent snatchings, with the other hand hold your
mask and regulator. As you come back up to the
surface, signal OK, check your mask strap and clear
the area moving toward the meeting point (usually
the anchor line). Wait for your partner and the other
divers breathing from your snorkel or, should the
conditions require it, from your regulator.
159
Weighting check.
Make sure you are wearing the right amount of
weights
In order to achieve the bests results with your buo-
yancy, which is one of the most important skills in
diving, you have to find the most suitable weighting
for you. In water that is deep enough, try to deflate
the BCD completely, hold a normal breath and don’t
move, you should float vertically with your eyes at
surface level. If not add or remove weight until you
reach a correct buoyancy.
At the beginning you might have a few problems
finding the right negative buoyancy to begin your
descent and to comfortably rest on the bottom, your
ESA Instructor and his staff will help you to get over
Partial mask
Dive
flooding
Perform a controlled descent together with
your dive partner, keeping either direct contact
with the descent line or close visual contact
with the slope you are following (depth 4/6
metres)
changes in pressure. Your Instructor will decide
whether to descend along the anchor line or follo-
wing the sloping seafloor.
Upon receiving the “OK” signal from your dive
partner deflate your BCD and start the descent equa-
lising ears and mask. If you are using the anchor
line, hold on to it at all times (even during the pre-
dive phase) and descend in a vertical position with
your head up. If you are following the seafloor pro-
file (like you would on many shore dives), simply
swim along the bottom. As you go down keep con-
trol of your buoyancy by slowly inflating your BCD.
Try to control the movements of your fins lifting litt-
le or no suspended particles, especially when you
come to rest on the bottom. Remember to equalize
your ears and mask frequently well before you start
feeling any pain.
160
Mask clearing
Flood (partially) and clear the mask underwater
7
As you already know during your dives water could
possibly find its way inside your mask and this only
works as a valuable visor when empty. To flood
your mask slightly lift the top edge of the seal and
let water seep in blowing gently through your nose.
To clear the mask take a deep breath of air through
your mouth, then blow it out through your nose
pressing with a hand on the top of the mask’s frame
and looking up. If your mask has a purge valve fol-
low the same procedure but look down instead. Try
to keep your eyes open and you will get an idea of
what is going on around you (even though the pic-
ture will be a bit blurred). However, if you wear
contact lenses keep your eyes shut so not to lose
them.
An
Instructor
Underwater exploration
guides two
Using the partner system explore the surroun-
couples of
ding environment under the Instructor’s
novice
supervision
divers on
This phase of your first open water dive is entirely
their first
focused on your own enjoyment. You are surely
exploration
thrilled and you can now
get the chance to free
your exploration instinct.
However, you mustn’t
forget that as recreatio-
nal divers we also have
responsibilities and
duties we have to fulfil.
So, get the right coordi-
nation with your partner
so as not to get separa-
ted, swim side by side
and always follow your
Instructor and his staff’s
directions. Take the
chance to practice your
hand signals and work
on your buoyancy con-
trol. You don’t have to
go great distances, the
seafloor is covered by thousands of different intere-
sting “little bits” you can discover and observe. Get
the right “feel” for the water and your position insi-
de it. Keep the BCD’s inflation/deflation device
handy so that you are always ready to dump air
should you feel yourself going up. During this first
161
tour your depth may vary so remember to equalize
as you go down and dump air as you move up.
Don’t forget that the BCD can be deflated only if the
deflation valve is facing upwards. Well, other than
that, there is nothing much to say a part from enjoy!
Instruments’ check
Frequently check both content and depth gauge
Ascent As you have already learnt, our dives are regulated
along by a well defined set of depth and time limits and
a line nonetheless by our gas supply. In order to avoid
annoying out of gas situations and to reach excessi-
ve depths we have to monitor continuously our
instruments. During the dive you will be frequently
asked by both Instructor and Diveleader what your
gauge reading is. You will have to check and answer
correctly, so if your pressure reading is 80 bar, use
your fingers to indicate the number 8, if the reading
is 40 bar, indicate the number 4 and so on. Every
time you check your content gauge, check your
depth as well.
Ascent
Ascend along the line respecting the right
ascent speed
In order to terminate your dive, you will inevitably
have to ascend to the surface! To avoid DCI and
damages to your lungs, it is of paramount impor-
tance that you respect the correct ascent speed indi-
cated by your tables and instruments. If your tables
indicate a maximum ascent speed of 15 metres per
minute but your computer says 9 metres, it goes
without saying that 9 metres per minute will be
your speed. Moreover, as you near the surface the
expansion rate of the gas inside your body will
increase, so you should slow down even more. If
you want to make sure to be in control of your
speed, ascend in an upright position, with your
head up and holding the BCD control device in
your hand ready to dump air. When you are ready
to leave bottom, signal to your partner and make
sure he is ready too. Then, take the BCD control
device in your hand and starting from a neutrally
buoyant position slowly make your way up looking
upwards. Stay level with your dive partner, close to
the ascent line and dump air from the BCD as you
go up to slow down. Remember you must never
hold your breath and my personal suggestion is to
be slightly negative in the last few metres and pull
yourself up the ascent line. As soon as you reach the
162
surface, inflate your BCD and if all is well, signal OK
to the surface staff or Instructor. Stay close to the
7
boat, follow the crew’s directions and should the
current be strong, hold on tight to the line.
Surface buoyancy
Correctly adjust the BCD in order to float com-
fortably on the surface
You will use this skill every time you will go diving,
while you wait for the rest of the group to gather at
the anchor line or for your turn to climb the ladder
and get back on the dive boat.
On the surface, in deep water, adjust the pressure
inside your BCD to go from a very positive buo-
yancy to a neutral one, that is when you will float
with the water at your eye level without finning nor
moving your arms. During the drill breathe normally
As soon as
through the regulator or the snorkel.
you reach
the surface
Exit
inflate your
Exit from the water with the technique outlined
BCD so as
by the Instructor
to float
Whenever you have to climb a ladder to get back on
comfortably
the boat, remember to wait for your turn holding on
to the line that has been set for this purpose in a
positively buoyant position. Never stop under the
ladder when someone else is climbing it. Remove
your fins and/or equipment only when you are hol-
ding on to the ladder, then climb up carefully facing
the ladder taking one step at the time all the way up.
As soon as you are on board sit down and follow
the crew’s directions. If you have to climb up a
small vessel with no gear on, remember to remove
and pass on the weight belt first, then the SCUBA,
which can be either secured to a lanyard or passed
on. You may want to keep your fins on as they
could be useful to get a better push up. If you exit
point is on the shore, swim in as much as possible,
then remove your fins and walk out helping (and
being helped by) your dive partner. In a surf it is a
good idea to crawl out on all fours breathing from
the regulator or if the bottom is rough you may walk
backwards with your fins on. The staff will give you
all the necessary directions and should you have to
use a technique you are yet not familiar with, they
will demonstrate it to you.

of the equipment
163
As you have practiced during the delimited water
dives after every dive you will have to take your
gear a part and rinse it. In order to remove the regu-
lator from the pillar valve you will have to shut the
cylinder valve off and purge the air out of the
system pressing the purge button on the second
stage. When the pressure inside the regulator has
Recording
been relieved you can unscrew it off the pillar valve
your dives
making sure no water enters it. That is why is so
on a logbook
important that you replace the (previously) dried
proves your
protective cap as soon as possible. Take off the BCD
experience
releasing the fastening system (cam lock) and rest
and helps
the cylinder in a horizontal position or put it back in
you remem-
its rack.
ber many
The best thing would be to dip the assemble equip-
particulars
ment straight away in a tank of clean
fresh water. If this is not possible,
store the gear back in your kit bag and
rinse it whenever possible. Take care
of all your gear, including fins, mask,
suit, weight belt and instruments.
Remember that on a boat you will be
working in a confined space, so try to
keep your gear tidy and stow it away as
soon as possible.
Debriefing
Listen to the Instructor’s com-
ments
Here is yet another chance to improve
knowledge and increase your abilities!
Interrupt whatever you might be
doing and listen carefully to the
Instructor’s comments and sugge-
stions. You will learn useful tips and
tricks of the trade. As usual, feel free to ask que-
stions.
Dive validation
Log the dive and have it signed by the
Instructor
Log your dive! In the specific case this is necessary
to validate and confirm your dive as part of your
Open Water Diver training course. Write down all
the relevant information, also add notes on the wea-
ther and sea conditions, temperature and any other
comment you might want to remember. Remember
to have your log book signed by your Instructor and
ask for any validation stamp or sticker you could pu
on it.
164
Open Water Dive 2
7
Briefing
Equipment assembly
Correctly assemble your equipment
Entry from
Dressing-in a RIB
or dive partner
Equipment check
Carry out a pre dive check on your partner’s
gear
Use the “Buying
Popcorn And Whisky
Sets you Free” trick to
remember the sequence
Entry
Enter the water follo-
wing the Instructor’s
directions
Weighting check.
Make sure you are
wearing the right
amount of weights
In order to achieve the
bests results with your
buoyancy, which is one
of the most important
skills in diving, you have
to find the most suitable
weighting for you. In water that is deep enough, try
to deflate the BCD completely, hold a normal breath
and don’t move, you should float vertically with
your eyes at surface level. If not add or remove
weight until you reach a correct buoyancy. At the
beginning you might have a few problems finding
the right negative buoyancy to begin your descent
and to comfortably rest on the bottom, your ESA
Instructor and his staff will help you to get over
Surface swimming
Swim on the surface for 50 metres with all the
equipment on
Your Instructor will set the distances and you and
165
your partner will have to swim together and in a
straight line. Remember not to use your arms, keep
your face in the water and use the sea floor for refe-
rence. Every once in while stick your head out of
the water to make sure you are going in the right
direction. Use your snorkel to save up air, but if the
weather conditions require it, don’t hesitate to brea-
the from the regulator. Make sure your buoyancy is
good and keep a pace suitable to the slowest diver
avoiding overexertion.
Snorkel/regulator exchange
Exchange the snorkel with the regulator on the
surface for at least 5 times
We have already considered the value of this exer-
cise, this is yet another chance to practice it. Get
used to exchanging snorkel and regulator keeping
To clear the
your face in the water so that you can keep a con-
snorkel just
stant eye on your dive partners or the massive
blow hard
school of fish you might be surrounded by. In order
into it
to empty the snorkel you will have to blow hard
inside it like you would with a blow pipe. Your
Instructor might ask you to carry out this drill during
the surface swimming exercise.
Holding the line descent

In pair, descend correctly keeping direct con-
tact with the descent line (4/6 metres)
changes in pressure. It is therefore important to
practice all those control techniques necessary to
the good outcome of your dives.
with your head up.
Relax and let yourself drop towards the bottom
remembering that to speed up the start of your
descent you have to exhale deeply and fully empty
your lungs. As you go down keep control of your
buoyancy by slowly inflating your BCD. As you near
166
the bottom your descent should be so slow as to let
you gently come to a rest on the bottom, without
7
the need to move your fins and hands lifting little or
no suspended particles off the bottom. These exer-
cise will be repeated several times as well as the
ascent one.
During these phase it is very important that you stay
together with your dive partner making sure you
are both doing the same thing so that you can check
on each others. This will greatly improve your
enjoyment. Should you have any problem, stop your
descent or should your partner stop, wait with him
and be ready to help.
Regulator recovery and clearance

Drop, recover and clear the regulator
Firstly, as you did before, take a deep breath, then
Your first
take the regulator off your mouth and throw it
explora-
behind your back. Recover the regulator, place it in
tions
your mouth and clear it. You may lean over the
during the
regulator’s side with your trunk so to make the hose
course are
and second stage dangle from that side, now move
good sam-
your arm back along the thigh and hip stretching it
ples of your
all the way, then bring it back in a semicircular
future dives
manner. Like so you will have “hooked” the regula-
tor’s hose, use the other hand to find it and replace
it back in your mouth. Remember to blow bubbles
and to empty the regulator as you have tried befo-
re, if you don’t find it, don’t forget that your spare
second stage is always handy!
Underwater exploration in neutral buoyancy

Under the Instructor’s supervision explore the
surrounding environment with your partner
avoiding any interference with the ecosystem
Keep on improving your techniques while enjoying
a fun dive! Before you start, find the correct neutral
buoyancy, gradually inflating your BCD. When you
notice that breathing in you start moving up slowly,
you should be neutrally buoyant. Use your brea-
thing to adjust your position and try to stay still mid
water until you receive the OK signal from your
Instructor, then start swimming in the direction he
will be indicating. Try as much as you can not to
touch the bottom and be ready to dump air off the
BCD if you feel you are getting too buoyant. Stay
close to your dive partner and exchange frequent
“OK’s”. don’t forget to move slowly keeping the slo-
west one’s speed. This is a good chance to discover
something new! Try not to pick anything up from
167
the bottom (the souvenir hunting temptation!) and
pay attention to any variation in depth: if you go
down remember to equalize and if you go up to let
air out of the BCD to compensate for the increased
volume of the gas.
When you As you have already learnt, our dives are regulated
clear the by a well defined set of depth and time limits and
mask, look nonetheless by our gas supply. In order to avoid
up, it will annoying out of gas situations and to reach excessi-
make it ve depths we have to monitor continuously our
easier instruments. During the dive you will be frequently
depth as well.
Mask clearing
Flood and clear the mask underwater
As you already know during your dives water could
possibly find its way inside your mask and this only
works as a valuable visor when empty. To flood
your mask slightly lift the top edge of the seal and
let water seep in blowing gently through your nose.
To clear the mask take a deep breath of air through
your mouth, then blow it out through your nose
pressing with a hand on the top of the mask’s frame
and looking up. If your mask has a purge valve fol-
low the same procedure but look down instead. Try
to keep your eyes open and you will get an idea of
what is going on around you (even though the pic-
ture will be a bit blurred). However, if you wear con-
tact lenses keep your eyes shut so not to lose them.
Gas sharing
out of gas” and “I need gas”, take the spare
regulator off your dive partner (or Instructor),
empty it with the purge button and breathe 5
times slowly and deeply, maintaining contact
with the gas sharing partner
If you follow the instructions I gave you previously
and always check your content gauge, you will pro-
bably never need to put this exercise into practice.
However, should you inadvertently run out of gas,
168
maybe in front of a truly breath taking scenery, here
is how you should respond to such a situation.
7
Firstly, signal to your partner that you are out of gas
and you need the his/her spare regulator. Find the
spare regulator and bring it to your mouth whilst
removing yours. Remember to blow small bubbles
and not to hold your breath. Make sure the spare
ensure there is no water left inside the regulator.
As you are now breathing from your partner’s
cylinder, you have to stay close together,
holding each other so not to lose contact
with your air source. Take 5 deep and
slow breaths, then ask your Instructor to
terminate the drill. Exchange the OK
signal with your partner, go back
breathing from your regulator and
swap position, now you will be
giving gas from your spare regula-
tor.
Gas sharing ascent

Perform a correct gas sha-
ring ascent with your dive
partner (minimum depth
5 metres)
At the end of the last
exercise, the Instructor
will ask you to perform a gas sharing
ascent, so start by exchanging the “OK” and “let’s go
up” signals, then holding on to each others tight and
keeping in contact with the ascent line (you can
Gas sharing
keep it in between you and your partner), start
using your
moving up with the BCD control device well in your
partner’s regu-
hands. If necessary carry out the safety stop at 5
lator is easy
metres for 3 minutes sharing your gas. As soon as
and reassuring
you reach the surface inflate your BCD’s still holding
on to each others. If you are acting the out of gas
diver inflate it by mouth, otherwise use the inflation
button.
In water assistance to the dive partner

On the surface, simulate to help your diver
partner calming him down, inflating his BCD,
removing a cramp and towing him for at least
25 metres
Should your dive partner have a problem on the sur-
face, you will probably be the nearest person to
169
him. By learning these simple techniques you will
always be ready to help. The drill starts with your
partner asking for help using the conventional signal
(waiving both arms) and saying that he/she has a
cramp on one calf. You will first inflate your BCD so
as to gain a good positive buoyancy, while you talk
to him trying to calm him down. Once you get
close, inflate his BCD as well (without overdoing it
impeding his breathing) and find out which leg he
is having the cramp on, then hold his ankle and
gently press the tip of his fin toward his body, stret-
ching the muscle. As soon as he will signal OK to
you, you will tow him for 25 metres, starting by pul-
ling him from the pillar valve, then pushing him
from his legs in a wheel barrel fashion. Whenever
you have to position your dive partner on his/her
In order to back, make sure he is not breathing through the
remove the snorkel. At the end of the 25 metres your Instructor
regulator will tell you to swap roles and you will be now
from the acting victim.
valve,first
you have to Weight belt removal
release all Unfasten and ditch the weight belt on the surface
the pressure The quickest way to gain positive buoyancy on the
inside it surface in a real emergency is to ditch the weigh
belt, letting it drop to the bottom. When told by the
Instructor, unbuckle your weight belt and move it
away from your body (making sure it is clear from
the rest of your equipment), then either pass it to a
member of the staff or drop it to the bottom. Just
remember that this is just a drill and that in some
pools or certain marine areas you are not allowed to
drop heavy objects to the bottom unless it is a real
emergency; your Instructor will illustrate to you the
best course of action.
Exit
Exit from the water with the technique outlined
by the Instructor

of the equipment
Debriefing
Listen to the Instructor’s comments
Dive validation
Instructor
170
Open Water Dive 3
7
Briefing
Conditions evaluation
Take part to the Instructor’s environmental
conditions evaluation
Environmental conditions play a key role in the good
planning of a dive. Conditions suitable to experien-
ced divers could prove prohibitive for a novice diver,
therefore great care must be taken when evaluating
all the different options before a dive. Normal wor-
king conditions for a dive centre could turn into a
harsh experience for a couple of inexperienced
divers moving on their own. That is why you should
The giant’s
start taking into consideration all these different
step: legs
aspects listening carefully to your Instructor’s expla-
must be clo-
nation and evaluation of the actual environmental
sed once you
conditions
touch the
water
Equipment assembly
necessary)
Entry
Enter the water with mask, fins and snorkel
In some cases, such as a dive from a small dinghy
or from a crowded RIB, it is a good idea to first enter
the water and then dress the SCUBA and the weight
belt. From whatever you are diving from you will
proceed like so: sit facing the water with your mask
and fins on breathing from your snorkel, place your
hands on your side and turn by 180° letting you
slowly drop into the water. You will use this techni-
que every time you will want to enter the water with
no gear on from a deck that is not too high up. If
you think that the water is too far down, use the
giant’s step or a ladder. If your entry point is on the
shore, use the same procedure you used during
your first delimited water dive. According with the
different access situations the Instructor will indica-
te the most suitable technique to use.
In-water dressing-in
Dress SCUBA and weight belt in deep water
Place the SCUBA set in the water securing it to the
boat with a lanyard (make sure the BCD is suitably
inflated). Alternatively you could ask a member of
171
the crew or your dive partner to pass it down to you
once you are in the water, then wear the SCUBA set
and the weight belt remembering to work together
with your dive partner. As soon as you are set, start
breathing from the snorkel or the regulator. Wear
the SCUBA first, then the weight belt.
Weighting check.
Descent Make sure you are wearing the right amount of
along weights
a line
In-water equipment check
Carry out an in-water pre dive check on your
partner’s gear
Use the “Be Prepared and Wise on Safety
Test” trick to remember the sequence
Dive along a descent line

Perform a controlled descent toge-
ther with your dive partner, using
the descent line as a reference
(depth 4/9 metres)
Carry out this manoeuvre as you did in
the previous dive, trying not to pull
yourself down the line but simply
using it as a reference.
Start by exchanging the “let’s go
down” signal with your partner, place
the regulator in your mouth and brea-
the, make sure your dive partner does
the same, check that your computer is
switched on and set the timer, hold the
BCD inflation/deflation system and
verify that your partner is ready to
descend, exchanging with him the
“OK” signal.
Upon receiving the “OK” signal from
your dive partner deflate your BCD
and start the descent equalising ears
and mask. Descend in a vertical posi-
tion with your head up fully emptying
your lungs to help you start the descent.
Gradually inflate your BCD with small bursts
of air so as not to become too negative. Try to
control the movements of your fins lifting little or
no suspended particles, especially when you come
to rest on the bottom. Remember to equalize your
ears and mask frequently well before you start fee-
ling any pain.
172
Buoyancy control inflating the BCD by mouth
Find neutral buoyancy inflating the BCD by
7
mouth
Should you have a problem with the BCD inflation
system, you can carry on your dive in neutral buo-
yancy, thus wasting little or no energy and preser-
ving the environment, after you have disconnected
the inflation hose.
Hold the inflation system with one hand bringing it
close to your mouth and the regulator’s second Don’t touch
stage with the other. Take a deep breath, remove anything:
the regulator from your mouth and blow part of the creatures
air you hold in your lungs inside the BCD inflator, such as this
whilst pressing the deflation button. Release the crynoid
pressure on the button just before you stop blowing could break
into the inflator. Remove the inflator from your very easily
mouth and put the regulator back in, pressing the
purge button. Start breathing again making sure
there is no water left inside the second stage and
assess your buoyancy. Should you need to inflate
the BCD a little more, just repeat the procedure.
Now you will have to float neutrally mid-water
demonstrating that you have reached the correct
neutral buoyancy.
Underwater exploration in neutral buoyancy

volume of the gas.
173
Emergency
free swim-
Mask removal and replacement
ming ascent
Take off your mask, complete 3 breathing
cycles, replace the mask on your face and clear
it
Once again a useful exercise that will
help you deal with those little pro-
blems you might run into during a
dive. Should your mask strap break,
for instance, you will be able to deal
with the problem taking the mask off
and either fixing it yourself or with
your partner’s help. Flood the mask
slowly, lifting the top edge of the seal
and letting water in, then remove it
breathing through your mouth only
and if necessary breathing out through
your nose to keep it clear of water. Try
to keep your eyes open, unless you
are wearing contact lenses and make 3
complete breathing cycles, signal “OK”
to the Instructor, then replace the
mask on your face, making sure there
is no hair nor hood between your
skin and the mask’s seal. Now, clear
the mask breathing out of your nose
while holding the top of the mask’s
frame and looking up. Masks fitted
with a purge valve should be cleared
looking down.
Emergency free swimming ascent

Carry out a correct simulated
emergency free swimming ascent
from a depth of 5/9 metres, orally
inflating the BCD once on the sur-
face
We mentioned this technique when
we dealt with emergencies in Unit 3. If
you are out of gas and your partner is
too far away to help you could resort
to this method to reach the safety of
the surface. Sure enough, if you keep a good eye on
your content gauge and stay close to your dive part-
ner, you will never need to put this drill into real
practice! However knowing that in the worst case
scenario you can get out of a sticky situation with an
emergency free swimming ascent will greatly increa-
174
se your comfort and confidence underwater.
Place yourself in the spot chosen by your Instructor
7
and, after his “OK” and when you are ready, take a
deep breath and start moving toward the surface
exhaling the excess air continuously. Keep your air
ways well open looking up and lift the BCD control
device and be ready to dump air out of it to control
your speed. As you near the surface, lift your other
arm up as well for protection. Once on the surface,
inflate the BCD by mouth. To control the amount of
air you breath out on your way up (not too little and
not too much!) you can make a quiet vowel sound
as if you breath out too quickly you might run out
of air before you reach the surface. That is why you
must always keep the regulator in your mouth, and
should this be the case, breath in again and ask the
Instructor to repeat the drill. Even in a real emer-
gency ascent, always keep the regulator in your When you
mouth as you might always get some gas out of it as remove the
the environmental pressure decreases on the way weight belt
up. make sure
you don’t
De-kitting on the surface lose its
Remove the weight belt in deep water and pass weights
it out to the surface crew, take off
the SCUBA and secure it to its lan-
yard by the boat
Firstly remove the weight belt and
pass it to the surface assistant, always
holding it from the end with no buc-
kle. It is a good idea to do this while
breathing from the regulator. Once the
belt is off and safely stowed on board,
unbuckle and loosen the straps of
your BCD and remove it. Secure it to
the proper lanyard. During this opera-
tion try to keep a steady point by the
boat or the dive buoy, in the case of
strong currents hold on the boat so as
not to drift away. If your BCD has an
integrated weight system, it is com-
mon and polite practice to remove the
weight off it and pass them on to the
crew before they lift up the whole
SCUBA and weights set!
Exit
Exit the water with no equipment on
If you have to climb up a ladder, wait for your turn
but do not hang around underneath it while
175
someone else is climbing up. When the ladder is
clear, hold on to it, then remove your fins. If you
have to pull yourself up the side of the boat and
there is no ladder (just like on many RIB’s), keep
your fins on to help you whilst you pull yourself up
with your arms. Should you have problems, just ask
for help and someone aboard will give you a
“friendly pull up”.

of the equipment
Debriefing
Listen to the Instructor’s comments
To get out of
Dive validation
water while
using your
Instructor
arms, a fin
stroke helps
to make it
easier
176
Open water dive 4
7
Briefing
Equipment assembly
necessary)
Dressing-in
Dress-in with your partner’s help
Equipment check
Carry out a pre dive check on your partner’s
gear
Always
Use the “Be Prepared and Wise on Safety Test” trick
carry out a
to remember the sequence
pre-dive
check
Entry
Enter the water using the technique indicated
by the Instructor
Weighting check.
Make sure you are wearing the
right amount of weight.
Dive along a descent line

Perform a controlled descent toge-
ther with your dive partner, kee-
ping either direct contact with the
descent line (depth 4/6 metres)
Carry out this manoeuvre as you did in
the previous dive, trying not to pull
yourself down the line but simply
using it as a reference.
Start by exchanging the “let’s go
down” signal with your partner, place
the regulator in your mouth and brea-
the, make sure your dive partner does
the same, check that your computer is
switched on and set the timer, hold the
BCD inflation/deflation system and
with your head up fully emptying your lungs to help
177
you start the descent. Gradually inflate your BCD
with small bursts of air so as not to become too
negative. Try to control the movements of your fins
lifting little or no suspended particles, especially
when you come to rest on the bottom. Remember to
equalize your ears and mask frequently well befo-
re you start feeling any pain.
Mid-water neutral buoyancy

Reach a neutrally buoyant position using the
BCD’s inflation device and stay still mid-water
(without moving hands nor fins) until the
Instructor’s end of exercise signal
As you well know by now, good buoyancy control
is a key stone in fun Scuba diving. For instance, you
will be allowed on certain dives in particularly deli-
cate areas only if you can prove to your guides that
A good buo-
yancy con-
your buoyancy control has become second nature
trol will for you! And besides, your efforts and gas con-
allow you to sumption will greatly decrease once you have
“fly” in the mastered this technique. So, here is yet another
water like a chance to hone your skills and have fun.
seagull does When the Instructor asks you to try the exercise
in the air gradually inflate your BCD with small bursts of air
using the inflation button. When you notice that
breathing in you start moving up slowly, you should
be neutrally buoyant. Use your breathing to adjust
your position and try to stay still mid water until you
receive the OK signal from your Instructor. As
usual, it’s a good idea to keep the BCD? Adjustment
device in your hand so as to be always ready to
make small adjustments, especially if you feel that
you are moving up too much. Try to work with your
breathing as much as possible, remembering to anti-
cipate your movements as the action and reaction
times are slower underwater. Now relax and try to
“feel” your position in the water, it is now time to
prove that you can be a good “environmentally
friendly” diver!
Underwater exploration
178
7
volume of the gas.
The com-
As you have already learnt, our dives are regulated
pass: the
by a well defined set of depth and time limits and
lubber line
nonetheless by our gas supply. In order to avoid
crossing the
annoying out of gas situations and to reach excessi-
dial indica-
ve depths we have to monitor continuously our
tes your
instruments. During the dive you will be frequently
direction
depth as well.
Underwater compass swimming

Follow an underwater straight track for 10 kick
cycles using a compass as a reference
On certain dives, the use of a compass is made
necessary by different environmental conditions you
might encounter (type of seafloor, visibility, etc.). If
you are diving from the shore in an area you don’t
know well, the only way to find your way back to
the correct exit point could be to take a bearing with
a compass on the way out and following it back-
wards on your way back. This is just a simple exam-
ple of the importance of a good knowledge of the
use of a compass and of underwater navigation in
general. You will tackle this topic in greater detail
during the ESA Advanced Diver course.
Your Instructor will show you how to use this instru-
ment out of the water at first, then you will have to
try the exercise during the dive. Once in the water,
hold the compass firmly and make sure it is laying
179
flat so that the needle is free to move, then match
the compass’ lubber line with an imaginary line that
runs straight through your body, pointing toward
the direction you want to follow. Turn the bezel
until you “lock” the needle with the index mark,
then find your neutral buoyancy and start swimming
keeping the needle “locked” with the index, making
sure at all times that the instrument is horizontal. As
you swim concentrate on the compass dial but don’t
forget to keep an eye on your depth and position.
Once you have counted 10 full kick cycles, stop
and, keeping your position steady, turn around by
180° until the tail of the needle matches the index
mark on the bezel. Swim back counting 10 full kick
cycles as you did on the way out, then stop and
make sure you have got back to the exact starting
point. Throughout this drill you will be assisted by
Turn the
your Instructor or Diveleader. Remember that to
bezel until
master these techniques you will have to practice a
the index
lot, so it’s not a bad idea to buy a compass and try
mark meets
to use it every time you get the chance. You can also
the needle
easily practice on dry land, using steps instead of
kick cycles.
Underwater assistance to the dive partner

Assist your dive partner underwater, helping
him to catch his breath then bringing him back
to the ascent line and back to the surface cor-
rectly
The main purpose of this drill is to strengthen even
further your knowledge of the partner system and to
prove its reliability. You and your dive partner will
take turns acting both as the victim and the rescuer.
You have already tried out other basic rescue tech-
niques, such as the surface tows and gas sharing,
now you can put your experience into practice and
learn how to help even more. The main objective
here is to let you understand that sometimes you
can help your partner underwater just by holding
his hand and reassuring him, letting him feel you
presence.
When told by the Instructor, one of the two divers
calls for his partner’s attention using the “something
is wrong” signal. You, as the acting rescuer, have to
approach him, take his hand or his shoulder and
signal “stop” and “catch your breath”. The diver in
trouble takes 4 or 5 deep slow breaths then signals
“OK”. Once his breathing rate has gone back to nor-
mal you signal “OK” back to him and help him find
his neutral buoyancy, then you assist him back to
180
the shot line and begin your ascent, still maintaining
physical contact with him. It is very important that
7
you keep on reassuring your partner throughout the
whole drill both holding his hand and exchanging
frequent “OK” signals. Carry out the safety stop at 5
metres for 3 minutes if necessary, then ascend to the
surface making sure you are respecting at all times
the correct ascent speed. Once you are both on the
surface, inflate your BCD’s and keep on holding on
to the ascent line. The key to a good outcome of this
drill is to fully step into your roles trying to gain as
much experience as possible pretending to be in a
real situation. This is how you will lay the founda-
tions to become a very good dive partner!
Exit
Exit the water with the
You have hit
technique indicated by
a great
the Instructor
target!
Disassembly and care of
the equipment
Disassemble the SCUBA
and proceed to the care
of the equipment
Debriefing
Listen to the Instructor’s
comments
Dive validation
Log the dive and have it
signed by the Instructor
Congratulations !
After the completion of this dive you will be certified
as ESA Open Water Diver. Now you have a whole
scope of new possibilities in front of you! You can
now start discovering under the safe guidance of the
ESA professionals. You can take part to guided dives,
dive trips or more ESA training programmes. Ask
ESA for advice, our professionals will indicate to you
the most suitable path to follow to reach our common
target: your enjoyment in maximum safety!
181
182
APPENDIX
Dive planning outline
General planning
- Dive partner
- Day and time of the dive
- Purpose of the dive
- Dive site –first choice-
- Alternative dive site
- Access to the dive site
- Meeting time and place
- Special equipment
- Weather and sea forecast
- Cylinders: test and fills
- Equipment: test and preparation
- Tools and spares kit
- Weight belt
- Complete kit bag
- Transport
- Information on the dive site
- Emergency numbers and contacts
- Information for the shore crew
- Food and drinks
- Reservations/tickets
- Money
At the dive site

- Physical and psychological conditions of the divers
- Sea and weather conditions
- Suitability of the environmental conditions
- Communication system: identification and test
- Definition of entry point and technique
- Definition of exit point and technique
- Dive partner system
- Underwater communication technique
- Dive track
- Depth and time limits
- Emergency procedures
- Equipment check
In case of emergency contact: __________________
_____________________________________________
183
Not to be left at home
Miscellaneous Accessories
ID’s Dive slate
Dive cert. Marine life identification cards
Log Book Pencil
Reservations/tickets Diver marker buoy
Emergency contact numbers Surface signalling device
and infos Reel
Swimming suit Primary torch
Sun screen Spare torch
Sun glasses Strobe light
Hat or cap Chemical/fluorescent light
Wind breaker Karabiners
Towel Anti fog spray
Flip flops Equipment lanyard
Swimming cap and goggles
Spare clothing Spare gear
Food and drinks O-rings
Medicines Cylinders
Weights
Equipment Straps
Kit bag Tools
Mask snorkel and fins Suit repair kit
Wet or dry suit
Undersuit Special equipment
Hood Underwater camera
Gloves Lenses
Boots Flash
Weight belt Film
BCD Video camera
Cylinder (filled) Housing
Primary DV Tapes
Spare DV Video lights
Content gauge Batteries
BCD inflation hose Battery charger
Suit inflation hose Wiring and connectors
Dive knife
Instruments Notes
Computer ___________________________
Integrated console ___________________________
Depth gauge ___________________________
Timer ___________________________
Compass ___________________________
Thermometer ___________________________
Dive tables ___________________________
184
Conversions table
Length
English Metric
1 inch = 2,540 centimetres
1 foot = 0,304 metres
1 yard = 0,914 metres
1 fathom = 1,828 metres
1 statute mile = 1,609 kilometres
1 nautical mile = 1,853 kilometres
Metric English
1 centimetres = 0,393 inch
1 metre = 3,280 feet
or = 1,093 yard
or = 0,546 fathoms
1 Kilometres = 0,621 statute mile
or = 0,539 nautical mile
Capacity
English Metric
1 cubic inch = 16,387
cubic centimetres
1 cubic foot = 0,028 cubic metres
or = 28, 317 litres
1 cubic yard = 0,764 cubic metres
1 pint = 0,568 litres
1 gallon = 4,546 litres
Metric English
1 cubic centimetre = 0,061 cubic feet
1 cubic metres = 35,314 cubic feet

or = 1,308 cubic yards
1 litres = 0,035 cubic feet
or = 0,220 gallons
or = 1,760 pints
Weight
English Metric
1 ounce = 28,349 grams
1 pound = 0,454 kilograms
1 long ton = 1,016 tons
or = 1016 kilograms
185
Metric English
1 kilogram = 2,205 pounds
1 Tonne = 0,94 long ton

or = 2205 pounds
Pressure
1 PSI = 0,073 kilogram per
(pound per square inch) square centimetre
1 kilogram per
square centimetre = 14,223 PSI
1 Atmosphere = 14,696 PSI

1 Atmosphere = 1,033 Kg x cm2
Wind
Wind direction
(The direction from wich the wind blows)
English Italian
North wind = Tramontana
Northeast wind = Grecale
East wind = Levante
Southeast wind = Scirocco
South wind = Ostro
Southwest wind = Libeccio
West wind = Ponente
Northwest wind = Maestrale
Speed conversions
1 kph = ca. 5/8 mph

1 mps = ca. 3,28 fps
1 knot = ca. 0,5 mps
or = ca. 1,7 fpc
1 mph = ca. 1,609 kph
or = ca. 1,5 fps
1 fps = ca. 0,33 mps
or = ca. 2/3 mph
kph = kilometres per hour - mph = miles per hour

mps = metres per second - fps = feet per second
186
Suggestions to preserve the
aquatic environment
If you follow these simple rules you will give a great
contribution to the preservation of the aquatic envi-
ronment.
1) Control your buoyancy at all times. If you are

neutrally buoyant you will avoid damages to the sea
floor and its inhabitants. If you don’t wear gloves
you will be less inclined to touch and feel about the
sea floor, causing possible damages.
2) When you approach the bottom don’t flap your

hands and fins around. If you have to rest on the
bottom, make sure your knees and fins don’t cause
any damage.
3) Avoid tunnels and caverns, by touching their cei-

ling you could damage the life living on them, besi-
des you bubbles could not escape and turn the top
of a cave into a submerged desert.
4) Don’t hold on to sea turtles, large fishes and sea

mammals, just swim with them but don’t chase the
animals, they might not enjoy it as much as you.
5) Try not to touch animals you don’t know. You

might get hurt or remove their protective mucus
making them more vulnerable.
6) Do not remove anything from the bottom, shells

(neither dead, nor alive), algae covered objects or
archaeological finds.
7) Do not buy souvenirs made with shells or other

materials coming from the sea. It a way to discoura-
ge their collection or fishing.
8) Do not litter the sea. Use the rubbish bins.
9) Carry on your training and extend your kno-

wledge of the marine environment, you will disco-
ver that every location deserves a dive and that
every environment has amazing discoveries to
unveil.
All the inhabitants and the visitors of the underwater

spaces thank you in advance for your effort
187
DIVE TABLES
No-Decompression Limits and Repetitive Group Designation TABLE 1
Tables for No-Decompression Air Dives
Doppler Pressure Group

Depth
No-Decompression
mt
Limit (min.) A B C D E F G H I J K
3 60 120 210 300

4,5 35 70 110 160 225 350
6 25 50 75 110 135 180 240 325
7,5 245 20 35 55 75 100 125 160 190 245
9 205 15 30 45 60 75 95 120 145 170 205
10, 5 160 5 15 25 40 50 60 80 100 120 140 160
12 130 5 15 25 30 40 50 70 80 100 110 130
15 70 10 15 25 30 40 50 60 70
18 50 10 15 20 25 30 40 50
21 40 5 10 15 20 30 35 40
24 30 5 10 15 20 25 30
27 25 5 10 12 15 20 25
30 20 5 7 10 15 20
33 15 5 10 13 15
36 10 5 10
39 5 5
A B C D E F G H I J K
First dive Repetitive Dive
5 Metres 5 Metres
3 Minutes 3 Minutes
Duration of Dive _________
Nitrogen residue _________
Aggregate Time _________
Depth Depth
Time Aggregate Time
188
Repetitive Group at
A B C D E F G H I J K
the Beginning of the 0:10
Surface Interval 0:00
3:21 0:10
12:00 3:20 Residual Nitrogen Time Table
4:50 1:40 0:10 For Repetitive Dives
12:00 4:49 1:39
5:49 2:39 1:10 0:10
12:00 5:48 2:38 1:09
6:35 3:25 1:58 0:55 0:10
12:00 6:34 3:24 1:57 0:54
7:06 3:58 2:29 1:30 0:46 0:10
12:00 7:05 3:57 2:28 1:29 0:45
7:36 4:26 2:59 2:00 1:16 0:41 0:10
TABLE 2
12:00 7:35 4:25 2:58 1:59 1:15 0:40

8:00 4:50 3:21 2:24 1:42 1:07 0:37 0:10
12:00 7:59 4:49 3:20 2:23 1:41 1:06 0:36
8:22 5:13 3:44 2:45 2:03 1:30 1:00 0:34 0:10
12:00 8:21 5:12 3:43 2:44 2:02 1:29 0:59 0:33
8:51 5:41 4:03 3:05 2:21 1:48 1:20 0:55 0:32 0:10
12:00 8:50 5:40 4:02 3:04 2:20 1:47 1:19 0:54 0:31
8:59 5:49 4:20 3:22 2:39 2:04 1:36 1:12 0:50 0:29 0:10
12:00 8:58 5:48 4:19 3:21 2:38 2:03 1:35 1:11 0:49 0:28
New Group A B C D E F G H I J K
Designation
Repetitive Dive Depth A B C D E F G H I J K

39 88 159 279
3 N/L N/L N/L N/L
18 39 62 88 120 159 208 279 399
6 N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L
12 25 39 54 70 88 109 132 159 190
9 N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L N/L
7 17 25 37 49 61 73 87 101 116
12 123 113 105 93 81 69 57 43 29 14
6 13 21 29 38 47 56 66
15 64 57 49 41 32 23 14 4
5 11 17 24 30 36 44
TABLE 3
18 45 39 33 26 20 14 6
4 9 15 20 26 31 37 Warning: These tables must be
used by certified divers or under
the direct control of a certified
21 36 31 25 20 14 9 3
4 8 13 18 23 28
24 26 22 17 12 7 2
3 7 11 16 20 24
scuba instructor.
27 22 18 14 9 5 1
3 7 10 14 18
30 17 13 10 6 2
3 6 10 13
33 12 9 5 2
3 6 9
36 7 4 1 Residual Nitrogen Times (Minutes)
3 Adjusted No-Decompression Time Limit

Product N° A0018 39 2 N/L No Limit
189
DIVER DICTIONARY
ENGLISH ITALIANO DEUTSCH FRANCAIS ESPAGNOL
scuba A.R.A. Taucher autorespirateur escafandra autònoma

diving gear attrezzatura subacquea Tauchausrustung equipement de plongée equipo de buceo
snorkel boccaglio Schnorchel tuba tubo/snorkel
cylinder/tank bombola Tauchflasche bouteille botella
full cylinder/tank bombola piena Tauchflasche gefullt bouteille pleine botella llena
empty cylinder/tank bombola vuota Tauchflasche leer bouteille vide botella vacia
weight-belt cintura dei piombi Bleigurt ceinture sistema de lastre
computer computer Computer ordinateur computador de buceo
regulator/Demand Valve erogatore Atemregler déténdeur regulador
BCD GAV Tarierjacket/Tarierveste gilet chaleco
gloves guanti Handschuhe gants guantes
pressure gauge manometro Finimeter manometre sous marine manometro sumergible
mask maschera Maske masque mascara
wetsuit muta Naßtauchanzung combinaison traje de buceo
timer orologio Uhr temporisateur reloj
fins pinne Flossen palmes aletas
weights piombi Bleigewichte plombs lastre
first stage primo stadio erte Stufe premier étage primera etapa
depth gauge profondimetro Tiefenmesser profondimètre profundimetro
second stage secondo stadio zweite Stufe deuxiéme étage segunda etapa
shore dive immersione da terra Tauchgang vom Land aus plongée de la plage inmersiòn desde palya
boat dive immersione dalla barca Tauchgang vom boot plongée de bateau inmersiòn desde barco
deep dive immersione profonda Tieftauchgang plongée profonde inmersiònprofunda
no-decompression dive immersione in curva Tauchgang ohne plongée sans étape inmersiòn sin descompresiòn
Dekompression
diving card brevetto Brevet/Tauchschein brevet de plongée certificatiòn
to fill the tank caricare le bombole Fullen der Tauchflaschen gounfler les boutilles cargar las botellas
air is not good aria cattiva verunreinigte Luft air mauvais aire contaminado
strong current corrente forte starke Stromung courant fort corriente fuerte
feeble current corrente debole schwache Stromung courant faible corriente debil
high tide alta marea Flut marée haute alta marea
low tide bassa marea Ebbe marée basse baja marea
waves onde Wellen vagues olas
surface superficie Oberflache surface superficie
maximum depth profondità massima Maximaltiefe profondeur maxime profundidad maxima
mean depth profondità media mittlere Tiefe profondeur moyenne profundidad media
deco stop sosta di decompressione Sicherheitsstop étape de décompression parada de descompresion
ascent risalita Aufstieg/Auftauchen remontée ascenso
visibility visibilità Sicht visibilité visibilidad
surface interval intervallo di superficie Oberflachenpause intervalle de surface intervalo de superficie
I'm distresse sono in affanno dich bin außer Atem je suis en essoufflement sufro agotamiento/jadeo
my tank is empty la mia bombola è vuota meine Tauchflasche ist leer ma bouteille est vide mi tanque es vacio
I'm sea sick ho il mar di mare ich bin seekrank je suis malade de mer tengo/sufro mareo
I have a cramp ho un crampo ich habe einen Krampf j'ai une crampe tengo calambre
190
See you at
the next
ESA course:
ask your
instructor or
ESA Point
what the
future will
bring!
191
192

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OPEN

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form

Editor: Mauro Bertolini

Formative project, developement, consulting and revision:

Text: Mario Romor

Illustrations: Stefano Trainito e Jacopo Pasqualotto

Photographs: Mario Romor, Enrico Firpo, Egidio Trainito,

Editor gives a special thank to: Enrico Firpo, Dario Maiore,

Unit Three Unit Five

Unit Six Delimited water activities

Unit Seven Open Water Dives

ESA Junior Open Water Diver

1) The understanding of principles

2) Confined water dives

3) Open water dives

Minitest What to do to get your certification

Regulator or Demand Valve (DV)

Mask, snorkel and fins

Unlike dolphins and whales, us

The large majority of the animals that live in and on

2) When diving with a

3) The dive partner is

1. In order to be admitted to the open water phase

2. Once they have met the necessary requirements,

3. The maximum operative depth with an ESA New

4. You will receive your certification card

5. In order to preserve your equipment and avoid

6. The DV will supply with air at the pressure you

7. The most important thing to look at when buying

8. Buying your own personal equipment is impor-

9. BCD’s must be equipped with:

10. In order to allow equalisation a mask must:

I have reviewed all my answers with an ESA

During every dive you 30 m 4 bar x1

3) you can feel the

two different pressures. In our specific case, as we

Besides, the techniques used to equalize the

To equalize the pressure inside your mask just Left:

Should you anyway have problems equalizing,

4) If your air supply to BUOYANCY

In order to alter the buoyancy of a body we

Since varying the density of sea water to our liking

Answers: The characteristic that all weight systems must

Today you can find various weight systems: the

always with a quick release device. Divers wearing

Most BCDs are equipped with a weight system,

There are various

If you are diving in the

All wet suits include

The booties protect the

Gloves are used to keep your hands warm and

3) The wet suit prevents:

4) The dry suit should

Some of the signs are surface signs, make sure to

I am out of air give me air I can’t equalize

Let’s ascent Come closer Control your computer

I feel cold Help! come close!

remain neutral at this depth

hold your hands keep clos to your partner

Stop! Keep quit, go slowly something goes wrong