Careful attention to safety, equipment necessary for successful scuba dive

Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Scuba equipment awaits inspection at Tsunami Scuba at Camp Foster June 1. If equipment maintenance is neglected, it can contribute to malfunctions like broken seals and air pressure loss.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.06.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - To beat the summer heat on Okinawa, water activities are a popular choice, with scuba diving garnering a lot of interest from novice and advanced divers alike.

Thanks to Okinawa’s expansive aquatic life, diving here is an experience unlike any other. Given scuba diving’s popularity and inherent risks, it is important to pay close attention to safety instructions and sound advice from experienced dive instructors.

“While scuba diving, one of the most important safety tips is to know your limitations,” said Ty McClelland, an administrative assistant for Tsunami Scuba at Camp Foster.

Divers are classified into three levels: open water, advanced open water and rescue diver and should stay in appropriate diving areas for their level.

“Do not let ego or pressure fool you into diving in an area you are uncomfortable with,” said McClelland.

Before going out to a dive spot, divers need to make sure they are in good health. Being hydrated and well-rested before getting into the water can be the difference between a fulfilling underwater experience and a life-or-death situation.

As an additional safety precaution, divers are required to take a buddy whenever a plan involves water-related activities, according to III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Order 5101.

In a group, the risk of incident is substantially reduced and a fellow diver might be able to provide assistance in an emergency situation.
Beginning divers should always try to find a diving buddy with more experience who is familiar with the particular dive area, according to McClelland.

Another important step to remember is to inspect all gear and equipment thoroughly before each dive. If the gear is neglected, it can contribute to malfunctions like broken seals and air pressure loss.

Divers should also bring a diving flag and whistle on each dive. Diving flags let nearby boaters know there is a diver in the water, and whistles allow divers to signal for help if there is an emergency.
After each dive, all equipment needs to be cleaned with fresh water and stored properly to prevent degradation caused by salt erosion on seals and pistons.

As always with any water sport or activity, be cautious of the sea conditions.

“We teach the 10-second rule,” said Shawn M. Curtis, the deputy safety director for the installation. “If it takes longer than 10 seconds to decide if the water is safe enough to swim in, it’s most likely not safe enough. Being safe in the water is 98 percent common sense.”

Sea conditions are split into three categories; all-clear, caution and danger. All water activities are prohibited for service members during sea condition danger, according to III MEF and MCIPAC Order 5101.

Exploring Okinawa’s aquatic ecosystem can be an exciting adventure but one must take a few cautionary steps.

• Date Taken: 06.06.2012
• Date Posted: 06.06.2012 22:58
• Story ID: 89544
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP