1. Own your own gear 2. When being teamed up with insta-buddies, look for the guy/girl who has their own gear which is not shiny/new 3.Diving is not a race - slow and steady 4. Always have a backup mask with you (seriously) 5. Set up your own gear, never leave it to the boat crew 6. Don't brag about your last dive in Cozumel 7. Find a quiet space 10 minutes before the dive and chillax 8. Never dive unwell 9. Always be open to learning from more experienced divers 10. Share your knowledge with humility.
Pre-dive briefs and post-dive debriefs are critical to understanding and learning. Check lists are intended to slow you down so you don’t miss something important. Proper diet, hydration and fitness.
Thanks Mark, great video as always. When I started diving I was told "If you buy cheap, you'll buy twice". Sounds like good advice, but is it really? For example dive computers. It can be difficult for a new diver to see what the difference is between a Shearwater Perdix 2 (€1300), a Shearwater Peregrine (€580) and a Cressi Leonardo (€150)? From a novice divers point of view they all do the same job. The same goes for BCDs, Octos pretty much everything ... I spent days (weeks) reading reports, reviews (watching your videos) and taking to divers before investing in mine.. Finally a Pro Tip from my friend who is a MD. Ask yourself the question "does your life depend on it?" If the answer is yes, spend as much as you can afford on that item. Concentrate on your regulators, BCD, dive computer before you worry about which snazzy pair of fins will look best with your new wetsuit.
Agree, both in and out of the water. Some dive boats are more crowded. Some divers lag behind the group. Being assigned a dive buddy who then goes off on their own.
During my DM training ( and previous work ) Plan everything out. I’m If I’m doing a course, be it at the pool or open water, I arrive 30 mins - 2 hours before students to go over my kit, check conditions and do a check dive if possible. Myself and another DM where doing a check dive at swanage pier prior to students turning up, and we voiced concerns about the current & swell to the shops Master Instructor. It ended up being 1 student per PRO level diver, where as the instructor could usually handle 4 students herself. We aired on the side of caution due to the experience and trust within the team.
It's amazing, as others have said, how stuff transfers to different tasks in life. Coming from a fire service background, most if not all transfers almost 100%. People kinda laugh when I tell them I have a knife in each pocket in my turnout gear but when I explain that I never know if something should happen which one's id have access to, it clicks in. Or just staying calm, which granted is easier said than done, but just taking a second to regroup will go leaps and bounds into solving your issues.
I think proactive on the dive boat if they see something untoward. i.e. I will always try to lash a cylinder down if I see it loose and there's no diver near it. Similarly I will try to gently ask someone if I see they have missed a key step (tank valve is still closed, mask isn't on their face etc.).
Another great video #ASKMARK just curious, the nice copper madthead type lamp that has appeared in your videos on your counter...is there a story to it?
Most of my diving has been off the east coast of FL. Usually fairly short distance to sites. So, as soon as everyone is onboard and equipment stowed, I assemble and check my gear. This way I have plenty of time to fix equipment for myself or other's. And not dealing with the mass of people trying to get ready latter.
How about keeping your scuba knowledge up to date by reading a book on relevant subject matters once in a while, or following quality UA-cam scuba channels (can you recommend any 😉)?
The diver starts gliding normally, and then by the end of that clip they are starting a helicopter kick / helicopter turn. Search for videos on this technique, it's extremely useful and efficient! (Specially when you're in more confined environments like a canyon or overhead environments like a cave or inside a wreck).
Great accomplishment you a well on your way to 500 K and more. my favorite dive watch is my Tag Huer dive watch that has been flooded and repaired several times. Unfortunately I no longer use it because I dive with 2 computers a primary and a backup.
@@ScubaDiverMagazine Thanks for your reply! Main reason for asking was that on my OW course, a fellow student was doing full on breaststroke kicks (and occasionally arms) when everyone else was flutter kicking including our instructor. They almost knocked out my buddy with a kick so was wondering if it was correct to move like that or not. I know my buddy probably could have stayed further away and did after that!
#ASKMARK Thanks, as always, for the great videos. One of the best resources out there I've found so please keep up the great work! My question has to do with breathing (something it seems to me is another bit trait of pro divers, particularly as it relates to buoyancy). Most of the agencies talk about breathing "normally" or taking deep, steady, breaths and/or exhaling fully, but it seems to me this very much skips over why we need breath control and, in particular, using breathing for buoyancy control. I've watched many dive videos and if you count how long a particular, professional, calm, neutrally buoyant and in trim diver breathes in versus breathing out even those can be vastly different (and not at all which I would think of as a normal, calm, breathing cycle). For example sitting here calmly now I may breath in for, say 4 seconds to maybe 40 or 50 percent of my lung capacity and exhale for another 4 seconds with a pause for another second before inhaling again. While not always consistent I often see where it would appear a diver might be somewhat consistently breathing in for 5 seconds and then breath out for all of maybe 2 seconds while staying perfectly still in their buoyancy and trim. Is there something I'm missing as to why that might be the case instead of a steady rhythm? I would further note that normal breathing doesn't use our full lung capacity. At the bottom of my breathing cycle I can force exhale more air from my lungs (and sometimes do when getting under from the surface or to lower my current depth a bit) and breath a bit more shallow to change depths. Conversely at the upper end I could sip in more air than a full breath would consist of, although I don't see too many reasons for doing that and it has the potential for being a bit dangerous as you are likely ascending in that case and wouldn't want air expanding in the lungs like that. When trying to get neutral since my normal breathing cycle is at the lower end of lung capacity should I be aiming to be neutral while breathing in that range of my lungs, or should I aim for breathing more in the middle of my capacity instead to give extra "room" to exhale more to go deeper if needed? I rarely see any discussion, at least not on most videos on buoyancy or any of the training I've seen or even in the Perfect Buoyancy class I've had with SSI that really talks about the in-depth details of lung capacity and vast range we have in how we breath and how to optimize that for diving, only what I had noted above and that we can use our lungs as our primary BCD for maintaining buoyancy. Well if it's a primary tool why don't we see more details about how to really use that tool?
It's very personal to each diver to find that _happy spot_ and comfortable lung volume. There's no right or wrong answer and I tend to make myself neutral somewhere in the upper end of my tidal volume so that I can hold my breath a short while without ascending. As far as breathing cycle, the foundational courses are more concerned about training new divers to *never* hold their breath. So they will use phrases like 'always breath normally' to encourage divers to not hold their breath, ascend and hurt themselves. As you gain experience and can better control your buoyancy and depth, you can hold your breath as long as you don't do it while ascending
Some of these traits apply elsewhere as well. I'm a skydiver and acrobatic pilot. In my case, any error no matter its degree, can result in my death. Pre flight checks of my parachute or aircraft is essential. Things happen quickly in the sky, and it needs to be fixed within a few seconds or less otherwise it will literally spiral out of control. SCUBA is arguably much more tame but a similar mindset is still necessary. Keep calm, asses the situation, and execute based on your training and experience.
The company that owned Simply Scuba recently went into administration. I moved over to Scuba Diver Magazine last year for a change of pace and a few other reasons.
Pro divers treat their gauges as verification tools rather than information tools. For example, before a pro diver checks their SPG, they can estimate what it should read based on the dive time and depth, and their own SAC rate. This way, if the value is off - they know something is wrong (gas leak, broken SPG, over exertion...)
Love ALL your videos, but... I can't stand those off-axis camera shots that are edited into your pieces! I've been a tv director since the '80's and all of my colleagues can't stand those "gratuitous" shots that are included just for the sake of, "oh wait, we have to do something different now!" That is all.
I Learned since my Rescue course, 5 Years ago that im not the best diver but I can survive, I know what I’m doing and be able to help others :D Now I’m a Padi OWSI here in Germany and I learned that our hobby is f*cking expensive 😂 Now serious: Establishing a routine is really important for me. When I’m assembling and checking my gear I don’t wanna get disturbed. The next best thing, I Learned from you Mark: Emotional support BoltSnap. I really try to have one in my pocket from the W7 or D9X just in case… And at the IE it safed one of my team mates because there shoulder buckle got damaged during rescue 7. And with the BoltSnap he was able to secure it so he can make the evaluation.
Being physically fit.
1. Own your own gear 2. When being teamed up with insta-buddies, look for the guy/girl who has their own gear which is not shiny/new 3.Diving is not a race - slow and steady 4. Always have a backup mask with you (seriously) 5. Set up your own gear, never leave it to the boat crew 6. Don't brag about your last dive in Cozumel 7. Find a quiet space 10 minutes before the dive and chillax 8. Never dive unwell 9. Always be open to learning from more experienced divers 10. Share your knowledge with humility.
You should have made this video, the things hes bangin on about are bare minimum you should be doing from open water course onwards.
Good idea 👍 First time I have heard about repeating hand signals back👌
Pre-dive briefs and post-dive debriefs are critical to understanding and learning. Check lists are intended to slow you down so you don’t miss something important. Proper diet, hydration and fitness.
Thanks Mark, great video as always.
When I started diving I was told "If you buy cheap, you'll buy twice". Sounds like good advice, but is it really?
For example dive computers. It can be difficult for a new diver to see what the difference is between a Shearwater Perdix 2 (€1300), a Shearwater Peregrine (€580) and a Cressi Leonardo (€150)?
From a novice divers point of view they all do the same job.
The same goes for BCDs, Octos pretty much everything ... I spent days (weeks) reading reports, reviews (watching your videos) and taking to divers before investing in mine..
Finally a Pro Tip from my friend who is a MD. Ask yourself the question "does your life depend on it?" If the answer is yes, spend as much as you can afford on that item. Concentrate on your regulators, BCD, dive computer before you worry about which snazzy pair of fins will look best with your new wetsuit.
"You're not the sign language person at an Eminem show"
That had me laughing out loud 🤣
How about learning to maintain situational awareness outside your own little world?
Agree, both in and out of the water. Some dive boats are more crowded. Some divers lag behind the group. Being assigned a dive buddy who then goes off on their own.
Oh so you 😂 talking about your dive buddy lmao
Very clear video.
Check your phisical condition.
I am a new diver, thank you sir.
Welcome to the gang
During my DM training ( and previous work ) Plan everything out. I’m If I’m doing a course, be it at the pool or open water, I arrive 30 mins - 2 hours before students to go over my kit, check conditions and do a check dive if possible. Myself and another DM where doing a check dive at swanage pier prior to students turning up, and we voiced concerns about the current & swell to the shops Master Instructor. It ended up being 1 student per PRO level diver, where as the instructor could usually handle 4 students herself. We aired on the side of caution due to the experience and trust within the team.
Thanks Mark! Love these longer videos 👏🏻
It's amazing, as others have said, how stuff transfers to different tasks in life. Coming from a fire service background, most if not all transfers almost 100%. People kinda laugh when I tell them I have a knife in each pocket in my turnout gear but when I explain that I never know if something should happen which one's id have access to, it clicks in. Or just staying calm, which granted is easier said than done, but just taking a second to regroup will go leaps and bounds into solving your issues.
I think proactive on the dive boat if they see something untoward. i.e. I will always try to lash a cylinder down if I see it loose and there's no diver near it. Similarly I will try to gently ask someone if I see they have missed a key step (tank valve is still closed, mask isn't on their face etc.).
Another great video #ASKMARK just curious, the nice copper madthead type lamp that has appeared in your videos on your counter...is there a story to it?
No exciting story, I found it at a vintage store and it helps me pull focus. I don't trust the auto-focus on my camera...
Most of my diving has been off the east coast of FL. Usually fairly short distance to sites. So, as soon as everyone is onboard and equipment stowed, I assemble and check my gear. This way I have plenty of time to fix equipment for myself or other's. And not dealing with the mass of people trying to get ready latter.
Pro diver tip: warch mark's Videos
How about keeping your scuba knowledge up to date by reading a book on relevant subject matters once in a while, or following quality UA-cam scuba channels (can you recommend any 😉)?
What is going on at 15:07 - 15:23? That looks so amazing!
The diver starts gliding normally, and then by the end of that clip they are starting a helicopter kick / helicopter turn. Search for videos on this technique, it's extremely useful and efficient! (Specially when you're in more confined environments like a canyon or overhead environments like a cave or inside a wreck).
Great accomplishment you a well on your way to 500 K and more. my favorite dive watch is my Tag Huer dive watch that has been flooded and repaired several times. Unfortunately I no longer use it because I dive with 2 computers a primary and a backup.
😎👍🇵🇭🤿! You really hit on key points and I enjoyed the way you presented pro tip’s and learned also!
Hi Mark, watching you from Saracen Bay, Cambodia where I'm doing my Dive Master.
Adopting the ‘deliberate practice’ principle.
Am I right in saying a frog kick is not the same as a breastroke kick? But a tighter version of one?
They're pretty similar. It's the same action just with small variations and finer control
@@ScubaDiverMagazine Thanks for your reply!
Main reason for asking was that on my OW course, a fellow student was doing full on breaststroke kicks (and occasionally arms) when everyone else was flutter kicking including our instructor. They almost knocked out my buddy with a kick so was wondering if it was correct to move like that or not. I know my buddy probably could have stayed further away and did after that!
Hi, Second recent mention of the frog quick. Second recent suggestion of a frog kick video. 🐸 #askmark
#ASKMARK Thanks, as always, for the great videos. One of the best resources out there I've found so please keep up the great work! My question has to do with breathing (something it seems to me is another bit trait of pro divers, particularly as it relates to buoyancy). Most of the agencies talk about breathing "normally" or taking deep, steady, breaths and/or exhaling fully, but it seems to me this very much skips over why we need breath control and, in particular, using breathing for buoyancy control. I've watched many dive videos and if you count how long a particular, professional, calm, neutrally buoyant and in trim diver breathes in versus breathing out even those can be vastly different (and not at all which I would think of as a normal, calm, breathing cycle). For example sitting here calmly now I may breath in for, say 4 seconds to maybe 40 or 50 percent of my lung capacity and exhale for another 4 seconds with a pause for another second before inhaling again. While not always consistent I often see where it would appear a diver might be somewhat consistently breathing in for 5 seconds and then breath out for all of maybe 2 seconds while staying perfectly still in their buoyancy and trim. Is there something I'm missing as to why that might be the case instead of a steady rhythm?
I would further note that normal breathing doesn't use our full lung capacity. At the bottom of my breathing cycle I can force exhale more air from my lungs (and sometimes do when getting under from the surface or to lower my current depth a bit) and breath a bit more shallow to change depths. Conversely at the upper end I could sip in more air than a full breath would consist of, although I don't see too many reasons for doing that and it has the potential for being a bit dangerous as you are likely ascending in that case and wouldn't want air expanding in the lungs like that. When trying to get neutral since my normal breathing cycle is at the lower end of lung capacity should I be aiming to be neutral while breathing in that range of my lungs, or should I aim for breathing more in the middle of my capacity instead to give extra "room" to exhale more to go deeper if needed? I rarely see any discussion, at least not on most videos on buoyancy or any of the training I've seen or even in the Perfect Buoyancy class I've had with SSI that really talks about the in-depth details of lung capacity and vast range we have in how we breath and how to optimize that for diving, only what I had noted above and that we can use our lungs as our primary BCD for maintaining buoyancy. Well if it's a primary tool why don't we see more details about how to really use that tool?
It's very personal to each diver to find that _happy spot_ and comfortable lung volume. There's no right or wrong answer and I tend to make myself neutral somewhere in the upper end of my tidal volume so that I can hold my breath a short while without ascending.
As far as breathing cycle, the foundational courses are more concerned about training new divers to *never* hold their breath. So they will use phrases like 'always breath normally' to encourage divers to not hold their breath, ascend and hurt themselves. As you gain experience and can better control your buoyancy and depth, you can hold your breath as long as you don't do it while ascending
Some of these traits apply elsewhere as well. I'm a skydiver and acrobatic pilot. In my case, any error no matter its degree, can result in my death. Pre flight checks of my parachute or aircraft is essential. Things happen quickly in the sky, and it needs to be fixed within a few seconds or less otherwise it will literally spiral out of control. SCUBA is arguably much more tame but a similar mindset is still necessary. Keep calm, asses the situation, and execute based on your training and experience.
Hi Mark
who can tell me why its Scuba diver Magazine now where is "Simply scuba"?
The company that owned Simply Scuba recently went into administration. I moved over to Scuba Diver Magazine last year for a change of pace and a few other reasons.
3:33 😂
🤔
All that is on the boat is old guys with no one to talk to so they just go underwater for the piece and quiet.
Pro divers treat their gauges as verification tools rather than information tools. For example, before a pro diver checks their SPG, they can estimate what it should read based on the dive time and depth, and their own SAC rate. This way, if the value is off - they know something is wrong (gas leak, broken SPG, over exertion...)
This is why training is so important, and why they drill over and over to "what can go wrong" ... so there is no thinking, just acting...
Love ALL your videos, but... I can't stand those off-axis camera shots that are edited into your pieces! I've been a tv director since the '80's and all of my colleagues can't stand those "gratuitous" shots that are included just for the sake of, "oh wait, we have to do something different now!" That is all.
I Learned since my Rescue course, 5 Years ago that im not the best diver but I can survive, I know what I’m doing and be able to help others :D
Now I’m a Padi OWSI here in Germany and I learned that our hobby is f*cking expensive 😂
Now serious:
Establishing a routine is really important for me. When I’m assembling and checking my gear I don’t wanna get disturbed.
The next best thing, I Learned from you Mark: Emotional support BoltSnap.
I really try to have one in my pocket from the W7 or D9X just in case… And at the IE it safed one of my team mates because there shoulder buckle got damaged during rescue 7. And with the BoltSnap he was able to secure it so he can make the evaluation.