Umizaru - A good movie about divers
*****
I got my PADI Open Water Diver Certification a decade ago.
Having seen WK's video posted by CL, it brought back memories.
Circumstances surrounding WK's demise can be puzzling but as a diver I can understand the danger spots after watching the video.
If my memories served me right, here is the account of the 'Accidental' Diver.
Jo went for her PADI Certification and did not pass the test as she had panic attacks underwater.
The divemaster suggested that I join her and I readily agree. O_o
Had one/two theory lessons before proceeding for 2 or 4 practical lessons at the Outram pool.
The first pool lesson was a culture shock as you have to learn to breathe in and out through your regulator.
It is something that do not come naturally to any of us.
You start getting comfortable with it and all the certification drills gets easier.
Being Jo's buddy, she is definitely more relaxed as noted by the Dive Master. Lol.
Night to Mersing. Our bus went to the wrong jetty and it was a sprint to the correct jetty as the boat cannot wait too long! Got there in the nick of time and we were on the boat in a blur.
I am not a guy who got seasick easily but the 5 hours ride to Puala Aur got most of us wanting to throw out.
I got to know the wonder of Peppermint Medicated Oil. Lol
I do not have much recollection about the accommodation and food.
The first dive was going down a rope which was set out in an L shape.
Depth was 10m (likely) or 20m.
Buddies were at either side of the rope at Sea Bottom.
I recall that we were instructed not to look up in case of panic attacks.
After completing the drills, I looked up and was in awe.
I am really here. Tons of water above me and I am here, kneeling at the Sea Bottom.
This is way cooler than staring up from the 4.5m Deep Pool which I have the luxury of diving in every week during my school days. :)
The 4.5m weekly dives probably explains my lack of anxiety during the Open Water Dives.
(Those were the days. I seriously dun think it will be allowed in today's schools anymore)
We went to a site near the rocks where there were scores of boats around.
There were a school of fish swimming in circles and the view was stunning.
Swam right into the middle of them and see them swimming around you is priceless.
Tried to touch the fishes but they just swim around you without breaking formation.
I recall going to Dayang on the second day.
Having helped out in the boat throughout the course, the DiveMaster deemed it fit for me to go into the water first on our last dive instead of one of his Diving Instructors.
There was two ways to enter the water.
The Giant Step Entry or the Seated Entry.
Seated Entry is more hazardous as you lost orientation momentarily during entry. Worst still if you got your regulator knocked out of your mouth.
But a head count will be conducted before descent.
At Dayang, I entered the water and immediately got swept almost 5-10m away from the boat. Got 'scolded' for swimming away without instructions.
It was much later that DM realised that I was trying to keep up as the boat got swept around by the currents.
He dropped a rope. I hung onto the rope and was immediately pulled along by the boat.
My immediate task was to ensure that all the trainees hang onto the rope.
After a headcount, we were reminded again to watch out for trigger fish before we made our descent and began our guided dive.
The corals and fishes were stunning.
It was a wonderful experience.
Hehe, I do have a little difficulty swimming though as Jo was grabbing onto me too tightly and there was no way I could tell her to loosen.
There came a stage where I could hardly move that I have to shake her hand loose and I hold onto her instead. Lol.
Too soon, we have to make our ascent and were given the congratulatory message that all of us have passed the test. :)
I recall that there were two other boats in close proximity and they will be called upon and all dives abandoned if any of the trainees of either boat got into trouble.
This conclude the account of the 'Accidental' Diver
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