Welcome

1. Welcome Atlantic Edge Dive Center Refresher Course Welcome

2. Atlantic Edge Dive Center • Training • Equipment • Service • Travel • Let Atlantic Edge’s super staff be your dive consultants! AtlanticEdge - Refresher

3. Let’s Get Started • Paperwork • Liability Release • Scuba concepts, science and theory • Quiz 1A Atlantic Edge - Refresher

4. Effects of Increasing Pressure • Air spaces most affected by increased pressure – ears, sinuses and mask • As water pressure increases with descent,volume decreases • If you continue to descend you will feela squeeze on your air spaces • To avoid discomfort – equalize early and often Atlantic Edge - Refresher

5. Equalization Techniques • Equalize every metre/few feet while descending beforeyou feel discomfort • Pinch your nose and blow gently - wiggle your jaw • If you have difficulty equalizing • Ascend a few feetand attempt to equalize • Be patient and gentle, or end the dive Atlantic Edge - Refresher

6. Effects of Decreasing Pressure • Expanding air can cause lung over expansion – lung rupture • Lung over expansion can lead tosevere injuries includingparalysis and death • To avoid this, permit the pressureto equalize - breathe normally Atlantic Edge - Refresher

7. Most Important Rule • The lungs can be injured by even minimal pressure changes if you hold your breath • It’s important to always breathe continuously when using scuba - even in shallow water • The most important rule in scuba diving is to “Breathe continuouslyand never, never hold your breath”. Atlantic Edge - Refresher

8. Decompression Sickness • Bubbles blocking blood circulation after diving is called decompression sickness (DCS) • Variables: Depth, dive time and diver condition • Use extra caution with: age, obesity, lack of physical conditioning • Stay well hydrated • Dive within the limits of dive tablesand computers Atlantic Edge - Refresher

9. Safety Stops • A safety stop provides extra time for your body to eliminate nitrogen – a good idea on any dive • A safety stop is required if: • The dive is 30 metres/100 feet or deeper • Within three pressure groupsof a no decompression limit • You reach any limit on theRDP or your computer Atlantic Edge - Refresher

10. Nitrogen Narcosis • Nitrogen narcosis: • Impairs a diver’s judgment and coordination • May cause a false sense of security • May cause a disregard for safety • May cause anxiousness and poor decisions • Immediately ascend to shallower depths to relieve the narcosis Atlantic Edge - Refresher

11. Flying After Diving • Flying after diving recommendations: • Wait a minimum surface interval of 12 hours prior to ascent to altitude • If you plan to make daily, multiple dives for several days or make dives requiring decompression stops, you should wait for an extended surface interval beyond 12 hours Atlantic Edge - Refresher

12. BUOYANCY: Positive, Negative & NEUTRAL! • Why? • Safe on surface • Streamlined UW • Protect the environment • Variables? • Body weight, size & composition • Equipment • Water: salt v. fresh • How do you determine your optimal weight requirements? • Fine tune with your breathing! New Open Water student, perfecting her buoyancy in Turks and Caicos.

13. Overexertion • Know your limits and pace yourself to avoid breathlessness • If you experience overexertion symptoms underwater - stop all activity, breathe deeply and rest • Hold onto an object for support, if possible, and relax until your breathing returns to normal Atlantic Edge - Refresher

14. Heat Loss Underwater • Left unchecked, body heat loss can lead to hypothermia • To avoid hypothermia – wear exposure protection suitable for the environment • When you begin to shiver continuously – get out of the water immediately, dry off and seek warmth Atlantic Edge - Refresher

15. Surface Problem Management • Control or prevent surface problems by: • Diving within limitations • Relaxing while you dive • If you have a problem at the surface –immediately establish positive buoyancyby inflating the BCD or dropping weights • Call for help if needed Atlantic Edge - Refresher

16. Avoid problems : Agree on entry, exit points and dive objective Agree upon time & depth limits Review communications Discuss emergency procedures Discuss how to stay together & what to do if separated… … Search One Minute then Surface! A dive plan: Is simple and should be flexible Takes only minutes to discuss Can offer plenty of options depending on what you find underwater … Plan your dive and dive your plan! Buddy System / Dive Plan Atlantic Edge - Refresher

17. Local Wisdom • To dive in an area for the first time - get an orientation to the local area • The PADI Discover Local Diving experience is one way to do this • Find out: • What’s interesting about the site • What to watch for • Unique dive skills or procedures Atlantic Edge - Refresher

18. Fragile Environment Minimize accidental damage : • Swim next to reef rather than above it • Watch your buoyancy – don’t dive over weighted • Turn sideways to look under ledges • Keep your hoses secured • Respect all Marine Life! Atlantic Edge - Refresher

19. Aquatic Animals • Avoid potential problems with aquatic life: • Treat all animals with respect • Be cautious in extremely murky water • Avoid wearing shiny, dangly jewelry • Remove any speared fish from the water immediately • Wear gloves and an exposure suit • Maintain neutral buoyancy – move slowly and carefully • Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals Atlantic Edge - Refresher

20. Test Your Knowledge • Test your understanding of Diving Theory with a Quick Quiz • Quiz 1A

21. Now, Let’s Get Wet! • Pool • Review the basics • Check out your gear • Fine tune your buoyancy • Review Sticker for logbook • Nitrox or other Specialties Atlantic Edge - Refresher