Eighth Observation

For my eighth observation I thought it would be interesting to study and learn about all of the different types of scuba gear that is needed to go diving. I was interested in this because since I went to the scuba club meeting I wanted to learn more about scuba diving, the equipment, and what it entails. I went to a local dive shop called Diver's Direct. At this shop they sell everything from scuba gear to snorkeling gear and more. At the store one is able to purchase scuba life vests or BDCs, regulators, octos, dive computers, gauges and compasses, tanks of oxygen, masks, fins, snorkels, wets suits, scuba accessories and more. So much equipment goes into scuba diving that it does turn out to be quite costly. A lot of the equipment was first introduced to me at the store, like the scuba BDC. This piece is somewhat like a life vest that holds that oxygen tank for breathing and can help one stay afloat. The regulators control the oxygen tank system and the octo is the device that you breath out of. Dive computers, gauges and compasses regulate where you are, water pressure, and other various information. The tanks of oxygen of course hold O2 and allow you to you breath. The masks help you see, the fins aid in swimming, and snorkels aid in an additional way of breathing, if you are not scuba diving. Wet suits keep you warm from the cold water and there are various accessories to fancy up all the equipment. I really enjoyed the visit to this store because the employees were very nice and friendly and gave be a lot of informative information about all the equipment. I now know what equipment is the best for scuba diving and how I can save money on the equipment by purchasing the good, but cheap brands.

octo

Oxygen Tank

Regulator

Scuba BDC

Gauges and Compasses

Snorkel

Fins

Dive Computer

Mask

Seventh Observation

For my seventh observation I attended a meeting at a club on campus called the Scuba Crew. The Scuba Crew is a club in which potential marine biologists and those interested in learning how to scuba dive can become certified. It takes an entire semester to become scuba certified. The first process is to pay for the course. It can be very pricy, but it is a lifetime certification that will never have to be paid for again. The first couple weeks consists of lectures and text book study. This covers everything from how to properly use the equipment to the safety hazards of this activity. The following weeks they go on several training dives in the swimming pool at Nova Southeastern University. They learn how to properly wear and use the equipment. They then get into the water properly equipped with the diving equipment and become familiar with the weight. While submerged in the water with a oxygen tank, mask, and mouth gear it can be quite uncomfortable and heavy. They also must train their mouth to breath in and out constantly without the use of their nose. After mastering the use of the equipment with several pool dives they then move up a level and go on supervised open-water dives. Here they experience what scuba diving is all about with the help of experts. After this stage in the process they are then ready to obtain their certification. They receive a laminated license and a logbook. The license allows people to buy the equipment they need and the log book lets dive charter operators know that the person diving has enough recent dive experience.

At this meeting they finally all received their licenses and discussed their last open ocean dive. Next weekend they are planning to take a leisure dive at the Oceanographic Center. They plan to go to the center, where they are able to access a boat and dive at a close artificial reef near the center. I really enjoyed going to this meeting because I met people going into the same field as I and who also have similar interests. It was really a great experience to see the emotions and reactions that the students had when they received their certifications. I am really excited to join the Scuba Crew next year and receive my certification after the long and devoted process one must go through.