Planning A Dive

Planning a dive is more than deciding where to go, what sights to see and what resort to spend the time at. Planning a dive includes above all being prepared with a diving
emergency assistance plan. The Divers Alert Network, or DAN, began in 1980 to assist divers in learning the best emergency preparedness techniques, what misconceptions should be explained. It is an important note that when preparing to dive with a group, ask if any is a DAN member, as all members have travel assistance and emergency benefits.

A scuba emergency assistance plan should include having one person on the surface in case of emergency. Also on hand, have the phone number of local emergency personnel, or special group that is trained to help in these types of emergencies. Be sure a cell phone is available and charged as it may be the only form of communication available depending where the dive is. If someone is injured and has a DAN tag on their BCD, the tag will have an emergency phone number as well as any personal medical information needed.

Dive planning software should not be considered a substitute for professional training, as it is merely a system to assist in planning a dive. A PADI go dive log has planning software made for mobile handheld devices as well as Windows. The software will allow the diver to log the dives on Palm OS devices similar to a PADI adventure logbook. The software can be used to plan dives and record details of a dive.

Homemade dive gear plans are available for nearly all forms of equipment. One type of plan includes a plan for carrying a tank more comfortably. Using a 40mm x 180cm piece of belt, with tubing on the ends, lay small loops around the belt at the endings and securely attach them. For added comfort an additional piece of belt can be added to the middle of the strap.

Dive light plans are great when planning a dive as they have been the light of choice for some time among serious cave divers and underwater photographers. There are books available that will provide detailed steps to create your own dive light that will rival those of the professionals.

Wreck diving lesson plans are important to plan correctly as they will be used to guide those who want to learn the best ways to plan a dive when it comes to wreck diving. Begin with an overview of three separate wreck dives, focusing on the most popular dive spots. It is important to make sure the students in the class understand the information being presented, to assure this ask questions that pertain to the information.