Open-Water Orientation for most…. “No-Water” Situation for some…
Today, most of the Commercial Divers in training will test their orientation skills in the open water, out in the ocean. I however am banned from the water due to my cold and the trouble I had equalising yesterday. Ronan has to sit this one out as well. He’s hurt his back lifting one of the 18L tanks the wrong way. Luckily the two of us, already certified scuba divers, went for a fun-dive with Toffy last weekend to the same spot. We already had a chance to show Tato that we can find our way back to the boat, despite the slight current. It’s a cool dive-site and I really want to go in the water. “But Tato, I think I can equalise fine today”, I plead with him as the others get ready. “No! You had enough trouble to stop the exercise yesterday. Out of the water today!” Fine, I’ll annoy everyone with my camera in their faces then. And perhaps persuade Gautier to take the GoPro with him on the dive.
… VIDEO COMING SOON …
Toni had to take care of some paperwork in the morning and only made it in time to jump on the boat in his street clothes. The three of us considered “dead” for the day and the rest of the team has to load equipment and get ready by themselves.
Once we’re out of the port (and pretty much stopped), Tato lets me steer the boat for a bit. It’s not quite as cool as being under water, but I have to say it’s pretty awesome. This is the biggest boat I’ve ever gotten to “take for a spin”.
Photo: Toni, Camera: iPhone 6s
I really like this boat, it has charm and feels comfortable, and with Capitán Tato behind the wheel my fantasy takes my right back to those childhood stories and daring sea-captains.
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First Aid, Oxygen and Accidents
In the afternoon it’s time to get to know the oxygen kit and how and when to use it. It’s part of the mandatory equipment for every dive. After a thorough explanation and revision of first aid procedures we go straight into diving accidents. It’s not necessarily the most pleasant of topics to think about. But should something ever happen, we better know how to react, otherwise it’s our life on the line, or that of our colleagues.
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Being a catholic country, tomorrow’s Day of Immaculate Conception is a public holiday in Spain. We get the day off because Tato’s presence is required at the annual naval parade, where some of his alumni of navy-divers will be performing.
Three day weekend, I’ll have some time to rest up and study, and hopefully I’m back in the water next week.