Water Sports Roundup
Diving and the World Below

If you thirst for adventure and like getting your feet wet, then underwater diving may be just the thing for you. Exploring the deep blue, or inner-space as it is sometimes called, can reveal an abundance of eerie mystery and majestic beauty that words can't describe.

With proper instruction, equipment, knowledge and skills, diving is quite safe and easy. You can begin to explore with just a mask, snorkel and fins. You don't even need an air tank for snorkeling or free-diving. But to truly experience the peace associated with diving and to dive deeper and longer, you must be certified in scuba.

Scuba is an acronym for "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus", and refers to the complement of gear typically associated with diving. Gear can be quitecomplex and expensive, and in most cases, you won't be able to rent equipment or even get air tanks filled if you aren't certified by a nationally recognized and reputabledive instruction organization.

Although generally safe, only those with proper certification should dive. All dive schools require you pass a swimming test that includes treading water. In general, you should be in good health with excellent respiratory and circulatory systems. Mentally, you'll need to demonstrate good discipline, judgment and attitude.

To learn more, visit your local dive shop and ask if they offer a certification course. Most dive shops also sell gear, fill tanks and organize trips. Wherever you go, you're likely to find friendly staff, like Nicholas Neboshynsky of the Annapolis Scuba Center, a full service facility that offers instruction and certification. Nick recently sat down with BoatU.S. Trailering to talk about his passion for diving and gave us some tips for water-lovers just getting into the sport.

TS - What is the most important thing to know about diving?
NN - There's so much to know and the only way to learn it all is to get certified by a well-known program such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International), SDI (Scuba Diving International), etc. You'll need a "dive card" from one of these programs before being allowed to dive from a commercial dive boat, rent gear or get your tanks filled.

TS - How old do you have to be to get certified?
NN - Junior certification starts at age 10 but there are some restrictions. Once you are 16, you can qualify for an open water diver certification.

TS - How long does it take to get certified?
NN - Most courses require eight hours of classroom study and then as much as eight hours in a pool. Then, you must complete four open water dives, which can be done in a weekend.

TS - Sounds expensive. What's it cost?
NN - Well, it depends where you go. Courses in the southern states are far cheaper than dive courses offered in northern states or high-end resort towns, but can range from $99 to $1000, plus gear. Gear varies in cost and quality, but it's important to buy the best you can afford.

TS - What got you interested in diving?
NN - I started on a complete whim - in the winter - in Maine. I got certified as an instructor and then traveled the world. I've dived quarries, lakes, rivers and oceans. I've even explored caves, wrecks, kelp beds and underwater ledges.

TS - Where's your favorite place to dive in the U.S.?
NN - The upper St. Lawrence River between Canada and the U.S. It is surprisingly warm in the summer, with extremely clear water. Because of the treacherous navigation to ships, many disasters and accidents have occurred, offering excellent opportunities for wreck diving.

TS - What's the craziest thing you've seen diving?
NN - That would be a squid at night off the coast of Bailey Island, ME. Because of its luminescent qualities, it has an eerie glow - I didn't even know what it was at first.

TS - What are some of the critters you should avoid when diving?
NN - It depends where you go, but torpedo rays, eels, scorpion fish, sea urchins and jellyfish top the list. Seals are menacing too and will actually ram you, especially if you get close to their young.

TS - What movie should I never see if I want to take up diving?
NN - Jaws. That movie harmed the diving industry for many years. Surprisingly, sharks are rarely an issue.

TS - What are some safe boating tips I should keep in mind?
NN - First of all, always secure your gear properly when heading to and from a dive site. Store your heavy gear and diving weights toward the center of the boat and prevent them from rolling around where they could injure a person or compromise stability. When you get to the dive spot, have a diver secure the anchor to assure a firm hold and always leave someone on the boat as a tender while diving. Know your local laws regarding dive flags and the taking of species. Help each other out with heavy gear and stay out of the way of the dive master and boat operator unless actively assisting them.

TS - Any final thoughts regarding dive safety?
NN - I can't stress enough the importance of getting certified. In a class, you'll learn the importance of dive preparation, the buddy system, underwater navigation, problem management, underwater communication, descending and ascending safely, air management, and continuing education, among other important things. Avoid the temptation to borrow someone else's gear to experiment in shallow water or even scrub or inspect your boat bottom. Diving can have very serious consequences if not trained properly.

PADI, NAUI, red flag, blue flag...what does it all mean?
Check out the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) website at www.wrstc.com. Here, you'll find links to all sorts of diving organizations.

Deciphering Dive Flags- The meanings of the blue and white alpha flag and the red and white diver down flag are often confused. In a sentence; the blue flag is recognized in international waters, while the red flag is mainly recognized in the United States.

The alpha flag is the only federally required flag and must be flown from the boat mothering divers or snorkelers in international waters, coastal waters and other waters where international shipping takes place. It signals "Diver Down; Keep Clear" and the vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver.

The red flag is more recognizable in the U.S. and is usually flown from the boat or a float where divers are deployed. Although it is not required by federal law, many states require it. This flag helps other boaters know there are divers beneath the water who could emerge at any time. States regulate the height and size of the flag that must be flown. Casual boaters should always take precaution when a flag is visible.

Other boats that see these flags should give the area a wide berth. Laws vary from state to state on the distance a boater must yield to a flag and how close divers must stay to the flag. Generally speaking, divers must remain within 100' of the flag and boaters must stay at a distance of 100'. For the specific laws in your state which could be more restrictive, you should visit: www.dive-flag.com/law.