I’ve been asked quite a bit about what I look for in a good diver. This can be very subjective and many people may not agree with me. None of qualities I look for in a scuba diver have to deal with certification levels or equipment used. I know some very good divers who use jacket BCDs and snorkels. So I thought I would share the top five characteristics that I feel make for a good scuba diver in order of importance. Please feel free to share your opinion.
- Attitude – A diver’s attitude sets the bar for how they will behave underwater. If a diver is safety conscious, then they will approach their diving with conservatism. They won’t push depth and time limits, just to do a dive. A diver’s attitude will also include a sense of continual improving. You don’t need to always take classes to improve. But when a diver realizes that being “perfect” is a journey and not a goal, it makes going out and diving much more enjoyable.
- Awareness – A good diver will be aware of three things on every dive, 1) their buddy/team, 2) their equipment, and 3) their environment. A good diver knows when their feet start to drop and risk getting into the silty bottom or coral. A good diver will know how to have control over their equipment. They will also know what is going on with their buddy at all times and not be guessing.
- Calm – An excellent trait of a good scuba diver is that they can be calm. I want a buddy who can calmly react to emergencies and situations underwater without losing control of #2 above. When a diver is calm and comfortable underwater, their breathing will be in more rhythm and they will be able to lower their gas consumption. Remaining calm, when task loaded, takes practice. It’s not rocket science, but does take a little more time.
- Dive Planning – A good diver will be able to put together a thorough dive plan. A dive plan that consists of no decompression limits, ascent strategy, management of the gas supply, and team positioning. Basically, a dive plan that maximizes safety and enjoyment of the dive.
- Diving for the Right Reason – As an instructor, I’ve seen many people take up diving for all of the wrong reasons. Some have had to do it for a job (I’ve had a few pool cleaners in the past), their spouses/partners are making them, and some do it to get over their fear of the water.
There is only one reason for why we dive, that reason is fun. Diving is a recreational activity. We shouldn’t put “scuba politics” and other crap in front of what really matters most. All of the “my agency is better than your agency” and other dick measuring contests (pardon my language) is VERY, VERY unnecessary. Go out and have fun. See those pretty fishes in the Caribbean or visit the shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. All diving is fun.So that’s my list of what makes up a good scuba diver. You have probably noticed that no where in my list did I mention diving skills. That’s because a good scuba diver fill fix what is between their ears first. Then the great diving skills will follow.
Dive Safe,
Duane
Precision Diving
About Duane Johnson
I’m sorry you were subjected to a certain diver who violated 3, if not 4 of the above rules. I guess it got under your skin enough to write about it
.