Lessons Learned during OW checkout dives..

[Dean810]

Buoyancy was my biggest problem when I went for my dry suit cert. I just couldn't understand why I kept shooting up to the surface. When I got back on land, I asked if it was normal for my inflator valve to be hissing. I had a free flow situation and didn't know it. That answered my question why we were taught how to disengage our inflator hose underwater.

My Buoyancy control was overall very good according to all the DM's and instructors.

I have found I need very little in my BC below the surface.

Another thing I do is try to use my lungs to control my buoyancy.

The main thing I observed in a few divers in the OW was that they would constantly be messing with the BC. Add a bit of air, start to ascend, release some, start to sink. I found that I could hold a breath, and start to slowly ascend, and then release it, and start to slowly sink. When that was the case, then I think I'm about right.

Ascending slowly is definately something I want to work on more. One DM said he lets all the air out of the BC, and then slowly just kicks up when ready to ascend. I tried that during my last dive, and it seemed to work.

As a very new diver, I'm hardly an expert. I think the BC class would be worthwhile, and is on my list.

Ron