During a recent dive trip to Cozumel (my first SW diving after OW cert.) we were having a great dive on Santa Rosa wall. It was just about over and everyone was ascending to prepare for a safety stop. I'd been monitoring my air and knew I was low but not yet below 500 PSI. I figured I'd be in the water for no more than 4 minutes (3 min. safety stop and a minute or so longer to/from the stop,) so I wasn't too worried. I was at about 60 feet at this point. At the safety stop, I checked my gauge again and it was at less than 200 so I ascended. Without looking up! When I hit the surface, there was a dive boat no more than 20 feet from me with its engine running.
I believe I did (at least,) 2 things wrong. First, I should have immediately went to the stop at 500 PSI. But, it was like I wanted to see how low on air I could get it (I know, VERY stupid.) I knew I was only 15 feet from the surface so I never thought I was in any danger and I was overly confident. Really, it was just very poor judgment. Secondly, since I didn't look up, I could have easily surfaced into a spinning propeller.
While I don't think I was ever in mortal danger (unless I hit a prop, that is,) it was something I definitely learned from and hopefully will never repeat the mistakes.
I believe I did (at least,) 2 things wrong. First, I should have immediately went to the stop at 500 PSI. But, it was like I wanted to see how low on air I could get it (I know, VERY stupid.) I knew I was only 15 feet from the surface so I never thought I was in any danger and I was overly confident. Really, it was just very poor judgment. Secondly, since I didn't look up, I could have easily surfaced into a spinning propeller.
While I don't think I was ever in mortal danger (unless I hit a prop, that is,) it was something I definitely learned from and hopefully will never repeat the mistakes.