Proving Dive Numbers - scuba earth okay?

[Trace Malinowski]

In my opinion it does not matter if you say 1, 100, or 1000 dives. When you get under the water for your course or shakeout or whatever - it will be very apparent to the instructor or whomever is checking you out. If you pass you move on - if you don't there is no Scuba Police... But it may be embarrassing to you and whomever you are with if you get turned down for the class or whatever...

“The word 'experienced' often refers to someone who's gotten away with doing the wrong thing more frequently than you have.”
― Laurence Gonzales, Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why

 

[maj2]

Side question--Has anyone been on a charter in Canada or U.S. where there was a "shakeout" dive? Or is this strictly a tropical thing?

I have seen operators look for proof of diving experience in deep cold water. This could either be in the form of log book entries, their own records (i.e. past dives with them), going on one or two check-out dives, etc.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Side question--Has anyone been on a charter in Canada or U.S. where there was a "shakeout" dive? Or is this strictly a tropical thing?

At God's Pocket in British Columbia the first dive of the trip is always a shallow dive in Hoodie Nudi Bay. Most divers who go to God's Pocket tend to be repeat customers but it lets the Captain know you're OK and lets the diver adjust weight requirements if they don't usually dive dry. There is also a lot to see in the bay if you know what to look for.

 

[M DeM]

Side question--Has anyone been on a charter in Canada or U.S. where there was a "shakeout" dive? Or is this strictly a tropical thing?

Is a shakeout dive like a warm up dive? Or weight check?

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

Is a shakeout dive like a warm up dive? Or weight check?

In some of the islands and LOB's they want to know you can control your buoyancy and can dive without causing yourself or the reef undue stress...
If you "fail" you may need a refresher in order to dive - an instructor to give you some pointers and you will be charged for that time... Then when you are proficient you can go dive as you please...