francousteau:
Could someone tell me what to expect when entering the water? What I mean is, from what I read, I think that one of the crew takes a line and anchors it. Does everyone just hold that line and follow that line down? I can't imagine not using the line to get to the bottom because the way I understand it, the current is a little strong. Also, when ascending, does everyone just make a safty stop at the 15'-20' depth? If someone could explain to me what these step are, I would appreciate it. Also, what's the policy on reef gloves? Bouyancy is good, but this being my first trip of this sort, I don't really want to take a chance on getting nicked up.
Thanks
Hi francousteau,
Where are you planning to dive from out of Playa Del Carmen?
I would assume that you are planning to do some boat dives?
From the very limited numbers of boat dives that I have down in the Riviera Maya south of Playa Del Carmen, I can only say that the dives and the dive operators there are very professional and their number 1 concern is to ensure the safety of all the divers.
It only stands to reason that it is in their best interest to ensure that the dives are safe and the corals are protected.
The currents in the areas south of Playa Del Carmen are not usually very strong.
Unlike the currents at Cozumel from what I have heard.
The use of reef gloves is not really necessary as there is no chance of getting nicked if the corals are not touched as it should be.
Practice good buoyancy skills and there will be no problem.
The divemaster will usually brief on whether the buoy is used or not.
The crews that I have dove with usually deploy a temporary buoy with a down line over the dive site. The down line is equipped with a weight on the end but usually does not touch the bottom depending on the depth of the dive site.
The crews are very concious as to deploy the buoys over a sandy bottom away from the corals.
Some of the training dive sites have a permanent buoy anchored onto a sandy bottom.
The use of the line is up to the diver whether he/she wished to use it or not.
Most of the discouver scuba or OW trainees will use the line to assist them to the bottom.
Once all the divers have descended, then the boat crew will pick up the temporary buoy and line.
If all the divers are fully OW certified and experienced, the the divemaster may just have all the divers gather behind the boat before doing the descent.
The visibility was usually very good at about 40 - 60 feet so keeping with the dive group was never any problem.
The dives are all NDL and usually about 45 to 50 minutes or 700 psi which ever comes first or less depending on the depth of the dive.
At 1000 psi the divemaster will deploy a safety sausage for the location of the divers for the boat to spot.
At 700 psi the divers are to signal "low on air" at which time the divemaster will signal for the group to acend slowly to the surface.
It is usually a good practice to do a safety stop at 15 feet upon acending from the dive but the divemaster will usually brief as to whether or not a safety stop will be required depending on the dive.
The best advice I can give, is too just enjoy, relax and have fun.
The reefs down there are spectacular.
Tom
