Here we go;
1. TRUST NO ONE: Be diligent with gear and skills, self sufficient "self rescue", be responsible for your dive skills and call your own dives.
2. NEVER ACCEPT BEING GOOD ENOUGH: Be the best you can and always strive to MASTER skill sets. When a skill is difficult attack it tear it apart and conquer it bit by bit. Soon it will be like second nature. Accept failure, listen to advice, Consider the source, be open to new ideas as long as they are safe.
3. TRAIN LIKE YOU DIVE: If you desire to dive recreational then dive that way mastering skill sets that will allow you to perform the dive plans you wish to complete. If you wish to do deeper, longer, colder, dives train that way taking small steps gaining experience. Gather a core group of like minded dive buddies to help sharpen skills.
4. DO NOT LET SET BACKS DEMORALIZE YOU: Keep your chin up! No one is perfect and if its easy everyone would do it! When you are training and things go awry or you fail a skill, let it make you determined to conquer it. Always dive safe and within your limits.
5. PLAN YOUR DIVE , DIVE YOUR PLAN: If anything does not go as planned have a bail out plan ready! Ive learned in my diving that a dive can go bad anytime. In my experience when and if this happens pull the plug immediately. Little problems have a way of becoming big problems. Ive seen divers put them selves at significant risk by ignoring small issues only turning dives when things were out of control.
When you reach the water you should have triple checked your gear, pre breathed your regs, had a dive briefing "Dive your Plan" with your buddy, be having fun "enjoying the dive". If you are not then end it!
Dive safe, Dive with in your skills and comfort level,
CamG