On holiday in Egypt, offers to go on a diving excursion on a boat are very tempting. And often fear of the unknown does not allow us to decide on this adventure. We tried to provide answers to the most common questions from our clients in this article, and we have compiled a pre-dive briefing sheet for you. Let's start with the briefing.

Mask

The first thing divers usually start with during instruction is a mask.

• Remove any cream from your face to better adhere the mask to the skin.
• Inhale as you apply the mask to your face.
• Place the mask strap exactly in the middle of the back of the head and above the ears (do not place it over the ears, do not squeeze them).
• To avoid fogging up the glasses, after the mask is put on, breathe only through the mouth. It is important not to use the nose when breathing.

Problem:

• Water flows into the mask during a dive.

Solution:

1. Inhale through your mouth.
2. Lift your head up and press the top of the mask to your forehead with your hand.
3. Exhale through your nose.

Try these steps on board the boat during your briefing.

Pressure equalization

Always equalize pressure during a dive. If you experience ear pain or headaches, please report the problem to your instructor immediately.

Problem:

• Pressure on the ears.

Solution:

1. Inhale through your mouth.
2. Pinch your nose with your fingers (the silicone part of the mask allows this to be done).
3. Exhale through your nose.

Breathing

During diving, we breathe only through the mouth, without using the nose. All a beginner needs is to relax and trust his instructor.

• Breathe slowly and quietly.
• Deep breath 3-4 sec. and an equally deep exhalation.
• Do not hold your breath.

Problem:

• Water entered my mouth.

Solution:

• Simply blow it out into the regulator. Or press the button in the middle of your regulator.

Sign language

During diving, you will need to communicate with your instructor underwater. Diver sign language is used for this purpose. In the image presented below you will familiarize yourself with the most basic of them. Try some sign communication with your instructor during the briefing.

The question marks are similar to the answer marks.

Basic gestures, name and description:

“I'm okay” (or the question “Are you okay?”)

To show this gesture, you need to close your thumb and forefinger into a ring. Other fingers are straight.

Directional signs

Clench your hand into a fist and use your thumb to point in the direction - right, left, down (drop deeper), up (come to the surface).

Stop

The arm is bent at the elbow, with the palm open towards the person to whom the sign is facing.

Look

The index finger points first to the mask, and then to the place where to look.

Something is wrong

Extend your arm in front of you, palm down, and tilt it from side to side. It is very similar to the way we on land would express the impression of “so-so” with a gesture.

A prerequisite: after you have informed the diver that something is wrong, you must complement the gesture and indicate the area of the problem on the body.

Please feel free to communicate with your instructor underwater, stay in touch with him and answer questions about your well-being with signs.

Now is the time to move on to our quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about diving.

Just click on the question and see the answer.