Planning
Remember, you are also a scuba diver (or a freediver). Fundamental diving skills also come into play. Your gas supply, depth, time, buoyancy, navigation, buddy and other diving fundamentals must be monitored to ensure diver safety.
Underwater hunting and collecting does not start with the speargun or other collecting equipment; it begins with solid diving fundamentals. Essential skills such as buoyancy control, conservative air consumption, environmental awareness and good communication with a buddy are not only critical to diving in general, they are key components in underwater hunting and collecting. Be certain that fundamental diving skills are sound and recently practiced before adding other activities.
Buoyancy control is an essential skill. When shooting underwater, it becomes critical. Position in the water will directly affect target acquisition. Being able to be in a solid firing position and hold it will greatly enhance setting up the “perfect shot.” Buoyancy control is also an important component of environmental awareness. Important questions to consider are: Is equipment impacting coral or other life? Will sediment decrease visibility if disturbed?
Be aware of the location of every member of the dive team, and do not endanger them with an ill-timed, errant or dangerous shooting situation. This is essential when engaging in underwater hunting activities as part of a larger group.
Whenever activities are added to dives, the task loading increases. Often, divers become so focused on finding the “perfect shot” that they forget to monitor the basics like their depth, time and gas remaining in their cylinder. Make it a standard practice to check gauges every few minutes and do not lose track of that critical diving data or team members.
The Dive Society recommends the buddy system on every dive. This is true with underwater hunting and collecting as well. All members of the team must have completed and communicated a dive plan before entering the water. The weapons being used, type of collection activities, common hand signals and emergency procedures should all be discussed.
Be aware that two divers who are hunting can inadvertently become separated, especially in lower visibility waters. Focusing solely on that perfect shot may leave a diver unaware of their buddy if the buddy — or the diver — needs assistance. When diving, always be mindful of the fundamental skills. While enjoying diving activities, like underwater hunting and collecting, make certain those fundamental skills are always utilized fully. If divers are using freediving techniques, be sure to practice the one-up, one-down method, meaning one diver is on the surface while the other free dives down for the hunt. When there is a diver on the surface, this helps mitigate some of the risks of freediving as the surface person is able to render aid if needed.
Underwater hunting and collecting does not start with the speargun or other collecting equipment; it begins with solid diving fundamentals. Essential skills such as buoyancy control, conservative air consumption, environmental awareness and good communication with a buddy are not only critical to diving in general, they are key components in underwater hunting and collecting. Be certain that fundamental diving skills are sound and recently practiced before adding other activities.
Buoyancy control is an essential skill. When shooting underwater, it becomes critical. Position in the water will directly affect target acquisition. Being able to be in a solid firing position and hold it will greatly enhance setting up the “perfect shot.” Buoyancy control is also an important component of environmental awareness. Important questions to consider are: Is equipment impacting coral or other life? Will sediment decrease visibility if disturbed?
Be aware of the location of every member of the dive team, and do not endanger them with an ill-timed, errant or dangerous shooting situation. This is essential when engaging in underwater hunting activities as part of a larger group.
Whenever activities are added to dives, the task loading increases. Often, divers become so focused on finding the “perfect shot” that they forget to monitor the basics like their depth, time and gas remaining in their cylinder. Make it a standard practice to check gauges every few minutes and do not lose track of that critical diving data or team members.
The Dive Society recommends the buddy system on every dive. This is true with underwater hunting and collecting as well. All members of the team must have completed and communicated a dive plan before entering the water. The weapons being used, type of collection activities, common hand signals and emergency procedures should all be discussed.
Be aware that two divers who are hunting can inadvertently become separated, especially in lower visibility waters. Focusing solely on that perfect shot may leave a diver unaware of their buddy if the buddy — or the diver — needs assistance. When diving, always be mindful of the fundamental skills. While enjoying diving activities, like underwater hunting and collecting, make certain those fundamental skills are always utilized fully. If divers are using freediving techniques, be sure to practice the one-up, one-down method, meaning one diver is on the surface while the other free dives down for the hunt. When there is a diver on the surface, this helps mitigate some of the risks of freediving as the surface person is able to render aid if needed.