Stepping into scuba
Being immersed underwater is a sensory experience. Everything you can see, hear or feel comes into focus. You become aware of how your breathing slows into a rhythmic pattern and how scuba diving brings you closer to the beauty of nature.
Having completed their snorkel training in the pool and recently taken their new learned skills to Knockananig Reservoir, Fermoy, it was now time for the trainees of 2024 to begin their pool scuba training.
Returning again to the fantastic pool facilities of Fermoy Leisure Centre, the trainees began their scuba skills. These skills included; assembly and disassembly of scuba equipment, mask and regulator clearing, regulator retrieval, buoyancy control, removal and replacement of scuba gear underwater, methods of entry, alternative source of breathing gas, surface marker buoy (SMB) deployment and TOW of diver giving emergency breaths. Each of these skills must be completed by all candidates with proficiency.
Training began at the clubhouse where assembly and disassembly of scuba equipment was demonstrated in the classroom. Everyone was then briefed in how the pool training session to run. Trainee divers were paired up with club instructors and club divers who would assist in the teaching and showing of the new scuba skills. It goes without saying that it was another successful training session with each member excelling in their skills learning.
After finishing the skills training in the pool, it was back to the clubhouse for a debrief. This provided an opportunity for everyone to talk through the session, how they got on and if there was any questions to be asked.
As mentioned previously, we as a local community are very fortunate to have such a valuable facility in Fermoy Leisure Centre. As a club, Blackwater Sub Aqua Club are extremely grateful and thankful to all the staff there for their help while running these training sessions.
Well done to the trainees, club divers and club instructors on the day. Training takes a lot of commitment and everyone is showing it in abundance, so thank you to all for the effort being put it, the hard work is definitely paying off.
Training continues this weekend for all candidates.