| So you have just gained your dive qualification and | | | | If you are lucky enough to be diving in warm tropical |
| you are ready to take the plunge into one of the | | | | waters, there is a chance that you may not even |
| most exciting and breathtaking activities anyone can | | | | need a wet suit, a lycra suit may be enough for |
| do. The beauty of diving is that wherever you go in | | | | these dives, but wear something to protect yourself |
| the world, there is a brilliant chance that you can dive. | | | | against any of the little things that might sting. |
| Dive sites vary all over the world, from the warm | | | | However if the waters are colder, make sure that |
| blue waters of the Egyptian or Israeli Mediterranean, | | | | you wear the correct wetsuit. the colder the water, |
| the crystal clear dive sites off the Florida coast or | | | | the more protection you will need. A thin 5mm suit |
| even the dark murky waters of the seas surrounding | | | | will not be sufficient for cold water diving. Your dive |
| United Kingdom. | | | | suit is there to stop hypothermia kicking in as not |
| Wherever you dive you need to be prepared for the | | | | only is this unpleasant, but it is also potentially |
| conditions. If you are over equipped or under | | | | dangerous. |
| equipped your dive is likely to be unpleasant at the | | | | As a novice, you should avoid diving in water that is |
| very least or exceptionally dangerous in the worse | | | | so cold that you need a dry suit, as this needs |
| case. Make sure that your regulator is in tip top | | | | additional practice in itself and you should be |
| condition and that your cylinder has been filled with | | | | concentrating on honing your basic diving skills and |
| clean air. Your life depends most on these two vital | | | | enjoying the underwater views, not fighting to learn |
| pieces of equipment. | | | | to use new equipment. Remember that your body |
| When you were on your dive course, you should | | | | type will affect the type of wetsuit that you will |
| have been shown how to check the dates of the | | | | choose. |
| inspections of your cylinder. A quick two second | | | | Many divers take great pleasure from photographing |
| check before a dive can be a life saver as can a | | | | the amazing sea life that can be seen on dives, but |
| couple of breaths of the air from inside the cylinder. | | | | wait until you are a little more experienced before |
| Make sure that the air tastes of NOTHING. Any | | | | you add further additional equipment on your dives. |
| taste at all, there is a high chance are that your air is | | | | Once you have more experience and you are |
| contaminated. If this is the case DO NOT DIVE until | | | | comfortable with your equipment, have fun with a |
| you have clean air. It is better to miss one dive than | | | | camera and capture this stunning and unreal world. |
| have your last dive. | | | | Happy diving and respect the reef. |