For divers already certified for SCUBA, an underwater scooter can add a whole new dimension to the diving experience. Not only are scooters fun to cruise around with, they can also reduce the effort on divers and extend their time and range in the water. But to use a dive scooter safe and effectively, you'll need to keep a few tips in mind.
Charles Neal has gone diving all over the world and is the owner of Maui's Scuba Shack, a business offering unforgettable personal diving experiences. With over twenty years of diving experience in Hawaii, Neal knows every watery hideout in the islands and the mysterious creatures dwelling therein. He her offers expert advice to help you cruise through the water behind a dive scooter.
- Ascend and descend slowly.
Scooter diving is very safe, but you need to follow the same rules that apply to regular SCUBA. This includes making slow, gradual ascents and descents to avoid air pressure problems. Also keep in mind that the scooter's not connected to you in any way, so you need to hang onto the handles.
- Less exertion equals more range.
When diving with a scooter, you'll be using less energy than you would by kicking your fins. This means you'll need less air, so you can swim longer and farther on a single tank.
- Stay with a dive master.
Of course, being able to travel greater distances brings a whole new set of concerns. When you're covering more territory, it's important to have exceptional navigation skills or even travel with a dive master who can ensure that you can get back to your starting point with a safe amount of air.
- Stay away from the bottom.
If it gets too close to the sea floor, the scooter's propeller can stir up sand, disturbing marine life and ruining visibility for other divers. Be sure to keep a safe distance from the bottom.
For more information about Scooter diving and other types of diving, check out the following organizations or websites:
The Scuba Shack- Maui
www.scubashack.com
Submerge- Underwater Scootering Articles
www.silent-submersion.com
Scuba Duba
www.scubaduba.com
Underwater Society of America
www.underwater-society.org
Cyber Diver
www.cyberdiver.net
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