Day two
On the second morning we began learning about nitrogen decompression using scientific tables and squeezed our bodies into wet suits before piling on the rest of the equipment – Buoyancy Compensators jackets , tanks, weight belts, mask and fins.
Once kitted up, we got our first taste of what to expect in the deep and jumped into the water. As we descended underwater we squeezed our noses to clear the pressure from our ears before performing a series of practical exercises. Some are tricky – such as clearing a flooded mask and practicing life saving strategies with your buddy. My partner, Tania, looked nervous as I hauled her to the surface, but so far we were both on course to pass.
Day four
Over the next two days the dives became more complex.
Tania was a real water baby but I had trouble with some of my skills. Flooding my mask and clearing it for a start, and ascending while breathing from an alternative air source didn’t come naturally.
Achieving that blessed state of neutral buoyancy was hard too – I either sank like a brick or floated merrily to the surface.
Jessica was very consoling – quite a lot of students had initial difficulties she said but then suddenly everything would click into place.
An increasing number of holidaymakers who are bored of snorkelling and want something a bit more challenging than sitting on a jet ski are signing up for scuba diving lessons.
Certification courses, run by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or the British Sub Aqua Club, aim to turn novices into qualified divers in five days.
The first two days are occupied with theory and sheltered water dives in the hotel pool, followed by three days of five ocean dives. Passing a series of structured tests and practical exams leads to a certificate which permits dives to 20 metres anywhere in the world.
Mike North signed up for the British Sub Aqua Club’s Ocean Diver Course in Hurghada in Egypt with Goldenjoy Holidays. Here’s how he coped.
Day three
Over the next three days we joined experienced divers – it’s a friendly fraternity – and cruised on the dive boat to one of many picturesque reefs and lagoons.
That first stride over the boat into the deep blue sea prompted a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
We descended to six metres and begun to practise basic skills on an exploratory dive.
Everything went swimmingly but Tania and I had concentrated so hard on the techniques we failed to fully notice our surroundings. Where were those fish?
Back on board routine sets in – wet suits are hung out to dry, equipment cleaned and cylinder tanks checked for correct air.
The boat cruised to another site for the afternoon dive, lunch was prepared by the crew and consumed by ravenous divers – working out underwater certainly builds up an appetite and most days consist of eating, sleeping, sunbathing and scrutinising those decompression tables.
Day one
The first day was a bit like going back to school. After meeting my teacher Jessica Iwas introduced to my classmate Tania, a Kiwi lawyer, before the day’s lessons begun. This consisted of a general academic induction that combines juggling biology with physics.
Divers need to swot up about the effects of body pressure and respiration in the aquatic environment; learn hand signals (it’s a bit difficult to talk under water); learn how to use the equipment; get familiar with the buddy system (it’s essential to dive with a partner – for starters if you run out of air you can always borrow some from your buddy); and drum in the rules of safe practice and navigation. In the afternoon, we undertook swimming and stamina tests in an enclosed area of the bay. I puffed and panted merrily, then spent the evening swotting over a lager. Late nights and hangovers are a no-no for beginner divers, but the atmosphere is still relaxed and jovial.
Day five
I did improve dramatically over the next two dives and even managed to figure out how to navigate underwater using a compass.
But my progress wasn’t sufficient and it soon became clear that I wasn’t going to pass the test (about 10% fail first time).
Jessica suggested I just relax and simply enjoy swimming underwater at 13 metres.
This psychological move worked, and I finally absorbed the surroundings – brilliantly coloured corals, manta rays skulking in rocks, shoals of fluorescent barrier fish that hung eerily suspended and a baby octopus inviting to be tickled.
The thrill of diving at last revealed I’m now determined to succeed and I’m now practicing for a BSAC Club Diver course at my local swimming pool.
Tania, who passed, is diving her way home to New Zealand.