Wreck diving can be an exhilarating experiences, taken with the proper safety precautions.
While many divers are satisfied with an open water certification (and do well enough with it), more experienced divers may want to extend their training and take more courses. Depending on which diving agency you’re certified with, there are different types of specialties you can take.
Wreck diving is one such specialty and requires some specific training. Aside from being fascinating dive sites, wrecks tend to create an artificial reef and attract a variety of marine life. Wrecked ships allow for closer observation of the shop which is simply not possible on a working ship.
More Skills
It’s simply not a matter of just being able to swim through a wreck. There are other factors to consider, and additional skills a diver must learn. Aside from prerequisite deep diving certifications, wreck divers need to learn additional finning techniques, navigation techniques and must have excellent buoyancy. Since there are greater risks for divers to get lost, a basic wreck course will also teach you some basic line laying techniques.
Specialty Equipment
Aside from the basic scuba gear, additional equipment is required. A knife or cutting implement will assist you in case you get caught in rope or some fishing line. A main dive light and a back-up light (that’s easily accessible) should be carried at all times. Because some of the best wrecks tend to be in deeper waters, a spare tank may be needed.
Additional Safety Precautions
Learning to maneuver around a shipwreck not only preserves the wreck, but ensures the safety of the diver. When penetrating a wreck, a diver must be aware of his or her surroundings at all times. Sharp, protruding fragments may injure divers or damage scuba gear. Anyone entering a wreck must follow the rule of non-disturbance – don’t take anything and leave the wreck just as you found it.Despite inherent dangers, diving deep into a wreck is an exiting experience. Advanced courses will not only give you the necessary certifications to explore shipwrecks, but it will prepare you to take the utmost precautions and will keep you safe.
