Supplemental information for all classes

Useful links: Dive shop, Dive club, etc.

Dive Pros web site address: http://www.florida-divepros.com

Dive Pros links: http://www.florida-divepros.com/reference-library-useful-links/

Dive Pros Facebook address,https://www.facebook.com/diveprospensacola

Dive Pros 3rd Coast Divers Dive Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3rdcoastdivers/

Panhandle Divers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/190724667956899/

Gulf Coast Dive Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gcds1/

DAN Diver's Alert Network dan.org.   If you decide to join please use my affiliate link.

Dive Charters

Nothing beats a great day of diving with friends. Local Charter Boat Captains offer numerous opportunities weekly for you and your dive buddies to make a splash and explore the emerald waters of the Gulf. From our excellent wrecks and artificial reefs to our spectacular live bottom reefs, you will find something for everyone. 

*Please note that Dive Pros does not own or operate any of the charters listed. Charter policies and prices are set by the operators. To schedule a trip please contact the charters directly.

https://www.florida-divepros.com/dive-charters/

Ear Equalization Tips

Weights, trim, descents

Gear Misc: Mask/Gloves/Hood/Bags, etc.

Gloves / hood:  Some dive sites have rough rocks / shells, etc.  Bringing a pair of gloves is helpful. If we end up diving in the cold, having your own dive gloves can help.  In summer, tight fitting regular gloves will help protect your hands.  There are basic hoods available for use already included in the Open Water class fee.  Continuing Education course student are able to rent hoods.

Bags: Bags to carry your dive gear are not generally supplied.  The shop sells gear bags or you can obtain your own, or just carry the equipment separately.

*** Mask:  If you have a brand new mask, it will fog up unless you remove the silicone film from the inside of the lens. Use regular toothpaste (not gel) and a little water to scrub the inside of the lens. Repeat until the glass 'squeaks'. Sometimes it takes several scrubs to get it all off:

Mask preparation

Vision correction

Gear Care: You are required to care for equipment properly: Washing gear

Logbook

*** Dive Pros course fee does not cover the cost of a logbook, so you must supply one. ***

You can find a list of scuba apps including log books online:

You'll need to provide a logbook by the last class day so I can sign your dives.  You can bring a regular paper logbook if you prefer. 

Compass tips

A good compass is essential for navigation.  Choose one that allows viewing the tilt (pitch/roll) of the compass card (rotating portion).  Suunto makes one that works this way.

Underwater compass use links

Compass Navigation video

Hand Signals

Gas consumption calculations

Basic gas consumption calculations can be a rough guide for how long your tank may last at a given depth.  Your tank pressures should be recorded before and after each dive for your logs.  PADI recommends you to work the basic calculations and having the knowledge is always useful:

Calculating Air Consumption Rates for Scuba Diving links

Misc Q&A