Information and Practices on Shore Scuba Diving
Items to Consider for Sportdivers When Shore Diving on Scuba
Aug 22, 2009
Shore scuba diving is usually less expensive and requires less logistics than scuba diving from a boat. The main consideration for shore scuba diving is the right tide and a good scuba dive buddy. For a scuba diver intending to go shore scuba diving, there are a number of matters to consider.
Entry and exit are covered in Suite 101 article: Entry and Exit for Shore Scuba Diving.
Currents at a Shore Scuba Dive Site
Currents, or movement of water, at a shore scuba dive site can have a different impact than when diving from a boat. Entry and exit are the main issues that are impacted by current at a scuba dive site.
With a boat dive, if a scuba diver is swept away by currents at a scuba dive site, the dive boat can motor over and pick up the missing scuba diver. However, at a shore scuba dive site if a diver is swept away by currents, then the diver may need to consider an alternate exit point.
When underwater, currents at a scuba dive site can have an impact on the dive. For example, diving under surf can result in the diver moving up and down with the swells. This can be cause feelings of anxiety with some divers as there is a feeling of loss of control.
Composition of the Bottom at a Shore Scuba Dive Site
At a shore scuba dive site, the diver needs to be aware of the composition of the bottom. There could be hazards for scuba divers:
- Submerged rocks and trees that could lead to divers falling, or getting bits of equipment snagged.
- Mud can lead bad silting problems, or a scuba diver sinking into the mud.
- Rubbish such as broken bottles, bits of timber or metal can cut diver’s equipment or their skin.
Topography of the Bottom at a Shore Scuba Dive Site
A scuba diver needs to be aware of the topography of the bottom at a shore scuba dive site. For example there might just be a gentle slope from the entry point or it may be a large drop-off. Trenches, caves, sandbars, holes, cliffs can all present unknown challenges for a scuba diver.
Marine Life at a Shore Scuba Dive Site
Marine life at a shore scuba dive site can present some unique challenges. The initial consideration must be the entry and exits points, as the following can present difficulties getting in and out of the water:
- coral
- moss
- seaweed
- oysters and barnacles
- a grassy edge.
Marine stingers like box jellyfish, stinging hydra, fish with sharp spines may have to be dealt with at the entry and exit points. Under the water there can be things like large seaweed like kelp growing near the shore that can present an entanglement risk.
Some great dives can be experienced when going shore scuba diving. There are many interesting things to see and discover around the rocky headlands, river mouths, coral reefs and jetties of the ocean.
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