Your first dives after the course
The best early dives look like your training dives: similar depth, similar conditions, a buddy you trust and a clear plan. Guided dives with a dive center are a good way to start in a new place, because the guide knows the site and the local conditions. Listen closely to briefings and ask questions.
Change one thing at a time
Experience builds safely when you add one new thing per dive. A new site, a new piece of gear, a boat dive, a bit more depth or cooler water: try each of these on its own, not all at once. If a dive goes badly, you will know why, and you will learn more from it.
Keep logging
Keep logging every dive with depth, time, conditions, gas use and anything you want to improve. Over time your logbook shows patterns, such as how quickly you use gas or which conditions you find hard. Dive centers may also ask about your recent experience before some dives.
When to take a refresher
Skills fade without use. Many dive centers suggest a refresher session with a professional if you haven't dived for a while, often somewhere in the range of six months to a year, and sooner if you had few dives to begin with. A refresher typically reviews theory and repeats the core skills in a pool or calm water. It costs a morning and can save a stressful first dive back.
Further training
Agencies offer further courses once you have your first card. In general terms they fall into a few groups:
- Broader experience courses that introduce several kinds of dive, such as deeper diving, navigation and night diving, under an instructor.
- Specialty courses that focus on one area, for example buoyancy, drysuits, enriched air or underwater photography.
- Rescue and first aid courses that teach you to prevent and manage problems, for yourself and others. Many divers say these made them more confident.
- Professional training for people who want to guide or teach.
Each agency structures these differently. Read the agency's own materials and talk to an instructor about what suits the diving you want to do.
Good habits to keep
- Do a full buddy check before every dive, even with a familiar buddy.
- Agree a plan, including turn pressure and what to do if you are separated.
- Rinse and store your gear well, and have it serviced on schedule.
- Keep fit and see a doctor about any change in your health that might affect diving.
- Treat the reef and aquatic life with care. Good buoyancy protects both.
- Know where the oxygen, first aid kit and emergency numbers are at every site.
After certification FAQ
Can I dive without a guide once I am certified?
Most entry-level cards certify you to dive with a buddy without a professional, within your training limits. Some first courses are more restricted. Check what your card allows, and remember that a guide is a good idea at any unfamiliar site.
How many dives before I take another course?
There is no single answer. Some agencies set minimum logged dives for certain courses. Ask an instructor, who can also judge whether your skills are ready.