Some diving certification agencies recognize a Specialty Diver as someone who has completed at least two specialty classes beyond their Open Water certification.
What does this mean? Not a lot, actually.
So, why am I writing a post about it? Because most divers get their open water certification and stop with further training classes. I am not like most divers.
Training is crucial in many aspects of life, but it’s especially vital in activities where our life is at risk, our actions can endanger others, or we could significantly damage the environment.
My approach to diving involves seeking continuous learning. After my initial classes, I realized that mastery wouldn’t come from those classes alone. Mastery comes with repetition. That’s why the Master Diver recognition demands at least 50 dives. That’s why to become an instructor, you must have at least 100 dives (and I think that might even be too low).
Since the percentage of divers who take additional training is low, the various agencies have decided to recognize different levels of achievement through training. This initiative aims to encourage divers to learn more and become better. Merely taking classes isn’t enough; you need to practice the skills.
I make it a point to visit one of my local dive shops as often as possible to use the pool for practice, whenever it’s available (which, admittedly, isn’t often enough for my liking, but I understand the constraints). There, I work on my trim, buoyancy control, various safety drills, slow ascents, different types of entries, finning techniques, and any other skills I can think of.
I’ve written about my experiences in Diving First Aid, Buoyancy, and Altitude Diving classes, and since then, I’ve completed courses in the Science of Diving, Enriched Air Nitrox, and I’m currently in the midst of Navigation, Stress & Rescue (Rescue Diver), and Deep Diving. This year, I plan to add Sidemount, Search & Recovery, and Night/Limited Visibility to my repertoire, possibly even starting my Divemaster training.
It might seem like a lot, but as I build knowledge of these various skills, I incorporate them into my practice sessions (or as much as I can) and also plan my lake dives to enhance these skills. Unlike many divers who get certified for a Caribbean trip, I got certified because I wanted to dive. By the time I reach the ocean, I’ll likely have over 100 dives under my belt and have completed most of the specialty classes. Even then, I’ll have a lot to learn and will not have mastered many of the skills necessary to be a good diver. I will, however, keep learning.
