Tips Diving / Practical sheets

Interview with Olivier from Planet Ocean

Olivier, from Planet Ocean in Hendaye, Tribord's technical diving partner, explains the ins and outs of scuba diving.

What does an initiation dive involve?       
Olivier: The initiation dive is an introduction to diving under water.
You get an opportunity to get to know the animal and plant life, the diving equipment and some new sensations.
Do not confuse snorkelling with scuba diving. These are two completely different disciplines.

What happens during an initiation dive?
Olivier : The instructor begins by fitting you with the gear: a diving suit, a mask, fins…
Then you set off for the diving site, where you will be briefed on how to use the equipment and the safety instructions,
In the water we do everything we can to ensure that you are safe: we help you to relax and make sure that you can experience something really special.
You are assisted at all times by a qualified instructor. He will deal with any worries you may have and adjust the dive to suit your expectations.
The initiation dive takes place at a depth of between 0 and 6 m, so that you enjoy your first experience of diving to the full.
At this depth, you will discover a fascinating underwater world for the first time: full of colour and life!
An intriguing and mysterious world where fish are in their element and nature is unspoilt, silence reigns only to be interrupted by the bubbles released from your mouth!


Who are these initiation dives aimed at?
Olivier : At all those who want to explore the underwater environment.
There are, however, a few restrictions: there is a minimum age of 8 years and you cannot be: pregnant, epileptic or asthmatic.
For an initiation dive, all you need to do is fill in a medical questionnaire. This is for assessing your diving aptitude. A medical certificate is not required.

Is diving dangerous?
Olivier : No, as long as the novice diver is being supervised, he is safe.
Generally novice divers worry about two things:
The fear of not having enough air and the fear of claustrophobia under water.
As for lacking air, it is important to realise that a regulator gives you as much air as you want. There is no limit to the airflow. Consequently, there is no danger of lacking air.
As for claustrophobia, the underwater environment has no limits, one is completely free to move about in a limitless space. This environment is not at all oppressive.


What comes next for those who want to continue diving after their first dive?
Olivier : After the initiation dive, those who wish to continue and improve their diving skills can take a course to get qualified. These qualifications eventually allow you to dive independently without supervision.

What advice would you give to the beginner?
Olivier : Do not listen too much to the opinions and accounts of other people. Feelings and expectations are really personal and every dive is different.
For someone who is looking to continue diving, the choice of equipment is really important.
Preferably get a good mask, because a problem with your mask can totally ruin a dive, and choose the right wetsuit for the type of dive you are planning to do. (summer, winter)
The Basque region is full of little sheltered coves where you can dive all year round. They are perfect for novices as they are quite shallow and offer plenty to see.
These idyllic places need to be respected.
Lastly, you should have only one thing in mind: "HAVE FUN! "

Thank you and see you soon at the Hendaye dive centre

Tribord also advise you to consult...

Fan page