G12 - Pe 4 - Module 2
G12 - Pe 4 - Module 2
G12 - Pe 4 - Module 2
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 4
Grade 12
Second Semester
A.Y. 2021 – 2022
Third Quarter
Prepared by:
CANOE ARTIFACT
In 2010, a wooden dugout boat was discovered submerged and was retrieved in Lagasit River in
Rosales, Pangasinan. It is believed to be a century-old boat used by early Filipinos. It weighs more than
five tons, measures eight meters long, two meters wide at its front and its back, and a height of up to 1.5
meters. The artifact is displayed in the municipal hall of Barangay Casanicolasan, Rosales, Pangasinan.
(Visperas, 2010)
Water or aqua has a certain unique attraction to people of all ages. Children love to engage in water
to play, while adults alike would get lured to take a dip at the sight of a pool or the beach. Water, in its most
natural form, can be a great venue to relax, to workout, to have fun, to pump up the adrenaline, and to
challenge one's limits.
The Philippines, having more than 7,000 islands, is abound with natural water forms which can host
numerous aquatic activities. There is surely something to do in the different waters of our country, which
attract not only locals but foreigners as well. Aquatic activities may be done in water such as swimming and
snorkeling, on water (surface water) such as surfing and whitewater rafting, and under water such as scuba
diving.
Water has special characteristics that provide a unique environment for activities and good workout.
These characteristics include buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and enhanced cooling. Buoyancy is the
upward force of the water on an object. This is the reason why boats and people float on water. It also
gives a weightlessness feeling, which makes it easier to move, lift knees, or even jog in water (for some
water activities). Hydrostatic pressure, on one hand, is the pressure exerted by the water at equilibrium due
to the force of gravity. In other words, it is the weight of the water pressed down on the object. Hydrostatic
pressure is exerted on the body from all sides and this pressure, combined with buoyancy, helps keep
standing balance in water. Water, therefore, helps people who have problems with balance and
coordination. Lastly, water has enhanced cooling characteristic that transfers heat away from the body
much quickly than air given in the same temperature. This is the reason we can stay longer in water and
can tolerate longer workouts without feeling being overheated.
This module will present different activities that we can do on water. One will learn the basic skills in
snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving. After going through the lessons, one will be encouraged
to live a more active life by trying the aquatic activities.
SNORKELING
One of the best but simple way to see, discover, and appreciate the intriguing underwater life is
through snorkeling. It allows one not only to grasp the amazing beauty of marine life, but swim with them as
well.
Hollow Reed 3000 Skin divers of the island Crete in the Mediterranean used hollow reeds
B.C. to breather while submerged in water as they collected sponges,
Animal skins were 9000 An ancient bas relief dating 900 B.C. depicted divers in Assyria using
filled with air B.C. animal skin fled with air to lengthen their stay underwater.
Diving Bell 300 B.C. Alexander the Great encouraged the development of the first diving
bells which was a cauldron designed to trap a pocket of air when it was
lowered into the water. This Instrument allowed divers to take breaths
without needing to go all the way up to the surface to gulp air, but it
also limited thein mobility on one of the writings of Aristotle he
mentioned divers using a lube connected to the surface to the snorkel
remarking that it worked like the trunk of the elephant.
Eye goggle from 1300s The shell of the tortoise was used to develop a gadget to protect the
shells of tortoise eye as well as to see more clearly in water. The shell was sliced very
thinly until it became translucent then polished for vision clarity. It was
then used by the Persian divers.
Hollowed tube and 1400s Leonardo de Vinci proposed and created the first contemporary
sketch of webbed Snorkel a hollow tube designed attached to the leather head helmet of
swimming gloves the diver allowing to breathe even when face was sub. merged
underwater He also had a sketch of webbed swimming gloves an idea
that led to the modern-day fins.
Wooden Paddles 1717 Benjamin Franklin came up with an idea or using Wooden paddles
attached to the hands and feet to helps swimmers swim faster.
Modern fins 1912 Modern fins were invented by Frenchman Louis de Corlieu Patent for
this was obtained in 1933.
Snorkeling is peeking through life underneath water by swimming with the aid of a snorkel and
mask. Through snorkeling, one can observe the underwater attractions for a longer period of time, without
the need to constantly resurface to gasp for air, and with relatively lesser effort.
Snorkeling is not only used for recreational purposes. It has also been used in water-based search
by rescue teams and in water sports such as underwater hockey, underwater rugby, and spear fishing.
Snorkeling helps the overall fitness of a person. Aside from having fun under the water swimming,
doing the flutter kick and diving tones and trims the body. It works out the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves,
ankles, hip flexors, core muscles, and shoulders while swimming. Above all, snorkeling builds greater lung
capacity as one is forced to hold breath underwater for sustained periods of time. It increases the oxygen
uptake, which is a positive indicator of aerobic fitness. It is also a good cardiovascular workout as it
increases heart rate and strengthens the heart muscle.
A. Mask
The mask serves as the viewing device in appreciating the world beneath the water. Without the
mask, everything viewed underwater will be blurred or distorted. The airspace created in the mask is what
helps in seeing clearly underwater.
The nose being enclosed in the mask will have its special function in equalizing pressure during
dives. What do we mean by this? Diving underwater brings pressure on the air space in the mask. In order
to equalize this pressure, one needs to exhale a little air through the nose, inside the mask. Otherwise, one
might suffer from "mask squeeze", a condition where the soft tissues beneath the mask, especially around
the eyes, swell and discolor,
There are two most important things to remember in choosing a mask. These are fit and comfort.
Please refer to “Tips in Choosing a Mask" for more information on how to pick out the correct mask.
B. Snorkel
The snorkel is a piece of equipment that makes it possible
to breathe at the surface while the face is submerged in water.
The snorkel is basically composed of a tube, also called the
barrel, and a mouthpiece. The tube-end sticks out of the water
while the mouthpiece goes in the mouth. The snorkel also has a
clip so it can be attached to the mask.
There are different kinds of snorkel one can choose from.
Their important differences lie in the feature or part that a
particular snorkel has or does not have.
The classic snorkel has the most basic part, the solid tube
and the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can be bent to a specific
shape.
The snorkel with a flexible tube below the strap attachment
point is more comfortable than the classic snorkel. The flexible
tube allows the top and mouthpiece to rotate to different angles to
better fit the face. It can also drop away from the face when not in
use.
A common feature of many snorkels is the purge valve. This is a small valve just lower than the
mouth that empties the collected water that comes down the tube when one blows it out.
A splash guard prevents splashed water and spray from easily entering the tube. However, this will
not stop water from entering the tube when a big wave covers the snorkel or when one goes underwater.
The dry valve is a special valve on top of the tube that completely stops water (and air) from entering the
tube when a wave comes or when diving underwater. This way, one does not need to clear the water out
when coming back to the surface.
C. Snorkeling Fins
Water resists or “pushes back” anything moving through it. This
is the principle behind what the fins do. It is this resistance that provides
much of the propulsion created by a moving fin. When one swims, the
sole of the foot experiences resistance creating propulsion, the same
way fins encounter resistance and create propulsion as well. However,
fins are obviously wider and thus have a larger surface area than the
feet, and therefore they encounter more water and produce more
resistance, thus works better than the bare feet.
Speed and efficiency in swimming are what one gains in wearing
fins. They provide the necessary locomotion to propel effortlessly in the
water. Fins conserve more energy and, therefore, allow the snorkeler to
reach further distances. Moreover, fins may also protect the feet from
accidental contact with rocks and corals. Treading in water also
becomes easy with fins.
There are two basic kinds of fins (refer to Figure 8.1), full-foot fin
or close fin and the adjustable fin or open fin.
D. Snorkel Vests
Snorkel vests are small and inflatable, which provide more buoyancy while floating on water. This
will help in consuming less energy in moving around. However, one must take note that snorkel vest is not
equivalent and should never be used as a substitute to life vest.
E. Skin Protection
Snorkeling may require one to be under the sun for some time. In order to protect the skin from the
heat of the sun, one may use a good biodegradable sunscreen or a better choice will be wearing a long
sleeve rash guard. The shirt may also provide jellyfish sting protection. However, if insulation is needed
from the cold waters, then a wetsuit will be a better option.
F. Swimming Cap
The swimming cap is a big help in keeping hair out of the snorkel and the face as well. It will also ·
help in preventing the scalp from burning on a sunny day.
G. Mask Defogger
Mask defogger helps prevent the mask from fogging up. Be sure to choose one that is nontoxic,
biodegradable, and alcohol free for one's protection and for the protection of marine life.
Floating Position
When one feels quite comfortable using the mask and breathing through a snorkel, it is time to start
floating. Extend legs and get into the floating position with the face down. Relax and practice breathing
evenly through the snorkel. When one inhales, the body goes slightly higher in the water and goes a little
lower when exhaling. This happens because the body becomes buoyant when air enters the lungs.
Kicking to Move
The next step is learning to be comfortable with the snorkeling fins. Practice in the deeper part of
the water. Float, then do the basic flutter stroke, the most common underwater kick. This kick helps to be
efficient and fast in moving in the water. Fins should always be submerged otherwise more energy is spent,
which causes a decrease in kicking efficiency and makes one get tired easily. Hands should also be kept
on the side while swimming to reduce drag.
Another common kick used in snorkeling is the dolphin kick. In this kick, both fins should be kept
together while bending the knees and arching the back. Then, straighten the legs and back at the same
time. This will make a forward thrust.
Diving Deeper
If one wants to go a little deeper to have a better view of the marine life, one can either use the
"feet-first" dive or the "head-first" dive.
a. "Feet-First" Dive
As described by the name, the feet go down first during this dive. Tread
vertically in the water then kick upward. As the body sinks down, raise arms above the
head. Pull the knees to the chest then lower the head. This will rotate the body to a
horizontal position and swim underwater.
b. "Head-First” Dive
While at a horizontal position, kick forward, bend at the hips, and pull knees and
arms toward the chest. Thrust legs straight up and maintain a streamlined position to
glide into the water. Kick with feet to move deeper down, and then arch back for a
horizontal position.
CHARACTERISTICS DESCRIPTIONS
Length Longer boats are faster and move on a straight line. They also can ca
carry more people. However, these are not easy to maneuver.
The distance from the tip of Shorter boats are easier to maneuver and comparatively lighter and
the stern to the tip of the easier to handle.
bow. Longer boats are best when touring and cruising the open water. A
shorter kayak would be a better choice for smaller lakes and rivers.
Beam Generally, the wider the boat, the more stable it is. However, a narrower
kayak or canoe may be faster but less stable.
The width of the boat and is A narrower kayak or canoe is more suitable for those who want to travel a
measured at the widest part greater distance since it has speed. A wider boat is suitable for bird-
of the canoe or kayak. watching, fishing, or photography.
Bottom Shape The shape of the bottom has a lot to do with the stability of the boat.
There are three basic bottom shapes: flat, round, and vee.
1. Flat - this design has good stability in calm waters. However, the
characteristics of this boat provide the easy turning (boat spin) in rougher
water such as white waters.
2. Round - this is designed for speed and efficiency. One may feel a little
shaky when one steps in it. But with experience, one will feel that a round
shape will give the stability in most waters and it is actually easier to
propel through the water. The trade-off however is balancing the boat in
an upright position.
3. Vee - this boat is in between the flat and round bottom design boats,
thus with practice it comes with a good all-around performance.
Profile or sides of a boat 1. Tumblehome design - the sides of the boat curve inward as they
come up, which makes the beam narrower on the deck. This allows the
paddler to reach the water easily while at the same time has the stability
of a wider and kayak.
2. Flared sides - the sides curve outward (flares out) making the beam
wider. Thus, as it goes deeper in the water (cargo weight becomes
heavier), the beam becomes wider therefore giving a more stable feeling.
3. Straight sides - is a little bit of the two.
How should one choose a paddle?
Paddles are the equipment used to maneuver the boat. Single-bladed
paddles are usually used for canoes and double-bladed paddles are for
kayak. They are placed in the water as one moves the boat.
Just like the boats, paddles also come in different kinds according to
use. Choosing what kind of paddle depends on one's physique, the size of
the boat, and stroking preference.
o Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddles.
o If a person has a small build, then a shorter, lighter paddle is best
so as not to overexert oneself. As a general rule, the shortest
paddle that allows you to properly reach the water is the best.
o Another way of measuring canoe paddle is while in standing
position. Put the paddle in vertical position. Hold the grip or T-grip
and see if it is in level with your nose.
o Wider blades give you more acceleration but must also deal with more resistance.
o Narrower blades use less effort per stroke but require more strokes.
o Curved blades increase power of each stroke.
What activities can be done when one uses the kayaks or canoes?
There are varied activities where one can use the canoe or kayak. It ranges from the more relax
paced activities like bird-watching or fishing to the extremely challenging activities on the white water rivers.
Usually, the boats are designed to fit the demands of the intended environment and activity. The activity
may be done in solo, dual, or as a group. Depending on what one would want to experience, here are some
of the paddling activities that one may choose from:
Sea kayaking is done in open waters such as the ocean or the lake. Kayaks may be a sit-on-top or
decked design.
Whitewater kayaking or canoeing is paddling down the whitewater rivers. A flat-bottomed boat will
help the boat spin on the water and take on the rapids for practicing various maneuvers. The
rounded bottom will involve paddling downriver from one point to a different point and usually a
distance of several miles.
Flatwater recreation is a relaxing canoeing or kayaking where you can take a gentle paddle down a
calm river, ocean, or lake to do some sightseeing.
Sailing is where the canoe or kayak is fitted with a sail.
Surf kayaking is where the kayak is typically fitted with a fin, rather like a surfboard.
Marathon racing is a lengthy race down a river using the kayak or canoe.
Aside from the boats and the paddles, what other equipment will one need?
The exact equipment differ slightly depending on one's paddling activity. But the basic equipment
aside from the boat and paddle are the following:
A personal flotation device (PFD), such as a life vest or jacket, will help one to be afloat in case the
boat capsizes.
A helmet that protects the head especially when paddling in rocky area.
The appropriate clothing depending on the air and water temperature. Wetsuits or nylon-coated
jackets and pants are recommended for cold water.
Footwear should be a lightweight canvas shoes or sturdy river sandals.
A water bottle for rehydrating oneself. It should have a short string or rope so it can be clipped or
tied to the boat securely and will also remain with the boat even when the boat capsizes (not
becoming a liter in the river).
Extra clothes and energy food placed in dry or waterproof bag.
Protective gears from the sun such as sunscreen or hats.
Whistle for emergency.
First aid kit and duct tape for emergency situations.
Spray skirt (for kayaking)
Sea kayaking requires more specific extra equipment as it is done in the open waters. These equipment
are as follows:
Waterproof torch that floats
Bilge pump and bailing device
Distress signal devices such as orange smoke sticks and red flares
Compass
Spare paddle
Getting in a Kayak:
a. Entering from the dock
Make sure that paddle is within reach. Keep in mind that weight should be at the centerline,
otherwise the kayak will tip. First, hold the back of the cockpit coaming and feet should be planted near the
centerline. Then, lift self, with the weight mainly supported by hand, and move bottom to the cockpit.
Getting in a Canoe:
a. Entering from the shore (Tandem Canoe)
Put paddle in the end of the boat. Slide part of the boat in the water,
and then hold the boat so it will not float away. The person who will be
seated on the bow part enters the boat first. That person should carefully
walk down the center of the canoe, while holding the gunwales. Position self
then settle. Remember in entering the boat, keep the center of gravity as low
as possible to minimize the chances of flipping the boat over. The second
person then carefully puts one foot in the center of canoe and pushes off the
shore with the other foot while keeping hands on both sides of canoe. Then
he/she lowers self into the seat. Reverse the order when getting out.
b. Entering from the dock
When entering from the dock, the same is basically done. However,
it will be best to keep the boat parallel or horizontal to the dock. Get in the
boat one at a time, taking turns in holding the boat steadily. Remember to
always put the paddle in the end of the canoe within reach. Reverse the
order in getting out.
Fourth, Let Us Learn the Basics of Making the Boat Move Forward
There are many strokes in paddling, but for the purpose of knowing the basics, this discussion will
focus on one stroke which is the forward stroke.
In Canoeing
Paddling forward is the most basic and important stroke as this
will bring you to places. The forward paddling in canoeing is described in
three phases: the catch, power phase, and exit and recovery.
1. Catch
Correct Shaft Angle Incorrect Shaft Angle This is the start of the
stroke where the blade enters the water. It is important to know that the
shoulder is used, not the elbow, as the axis of movement. The bottom
hand (the one holding the shaft) should be positioned at the correct
angle, see Figure 8.3. Notice the top arm in the same figure, it should
be at the level of the shoulder bent slightly and not in front of the face
or chest. The position should also be over the water on the paddling
side, not over the canoe (Figure 8.4). The position of the trunk should
be slightly forward (around 80 degrees), but one should still feel he or
she is still seated perfectly erect. Excessive leaning will wear out the
paddler faster as he/she is fighting gravity's pull and slouching will
make it difficult to use strength in the shoulders effectively.
2. Power Phase
A strong stroke is what will actually move the boat forward. In this phase, the bottom hand should
be pulling while the top arm is pressing down slightly forward. The torso rotates, thus, the paddle-side
shoulder forwards as the paddle enters the water. Simultaneously,
the blade is planted in the water up to the blade or shaft
intersection. The blade should be completely immersed at right
angles to the direction of travel (see Figure 8.5). This is what they
call “squaring the blade.” If the angle is wrong, the blade will slide
sideways. Remember, the paddler is moving the boat and not the
water. Think as if the blade is being fixed in the water and the
paddler pulls the boat past it. While doing this, the blade should be
kept close to the boat, where the inside edge of the blade is still
touching the side of the canoe. The stroke ends when the torso,
rotation brings the paddle back to the hip. From the catch phase to
the power phase stroke, the toes, leg, hip, torso, and shoulder all
work smoothly together and in coordination.
Keep the upper arm relaxed and hold the paddle loosely so muscles can rest. Keep the upper hand
at about an eye level and allow it to move across the body and to keep the paddle vertical. After the stroke,
move the blade out of the water and prepare for the next stoke.
What are the levels of difficulty in sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking or canoeing?
For people who are more adventurous, sea kayaking or canoeing and the whitewater rapids will
certainly give challenge.
In the open sea, the waves will bring different experiences to the kayakers. The kayaker will try to
break the waves and/or face the rolling of waves. In sea kayaking, difficulty is measured according to wind,
waves, current, tide rips, length of open-water crossing, and shoreline conditions. Taken from the book Sea
Kayak (Harbord, 2004), the following describes the levels of difficulty in sea kayaking:
Level Wind (knot = one Sea State and Waves Length of Open-Water Crossing
nautical mile (1.852
kms/hour)
Novice Conditions Calm wind Calm to rippled Travel along shore with many easy
(Minimal Risk) (less than 8 knots) landing areas
Beginner Light winds (0-11 Calm to light chop Short open crossing less than 1.5
Conditions (Low knots) nautical miles (nmi); many easy
Risk) landing areas
Intermediate Moderate winds (12- Moderate with wind waves Open water crossings | less than 5
Conditions 19 knots) near 0.5 meters nmi; intermittent landing areas
(Moderate Risk)
Advance Strong winds (near Rough sea state, wind Open water crossings greater than 5
Conditions 20 knots) waves near 1 meter, and nmi with infrequent landing areas and
(Considerable Risk) tide rips greater than 3 some with difficult landing sites
knots
The river rapids have a different scale of difficulty. The rivers are rated according to the technical
difficulty and the skill level required to traverse the river. The International Scale of River Difficulty is an
American system used to rate the difficulty of a stretch of river or a single rapid. The International scale as
described in the Safety Code of American Whitewater (American Whitewater, 2005) is as follows:
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION
In the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro River has an overall classification of Class III, with Class IV
rapids in some parts. Chico River located in the province of Kalinga has Class III, IV, and V rapids.
What are the health-related benefits of paddling?
Canoeing and kayaking are activities that can range from low to high intensity levels of activity.
Paddling will work out the muscles and the heart and thus will improve one's aerobic fitness, strength, and
flexibility. Specific health benefits include:
Improved cardiovascular fitness
Stronger muscles and muscular endurance particularly in the back, arms, shoulders, and
chest as these are the main muscles involved in paddling.
Development of the torso and leg strength as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes
mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs
What are the important things that we should always remember to be safe in kayaking or canoeing?
Know first your skills in swimming and canoeing or kayaking.
Avoid paddling alone, paddling far from coastline, or paddling in routes of ships.
Yield to safety and know where to go in case of emergency.
Always wear personal floatation device and other safety equipment.
Keep hydrated as you will be under the sun.
Check weather conditions.
Always plan ahead. This includes studying the river maps ahead of time.
Never forget to put your things in waterproof bags.
Orientations given by facilitators or leaders are important. They tell you the rules and regulations
and safety procedures. Listen and follow them well.
Equipment should be tried and always checked. Try on new or unfamiliar things and ask questions
on the proper way of using them.
SCUBA DIVING
When we say underwater world, reactions can be one or the other. What does this mean? One can
react with much excitement or with great hesitation due to fear of the unknown. Which one are you?
Whether one is excited or not, most will still feel mystified with the life and other things found underwater.
Relics of the famous Titanic ship, species of marine life; and the beauty of corals, caves, and even sunken
cities were and are being discovered underwater. Underwater diving is done either through “breath-holding"
diving (free diving) or through scuba diving (with breathing apparatus).
The development of scuba diving became possible because of people's interest and curiosity in
deep water, which motivated inventors to create safer means of going to greater depths.
Scuba diving will require certain certification or c-card for one to be allowed to dive or even to rent
the scuba equipment. In order to do so, one must take a course with a recognized diving organization, after
which the c-card may be issued. The discussion on this lesson therefore will be about providing basic
information on scuba diving, few basic scuba diving skills, and safety measures. This will give you an
advance knowledge in case you decide to get into a scuba diving course.
1690 Edmund Halley developed an improved diving bell. The diving bell with
trapped air was brought down with two people inside. The diver/explorer
outside the diving bell also use a smaller version of the diving bell on his/her
head where a tube is connected from his/her diving bell to the bigger diving bell
to get some air. The air inside the bigger diving bell is in turn replenished from
a barrel (with tube connected to the diving bell) which is brought down from the
top. This barrel is retrieved also by the diver and tugged over the bell.
1715 Englishman John Lethbridge built the “diving engine," which was an
underwater oak cylinder supplied with compressed air from the surface.
1823 Charles Anthony Deane invented the "smoke helmet" originally for firefighters. The helmet fits over a
man's head with an attached hose for supply of air which comes from the surface.
1825 William James invented the first workable, full-time SCUBA. It had a cylindrical belt around the diver's
trunk that served as an air reservoir at 450 psi.
1837 German-born inventor Augustus Siebe innovated a closed diving suit to complete the diving helmet of
Deane. The suit was connected to an air pump on the surface and became the first standard diving
dress.
1843 The first diving school was established by the Royal Navy.
1866 Frenchmen Benoit Rouquayrol and Auguste Denayrouze patented the "Aerophore," where the diver
carries a steel tank of compressed air and is connected through a valve which goes to the mouthpiece.
The tank also has a hose where fresh air is pumped from the surface. This became the forerunner of
the modern-day scuba gadget.
1876 Henry A. Fleuss, an English merchant seaman, developed the first self-contained diving gear that
used compressed oxygen and not compressed air. In his prototype of closed circuit scuba, carbon
dioxide was absorbed by a rope soaked in sodium hydroxide so that the exhaled air can be recycled or
re-breathed.
1943 Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan redesigned a car regulator which provided compressed air to
divers in the slightest breath and later on called as the aqualung. This design has changed the
landscape of diving and remains to be what we know as the SCUBA of modern day.
Scuba diving can be for varied purposes. It can be for recreation where one undertakes it for sheer
enjoyment of experiencing marine life while observing fish and other marine animals, taking photos and
videos. Scuba diving may also be used for technical purposes such as cave diving and advanced wreck
diving. It may also be done for commercial purposes. This is done to earn a living such as those who build
underwater structures, carry out underwater maintenance, conduct surveys, or participate in salvage
operations. Another purpose of scuba diving is those done by the military or highly qualified divers who do
underwater surveillance; mine clearing; or search, rescue, or retrieve passengers of capsized passenger
ships and other sunken vehicles.
A child as young as eight years old can start learning in shallow waters. A ten-year-old child can be
qualified to train and be certified as a Junior Open Water Diver, while a fifteen-year-old or older can apply
for an Open Water Diver's certificate (About Sports, 2016).
Health
It is important for a diver to be physically fit to be able to cope with strenuous physical task which
may happen at an unexpected time such as maneuvering through strong current to reach a dive site. They
may also need to do a long surface swim at the end of a dive. All students entering a diving class will be
asked to answer a medical questionnaire which examines their medical history. One does not need to have
an examination from the doctor, however, the instructor might need a doctor's clearance for certain medical
conditions found in his/her medical history, such as heart and lung diseases, fainting spells, vomiting,
asthma, diabetes, etc.
Temporary restrictions are also given to those with colds, flu, injured, or are pregnant. The swelling
or blockage in the eustachian tubes or sinuses for those with colds or flu may prevent adequate
equalization of air spaces with water pressure making it risky for the diver.
Disabilities
Disabilities do not hinder anyone from scuba diving. Many of the instructors can provide training
which is designed for physically challenged divers. Further, there are diving groups who aim to promote
diving among physically challenged individuals.
Swimming Skill
For enrolling in a one-day experience course, the basic requirement is being comfortable in the
water even to the deep end of the swimming pool. However, if one is earning a scuba certification from
diving trainers such as PADI, he/she has to pass the watermanship assessment for scuba diving which will
require some basic skills in swimming. Some may require to tread on water for 10 minutes, swim 200
meters, and snorkel for 300 meters without stopping. In this case, one does not need to be at a competitive
level of swimming but at least can manage with the basic skills in swimming.
The diving equipment is what makes scuba diving different. It is what the divers use and carry that
allows them to be underwater for a longer time. The following are
the essential needs of every diver (Davis, 2007) and for discussion
refer to Figure 8.6:
1. Dive Mask creates the air pocket to have a clearer view of the
underwater life.
2. Snorkel is a breathing tube allowing you to inhale and exhale
through your mouth when swimming face down on water surface.
3. Regulator lets you breathe under water. It connects to your tank
and delivers air to your mouth when you inhale.
4. BCD or Buoyancy Control Device helps control the position in the water column. If air is added in an
internal bladder, then one rises toward the surface. By removing air from it, one sinks.
5. Regulator delivers the steady supply of air from the cylinder with the right pressure.
6. Octopus is the backup regulator. It usually has a longer hose and a bright yellow body so it is easy to
find and can be used by others in an emergency.
7. Weight Belt is used to counteract buoyancy.
8. SPG or Submersible Pressure Gauge shows how much of the air is left.
9. Scuba Tank contains the pressurized air which allows one to breathe and to stay longer underwater.
10. Fins provide the propulsion that makes it possible to swim with lesser effort.
11. Scuba or Wet Suit provides protection from the coldness of the water and from other elements.
Other Accessories
1. Dive Computer monitors the diver's depth, time of being underwater, and the remaining time for one to
be safely down in the water.
2. Dive Lights provides the needed light as it can be dark underwater.
3. Dive Knife is used for cutting ropes, lines, and monofilament.
4. Dive Case is used for protecting the gears while travelling.
The five steps of the pre-dive safety check (Gibb, n.d.) are as follows:
1. Check the buoyancy compensator making sure that the inflator and deflator buttons work and
that the pull strings are unencumbered.
2. Check the Weights
Quick-release system for the weights should be visible and unencumbered
Weight belt should be oriented as a right-hand release
Free the end of the visible belt and it must be cleared of other gear so that it can fall away
easily when opened
If using integrated weight system, weight pockets should be inserted securely into the BCD.
Both divers should know how to release weights in an emergency.
3. Check the Releases
Check the BCD's clips making sure that they are secured and that the straps are tightened.
Tank band connecting the BCD to the scuba tank should be snapped closed. It should be
tight enough such that the tank will not slide once they enter the water.
4. Check the Air Regulator
Regulator is functioning well.
Check tank valve by breathing from your buddy's tank valve regulator several times, while your
buddy watches the pressure gauge needle. As long as the pressure gauge needle does not drop
significantly, then the tank valve is open.
Scuba tanks are full (close to 3000 psi or 200 bar).
Confirm that the regulator breathes comfortably and easily.
Explain to buddy where the alternate air source is located and test it by breathing a few times.
5. Final Okay
Check to see if all the gears are in their proper places.
After all the equipment have been checked, the diver should also be prepared before going
underwater. This is done through the five-point descent. The procedure is as follows:
1. Signal (thumbs down) to descend and wait for acknowledgment from buddy.
2. Orient to some surface object for reference. The most exact way for a diver to orient himself is by
using a compass.
3. Remove the snorkel and replace it with the regulator mouthpiece.
4. Time-check: the timing device must be set. If using a diver's watch, then set the watch bezel or
record start of dive. If a computer is used, divers should make sure that the computer is turned on
and ready to record. 5. Deflate the BCD just enough so that one slowly begins to sink and exhale to
help self in descending Equalize the ears (pinch-blow nose technique). This will help me
subsequent equalization. Keep BCD inflator at hand in order to add air to BCD as you descend.
5. Feet first in descent or at least the head is above the feet to remain oriented.
Descending
Descending to water should be done in a slow and controlled way; this is what they call the
controlled descent. It is using the lungs to descend and the BCD for making oneself neutrally buoyant. Why
is this important? It serves as preventive measure to stay safe. Specifically, it is for the following reasons:
1. If ear equalization problem arises and cannot stop descent, there is the risk of an ear barotrauma
or an injury in the ears.
2. A diver must be able to descend slowly so as not to land on the bottom. We have to remember
that a gentle fin kick can injure corals or other aquatic life, destroy some delicate historical
information on a shipwreck, or can stir up sediment that will cause visibility reduction.
3. A diver should be able to stay close with his buddy during descent. A diver who goes ahead of
his/her buddy will not be able to assist a buddy who is making a slower descent.
4. Slower descent makes the dive more enjoyable and not stressful.
LET'S DO THIS!
Search for a song, local or international, that was perhaps inspired by a canoeing or kayaking
experience. Write down the lyrics and may be record it in your phone. Be ready to sing it or let the class
listen to it.
Let us pretend that today you are going to scuba dive. It is an activity that you and your friends have
long been planning. Write a short story of what it might be like to scuba dive. How was it like wearing the
scuba gear? How did you feel before the dive or while you were descending. What marine animals did you
see? What colors were they? Was there a problem along the way? Daydream and run your imagination.
Let your creativity run.