Good buoyancy control is often associated with knowledge of the liquid environment, equipment, movement and therefore results in a considerable tranquility for the diver. It is probably the most important skill a diver should have. On the other hand, a wrong ballasting or an inadequate ability to control the buoyancy lead the diver into a state of permanent agitation that is difficult to manage in the water as indicated by Dive Instructor Courses.

The accompanying person must assess whether it is necessary to review the techniques for assessing the necessary ballast and buoyancy control, possibly with a first dive at rather low altitudes. Certainly it is not prudent to face a demanding dive with people who for some time have not immersed themselves, regardless of the level of their patent (if they are really experts they will be the ones to say it).

A simpler, shorter and less profound immersion can be a good solution in which to leave time for divers to regain confidence with attitude control techniques shown in the Dive Instructor Courses.

Evaluation of the environment

It would be difficult to respect the concept of diving safety and divers’ fun if the latter were immersed in conditions above their objective level of preparation. Especially in the case of students of a course, if you decide to cancel a dive due to bad weather conditions you can take the opportunity to discuss with them the reasons for this choice, making them observe and understand the objective data that motivated the decision. This could give rise to a practical lesson on how to evaluate and interpret marine meteorological conditions.

Pre-dive briefing

Efficient communication is one of the cornerstones of group management techniques. A good companion must be clear and succinct in his communications without arousing impressions of arrogance or excessive condescension. A little humor does not hurt either to loosen the tension, or to keep the students’ attention alive, and finally to favor the establishment of a relationship of confidence between the guide and those accompanied.

A well illustrated briefing facilitates the management of the group as each diver knows what to expect and what is expected of him: the result is less need for supervision during the dive since it is not necessary to communicate to each diver every choice and any decision given that most of these were specified before entering the water.

Very often the cause of the loss of control over an underwater group arises precisely from the uncertainty and the consequent inconsistency, regarding the behavior to keep and the choices to be preferred in every occasion.