The Dive Table The Dive Table

While on a dive expedition with Azul Unlimited, Sarah took the time to ask her fellow divers how they felt about the environment, marine life and the conditions that they encountered.

In this episode, Jay and Sarah discuss how to choose a dive operator or dive instructor. They emphasize the importance of considering factors such as eco-conservation efforts, integration with the local community, and safety protocols. They also highlight the need to research and gather information from word of mouth, social media, and review platforms like TripAdvisor. The conversation touches on the challenges of greenwashing and the importance of supporting operators that align with your values. 
They conclude by emphasizing the power of consumer choices in shaping the diving industry. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions00:53 Importance of Eco-Conservation and Local Community Integration07:09 Beware of Greenwashing10:35 Educating Yourself and Making Informed Choices13:10 Word of Mouth and Online Research23:27 Considering Safety and Personal Values24:55 The Power of Consumer Choices25:00 Choosing Dive Operators: Understanding Your Values26:02 Asking Open-Ended Questions: Ensuring Alignment with Your Goals27:01 Choosing Instructors: Considering Learning Style and Experience28:29 Diving the Way You Want: Selecting Instructors with Desired Skills31:05 Teaching Style Matters: Finding Effective Communicators35:37 Knowing Your Preferences: What Works Best for You as a Student
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways: 

Subscribe to the podcast so you get notified when new episodes drop;Leave a rating wherever you listen to your podcastsSend the link to the show, ‘divetable.com,’ to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor.Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a voicemail here on our website or say,’Howdy!’Join us on our Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable 
Dive Ninja Expeditionshttps://www.diveninjaexpeditions.com/
The Dive Table
https://www.thedivetable.com/

The Dive Table Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable

Instagram
@thedivetable

Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/

Sarah Miller
www.azulunlimited.com

Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
https://fishdivesurf.com/

In this conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss boat etiquette for divers. They cover topics such as being a minimalist and bringing only necessary gear, being tidy and compact to save space on the boat, being prepared by calling ahead and knowing the boat's facilities, taking seasickness medication, keeping dry areas dry, and the importance of communication with the boat crew and fellow divers. 
They emphasize the need for divers to be respectful, follow the rules, and set a good example for others. In this conversation.  Also, the importance of tipping the boat crew and considerations for boat diving. They cover topics such as communication with the crew, being mindful of the boat layout, avoiding judgmental behavior, and tipping the crew. They also emphasize the importance of being prepared, knowing the location of safety equipment, and being aware of the downline and upline during dives. The conversation provides valuable insights for both experienced and novice boat divers.
The bottom line is making sure you're being respectful of the crew that are working hard to make sure you have a fun and safe dive!
Takeaways:
Be a minimalist and bring only necessary gear to save space on the boat.Be tidy and compact to keep your gear organized and prevent accidents.Call ahead and be prepared by knowing the boat's facilities and requirements.Take seasickness medication and keep dry areas dry to ensure a comfortable dive.Communicate with the boat crew and fellow divers, follow the rules, and set a good example for others. Effective communication with the crew is crucial for a smooth boat diving experience.Being aware of the boat layout and positioning oneself in a considerate manner helps maintain a safe and organized environment.Avoid being judgmental or critical of other divers' gear or diving techniques.Tipping the crew is a common practice and shows appreciation for their hard work.Knowing the location of safety equipment and being mindful of the downline and upline during dives enhances safety.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:26 The Importance of Boat Etiquette06:27 Tidiness and Compactness12:16 Preparation is Key13:21 Conquering Seasickness22:25 Mastering Communication with the Crew24:12 The Joy of Boat Diving26:06 Avoiding Judgmental Behavior: Don't Be a Boat Karen29:18 Don't Be a Back Deck Driver36:07 Navigating the Boat Layout: Tips and Considerations39:12 Tipping the Crew: Showing Appreciation42:59 Safety First: Knowing the Location of Safety Equipment44:36 Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways: 
Subscribe to the podcast so you get notified when new episodes drop;Leave a rating wherever you listen to your podcastsSend the link to the show, ‘divetable.com,’ to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor.Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a voicemail here on our website or say,’Howdy!’Join us on our Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable 

The Dive Table
https://www.thedivetable.com/

The Dive Table Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable

Instagram
@thedivetable

Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/

Sarah Miller
www.azulunlimited.com

Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
https://fishdivesurf.com/

While in Marianna, Fl., Jay turns on his recorder and gives us a glimpse into a day while cave diving the system there.  The arrival, the unloading, the 18 cups of coffee, the pre-check and equipment match and the debrief afterwards are all captured in this short Surface Interval.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways: 

Subscribe to the podcast so you get notified when new episodes drop;Leave a rating wherever you listen to your podcastsSend the link to the show, ‘divetable.com,’ to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor.Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a voicemail here on our website or say,’Howdy!’Join us on our Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable 
The Overhead Environmenthttps://www.theoverheadenvironment.com/
The Dive Table
https://www.thedivetable.com/

The Dive Table Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable

Instagram
@thedivetable

Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/

Sarah Miller
www.azulunlimited.com

Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
https://fishdivesurf.com/

In this conversation, Jay and Sarah discuss the importance of being prepared for emergencies in diving. They talk about the significance of rescue training and the goal of being able to help others in distress. They also discuss the timing of taking a rescue course and the importance of having experience and comfort in your own diving skills before pursuing rescue training. They emphasize the need for situational awareness and the ability to recognize when something is not right. They also discuss the importance of having access to oxygen and a well-stocked first aid kit. In this conversation, Sarah and Jay discuss the importance of safety equipment and preparedness in scuba diving. They cover topics such as first aid kits, oxygen administration, rescue techniques, and the role of insurance in diving accidents. They also emphasize the need for proper training and staying up to date with skills. The conversation highlights the importance of having a plan, knowing the location of local hospitals and hyperbaric chambers, and having emergency contact numbers readily available. They also discuss the significance of understanding the limitations of one's training and equipment, as well as the importance of finding a doctor who understands diving-related issues.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:17 The Importance of Being Prepared for Emergencies in Diving05:15 The Timing of Taking a Rescue Course07:28 The Role of Situational Awareness in Diving10:17 Recognizing the Escalation of Emergencies15:10 The Key Takeaway: Adequate Care Provided is Better than Perfect Care Withheld21:50 The Significance of Oxygen in Diving23:49 The Importance of First Aid Kits in Diving31:00 The Importance of First Aid Kits in Scuba Diving33:07 Safety Equipment: SMB, Mirror, Whistle35:00 The Role of Insurance in Diving Accidents37:19 Rescue Techniques and Equipment: SMB, Spinner39:29 Emergency Preparedness: Knowing the Location of Hospitals and Hyperbaric Chambers41:08 Understanding the Limitations of Training and Equipment43:46 The Importance of Finding a Doctor Who Understands Diving-Related Issues
If you enjoyed this episode and want to be a part of this growing community, you can join us in a couple of ways: 

Subscribe to the podcast so you get notified when new episodes drop;Leave a rating wherever you listen to your podcastsSend the link to the show, ‘divetable.com,’ to a dive buddy, your dive team, or your last scuba instructor.Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a voicemail here on our website or say,’Howdy!’Join us on our Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable 

The Dive Table
https://www.thedivetable.com/

The Dive Table Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivetable

Instagram
@thedivetable

Gardner Underwater
https://gardnerunderwater.com/

Sarah Miller
www.azulunlimited.com

Fish Dive Surf, Inc.
https://fishdivesurf.com/

A personal message to Jay & Sarah