Introduction to Scuba (Introductory diving, ISO 11121)

OVERVIEW AND QUALIFICATIONS

This is an introductory, resort style course that is a non-certification program suitable to introduce non-divers to scuba diving. Participants scuba dive in closely controlled conditions. The participant may conduct an optional open water dive to a maximum depth of 12m (40ft). Instruction will be limited to the knowledge and skills needed to dive within the limitations of these standards.

Upon course completion a digital participation certificate will be available in the NAUI App.

At any point, the program may be converted to the NAUI Scuba Diver or NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver course. Within a six-month period from completion, credit for program training may be given to persons who complete it and subsequently enroll in a NAUI Scuba Diver or NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver course.

WHO MAY CONDUCT

•     Any active-status NAUI Instructor or NAUI Divemaster using NAUI support materials.

PREREQUISITES

•     Age.

–       Minimum is eight (8) years for confined water

–       Minimum is ten (10) years for open water

•     Certification/Experience/Knowledge.

–       There is no certification required to enter this course.

–       Participants must be able to demonstrate novice swimming ability.

POLICIES

•     Ratios

Leadership level	Confined water	Controlled water	Open water	Additional Dives**
Instructor	8:1	4:1*	4:1*	4:1*

*NAUI Instructors with a qualified assistant may increase their ratio to a maximum of 6:1

** Additional Open water dives may be conducted after participants have successfully completed the first open water dive with an active-status NAUI Instructor

–       There may be no more than two divers under 15 years of age in any one group in Controlled or Open water.

–       Ratios apply to ideal conditions

•     Daily Hours. No more than eight hours of training shall be conducted during any one day.

•     Academics (estimated hours). One hour.

•     Practical Application.

–       MINIMUM REQUIRED

* One hour.

–       MINIMUM REQUIRED

* One confined water 

*  One optional open water dive for participants 10 years of age or older.

–       LIMITATIONS.

* If conducted by a NAUI Divemaster this is a confined or controlled water course

*  If the program includes the optional open water dive

-        All portions of the program must be taught by an active-status NAUI instructor

-       During the optional open water dive the instructor must maintain direct

*Introduction of water skills shall be conducted in water in which the participants may comfortably stand, water may not be deeper than the shortest participant’s

*  All Dives are to be conducted during daylight hours

–       DEPTH.

*  The maximum depth for ideal conditions for any confined water is 6m (20 ft.).

* The maximum depth for ideal conditions for any open water dive is 12m (40ft).

 

–      CONTINUED

* Participants who successfully completed the Introduction to Scuba course that includes the optional open water dive with an active-status NAUI Instructor may continue to scuba dive under the direct supervision of an active-status NAUI Instructor providing a dive has been conducted within the last 30

*Equipment. See “Policies Applying to All Courses: Equipment.”

* Materials. See “Policies Applying to All Courses: Forms, Records and Reports.”

REQUIREMENTS – ACADEMIC

•     General. Emphasis is on risk awareness and minimization, equipment and skills required to properly and effectively scuba dive with a buddy in a directly supervised group. Academics may be presented at the water site. The instructor shall deal with immediate concerns, rather than theory. Participants are to be informed of the benefits of the program and shown correct usage of the equipment and materials utilized. All participants are to be encouraged to enroll in an entry-level diver certification course.

•     The following participant capabilities are required:

–       Prior to using scuba in confined water, participants are to be able to:

–       Explain why equalization is important; demonstrate mask pressure equalization and one method of equalizing middle ear pressure.

–       Explain proper scuba breathing, the dangers of breath holding and the effects of pressure on air consumption.

–       Explain hazards of the environment and aquatic life appropriate for the locality

–       Explain the concept of buoyancy and the methods for controlling it, including weights, breathing, and BC use.

–       Discuss the safety concepts for diving under supervision in confined water. This list will be provided by the instructor and will be appropriate for the environment.

REQUIREMENTS – SKILLS

•     Scuba Diving (confined water).

–       Don and adjust gear with assistance. The participant may develop limited gear handling ability.

–       Comfortably demonstrate in confined water the ability to:

* Locate, recover and purge a regulator second stage and resume breathing.

* Clear a mask of water.

* Inflate and deflate the BC using power inflator.

* Equalize pressure in body and equipment spaces during descent.

* Comfortably breathe from scuba underwater.

* Utilize and respond appropriately to underwater communications.

* Maintain buoyancy control with minimal assistance during diving activities.

* Surface normally breathing from scuba.

* Monitor and communicate: submersible pressure gauge, depth gauge and timing device information.

*  Establish surface flotation with BC using power inflator.

–       Conduct a thorough debriefing of the dive

•     Continuing Education. All participants and graduates are to be encouraged to obtain further training. Those who desire to dive extensively or at several locations are to be encouraged to take the NAUI Scuba Diver or NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver certification course.

•     REQUIREMENTS – EXAMS

–       No exam is required for this course.