Our panel of experts look at the essential core skills that divers of all levels should have in their diving arsenal. PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARK EVANS
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ore skills. We hear that term a lot in diving circles, but just what does it mean? We asked our team of diving experts from all of the main training agencies for their take on this terminology, and what they consider ‘core skills’ that should be the focus of every diver, regardless of their certification level. BSAC Chief Executive Mary Tetley said: “Core skills are not just the concern of the new diver, they should be regularly practised by all divers to ensure that they can be performed safely and effectively when needed. “Practice builds ‘muscle memory’ when it comes to key diving skills, and the aim should be to make them almost second nature. Effort put into regularly fine-tuning core skills will pay dividends when in open water. “Honing buoyancy skills, for example, means a diver can focus on other aspects of their diving, secure in the knowledge that their buoyancy and trim is tuned in and that they can dive safely in a range of conditions and circumstances. Strong buoyancy and trim skills greatly improves the diving experience, helps to reduce gas consumption and makes time underwater all the more comfortable and enjoyable. So time spent practising at an inland site, in the pool or at the start of a dive is certainly well spent. “Your core diving skills can also be a life-saver, either your own or that of your buddy, and practising them regularly means you are more likely to respond instinctively in what could be a chaotic situation. Regularly going through outof-gas, controlled buoyant lift, rescue breaths and towing scenarios can help to make your reactions instinctive in an emergency situation. Panic is a major factor in the incident pit and if your response is well rehearsed, you are more likely to be able to take control of a situation. “And it doesn’t matter what level of diving experience you are at, it is also important to revisit those basic skills that set you up as a diver. Mask clearing, reg retrieval and free flow can all be overlooked as your diving gets more diverse, but they remain the bedrock of diving skills, whatever depth you are at.” GUE instructor trainer John Kendall said: “There are several vital skills that every diver should have. Some are easier than others to attain, though. The major skill that every diver needs to have is self-awareness, and with that self-criticism. Being able to correctly analyse your own skill level, preparedness and capability before, during and after a dive is vital. “After this, the core skills needed are buoyancy control, breathing control and body position control. These all link together to form the fundamental platform that a diver needs to be competent, confident and comfortable in the water. I have heard far too many instructors over the years
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Kitting up ready for a shallow shore dive
Inland sites are the perfect place to hone your skills
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