National Geographic

[D.D.J]

PADI- National Geographic Diver

On Sunday 24th April at Capernwray I took part in the PADI National Geographic portal, a course which I thoroughly enjoyed. Claire Storey and Peter Edmunds were also on it as students. With Sue Dunn and Steve Grainger as the awesome instructors. Big thumbs up to Sue who was teaching it as she made it fun and exciting. Little Harry and Mollie were the team mascots for Overland Underwater, making new buddies by looking very cute and adorable.

We did two dives. On the first dive we entered by “the reef” and descended by the 2m buoy, we then passed the training platforms to the left and stopped in a quiet place to demonstrate buoyancy skills. Three different types that I will definitely find helpful to use in different situations. We did horizontal buoyancy, feet first buoyancy and head first buoyancy. All which will come in very good use in diving (especially Egypt). Wahoo I am ssssooooooo excited about Egypt but that’s another thing altogether as this brief account will suddenly turn into a full blown essay, hahaha. As we had stopped quite near to the “Cessna” we then did a quick exploration of it to see if it would be a good attraction to map for the next dive. With our navigation a bit on the rough side we all three of us navigated squares which to a success we all did practically spot on. With the water getting quite busy now and the vis in places getting slightly reduced Sue showed us how to avoid stirring up the silt by frog fining, a technique which works wonders. Sue then navigated back to the exit point and we ascended.

Dive two….to sum it up in one word would be “awesome”. DDJ, a.k.a me, got the chance to draw. For those that don’t know me I quite like drawing so I was able to draw for the mapping exercise. After a group discussion for planning how we would map the “Cessna” we decided on me drawing and Claire and Peter taking the measurements and depths which we would then add onto the drawing, I personally think that it was a big success and a course which I’ve learnt a lot from.

So for all those out there considering it, I’d go for it as it was educational and fun that was thoroughly enjoyable and it defiantly helps to improve your buoyancy. Thanks to Sue and Steve that ran the course.

[turbanator]

I picked up a flyer for this PADI/NG thing from our LDS at the weekend.

What is the diffenerence between this and Peak Performance Buoyancy?
The drawing, or the whole focus of the course?

Just curious.

r
Paul

[D.D.J]

hi there

good question.....before i did it i just thought that they were the same thing but the national geo. a bit more posh. but i ll explain now that i know. you can do the national geo insted of your open water course so it can be the first course to certify you as a diver. but if you are already a diver the difference is that i think personally taht its better than the ppb course, due to you doing more skills to help you on your buoyancy, skills which will come to better use than the ppb, doing different hovering...horizontal, head first, feet first. sounds easy and its nothing too taxing but its really good to just learn a few hints and tips. you also do a mapping exercise and some navigation as well.....more things.oppotunitys to different levels of experience so if your fab at navigation then your not just going to get a square for exmaple. hope this helps with your question. i can t gartenee that this will be the same for all centres but it was a success with sue and steve

[daveyclayton]

you can do the national geo insted of your open water course so it can be the first course to certify you as a diver

What level does that certify you at then? Padi Scuba Diver?

[Colin Marriott]

Lifted from the PADI web site: -

National Geographic Diver

Gearing up As a National Geographic Diver, you join an elite group of explorers, adventurers and conservationists. The insight and training you gain during this program will broaden your awareness and take your diving skills to a new level. You'll learn to observe and explore like an underwater scientist.

Your experience begins with the PADI Open Water Diver program, enhanced with adventures unique to the National Geographic Diver program. You will learn to explore with detail, identify important underwater features and navigate with certainty. You will have the diving knowledge and practice to maneuver with poise along the reef ’s ecosystems.

Whether you’re new to scuba diving, or an experienced diver, the National Geographic Diver program will give you new tools to understand and safely explore the underwater world.

Wall divingYour adventure begins with the National Geographic Diver certification, where you’ll gain the knowledge and practical experience to live the diving life.

* You’ll learn basic dive skills and safety information through the PADI Open Water Diver course.
* You’ll be introduced to worldwide dive environments and opportunities by interacting with the National Geographic Diver Almanac and DVD.
* You’ll learn to fine-tune your buoyancy to hover easily and maneuver carefully through delicate aquatic habitats.
* You’ll learn how to observe your surroundings in order to get the best experience from each dive. You’ll gain practical experience by gathering information and collecting images to create a visual representation of a dive site, detailing what you’ve discovered through your observations.
* You’ll improve your navigation skills and ability to find your way around underwater by using a compass as well as natural references.
* You’ll be introduced to a multitude of aquatic species and be able to identify local plants and animals.

So, you have to do Open Water first, then this.

HTH

ColinM

[D.D.J]

yep you have to do your open water section first, but if your not a diver already then you can start on the national geographic course as your first course, so insted of doing 4 dives that you would do as an open water diver you do 6

[Colin Marriott]

yup, and how much does the course cost Danni?


ColinM

[D.D.J]

uuuuuuuummmmmmmmm...now wait for it guys as it ll empty your pockets a bit

full open water course £299

open water refferal course £175

nation geo portal, including manual £100 ....this one is for the already certified divers

national geo course £399.....this one is for the beginners that are wanting to be a certified diver

hope this helps

[Colin Marriott]

Yuuurrrsssss ....

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by Colin Marriott

* You’ll be introduced to a multitude of aquatic species and be able to identify local plants and animals.

So, you have to do Open Water first, then this.

HTH

ColinM

And how many different species are there in Capenwary then How Much ? £399 sorry just another way to get money out of people by linking it to a well known brand.

My advice, do your basic training then go and do a Sea Search course for about £40