SCUBA Benefits

[abury805]

I have some time before I ship out and also now have the opportunity to take SCUBA classes and get certified. It seams like pretty much common sense that having some SCUBA experience would help with 2nd phase but I would love to hear some other people's idea's on the issue. Would it help, is it worth it?

[bud/s 184]

I have some time before I ship out and also now have the opportunity to take SCUBA classes and get certified. It seams like pretty much common sense that having some SCUBA experience would help with 2nd phase but I would love to hear some other people's idea's on the issue. Would it help, is it worth it?

Ok...there where a lot of dudes that took scuba before BUD/S and failed pool comp.....ok let me rephrase....there where a lot of dudes in BUD/S that where scuba qual'd.....quite frankly it didn't seem to matter in terms of graduation...although....I think if you were scuba qual'd....it couldn't hurt......it just seemed like the smooches that where all prepared had ZERO heart.....and quit no matter how prepared......so hmmmm......my advice....do the BUD/S
warninging order and show up....ready to compete!!!

[bud/s 184]

Ok...there where a lot of dudes that took scuba before BUD/S and failed pool comp.....ok let me rephrase....there where a lot of dudes in BUD/S that where scuba qual'd.....quite frankly it didn't seem to matter in terms of graduation...although....I think if you were scuba qual'd....it couldn't hurt......it just seemed like the smooches that where all prepared had ZERO heart.....and quit no matter how prepared......so hmmmm......my advice....do the BUD/S
warninging order and show up....ready to compete!!!

Oh and maybe take 10 minute cold *** showers....everymorning.....with no hot water....turned on ...like I saw another TEAM GUY....say........cuz I assure you.....the COLD will dis-heart'n you!!!!! You will take a decon shower "every" morning.....for Indoc....and start your day.....while still dark...cold *** ****......and a lot of dudes....turn into jelly hearts......everyday!! "cuz its cold........well DUH....ITS BUD/S!!!!

[abury805]

Hhmm... I see what u mean. I shouldn't have too much of a problem with the cold [relatively!], four years of water polo and swim team morning practice [before the sun is up] should at least give me an edge. I just got hired at a place that offers SCUBA cert. and as an employee its almost free to do it so its hard not to turn it down, especially 'cuz I have so long before I ship out. I can totally picture what ur saying though, a bunch of gutless lames that thought they had all the bases covered, took all the classes they could and got a certification for this and that, all washed out. Makes sense, thankfully thats not where I'm coming from. Its just hard to not do it when I have so long, its pretty much free, and its at my work. I saw the vid on Bud/s class 234 [I think that was the number], and I could see how basic SCUBA knowledge wouldn't help that much with someone totally f**king with your rig.

[abury805]

...on the other hand, a good friend of mine was earning his open water dive certification and ran into trouble. He was fine in a 20ft pool but once he went to some depth in the open water he discovered he suffered from what divers call a 'tooth squeeze'. Its an open pocket [like a cavity but usually not due to decay] in the tooth that, when under pressure, causes severe pain. My buddy couldn't hack it through and would have to rise towards the surface every time. Part of the certification required going to depth but my buddy just couldn't do it and failed to receive his cert. He went to the dentist to try to fix it but they couldn't find it. Game over! That is pretty much the type of scenario I am worried about. It would REALLY, REALLY SUCK to make it through 1st phase just to get shut down by some bulls*it like that. He is one of my closer homies too, I think thats why it doesn't seem that impossible to happen to someone else.

[abury805]

Oh, and what is the bud/s warning order?

[I_am_drew_brown]

Seems like there are a few people talking about taking SCUBA lately, to help them prepare for BUD/S. I worked for a Dive shop for a little while after I got out, and was going to become one of those super cool dive instructors. Maybe it isn't like that everywhere, but where I was, they didn't teach anything useful. As a matter of fact, it was more of a sales pitch than a class. All they did was try to convince you that you need the most expensive (or highest commission) gear, or you would die. I would take SCUBA lessons, simply to go and have fun diving before BUD/s, not to learn any type of skills. And there is always the risk that you learn the wrong way of doing something.

If you want to get more comfortable, just go snorkeling. Go free diving. Play around at the bottom. And like 184 said, start enjoying the cold showers. Treat it like a nice cup-o-joe.

Just remember that BUD/S is a school. It is training. Show up in decent shape, have a pair, and make sure that it is what you want and you will do good.

[SeaSpectre]

It certainly won't hurt to have some diving experience. However, realize that the Navy way is going to be different. The basics are there, but the technique is going to be different. I really don't see any reason not to do some diving classes beforehand. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being prepared mentally.

Remember----you are going to be "drown proofed".

[palmach]

I have some time before I ship out and also now have the opportunity to take SCUBA classes and get certified. It seams like pretty much common sense that having some SCUBA experience would help with 2nd phase but I would love to hear some other people's idea's on the issue. Would it help, is it worth it?Scuba classes are good n all, but
they won't really prepare you, for BUD/s Combat Scuba!They harass you underwater and spin you around and take your mask off etc. The only thing that would do that to a rec diver is: a shark,waves and underwater currents
etc.

[dive doc]

Guys

take note all of the above advice. Especially the guys that have the experience.

Getting scuba certified is not a bad idea but the worst mistake you can make is get ****y about it. Civilian scuba will get you used to the sensation of being underwater and will also allow to "learn" to equalize in a less stressful environment, especially if you have any problems with it. It will introduce you to the basics, but thats it. Some centres are better than others but do not intend to rely on this experience at BUD/S. It is merely an introduction. Most importantly, as 184 said, you need to have guts, heart and a pair of steel ***** to help you along the way. Remember you will be drown proofed, so it is much more important to be comfortable in the water.

Instead of worrying about whether or not to do it; do the course and just appreciate the experience for what it is, a basic introduction. After that, go and do some reading on the diving gas laws, decompression sickness, hyperbarics etc. This will mean you have a basic introduction, are familiar with the sensation of breathing underwater and able to equalize with relative ease and once you hit the classroom you will have seen and heard the terminology before.

DD

[palmach]

Guys

take note all of the above advice. Especially the guys that have the experience.

Getting scuba certified is not a bad idea but the worst mistake you can make is get ****y about it. Civilian scuba will get you used to the sensation of being underwater and will also allow to "learn" to equalize in a less stressful environment, especially if you have any problems with it. It will introduce you to the basics, but thats it. Some centres are better than others but do not intend to rely on this experience at BUD/S. It is merely an introduction. Most importantly, as 184 said, you need to have guts, heart and a pair of steel ***** to help you along the way. Remember you will be drown proofed, so it is much more important to be comfortable in the water.

Instead of worrying about whether or not to do it; do the course and just appreciate the experience for what it is, a basic introduction. After that, go and do some reading on the diving gas laws, decompression sickness, hyperbarics etc. This will mean you have a basic introduction, are familiar with the sensation of breathing underwater and able to equalize with relative ease and once you hit the classroom you will have seen and heard the terminology before.

DDNice post dive doc!