Advanced Diver Training - Peak Performance Buoyancy

PPB - Peak Performance Buoyancy

On completing the entry level dive course, divers can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world, liquid space. With more dives you begin to gain more confidence and control of this new feeling of weightlessness.  Divers who wish to continue their training, something I highly recommend, time and money permitting, should definitely consider fine tuning their buoyancy control skills by doing the PPB course.  It definitely allows you to improve your command of your buoyancy.

The course gives divers the time to master their control of neutral buoyancy, allowing you to glide along in the water, neither sinking or floating upwards. Once you have acquired advanced peak performance buoyancy skills you will find yourself using less air to ascend and descend.  Divers with proficient buoyancy skills interact gently with aquatic life and reduce the affect they may have on their surroundings.

Requirements for successful module completion include:

• Preparing a weight system with basic weighting guidelines and position and distribute the weight for comfort and desired body position (trim) in water.

• Use visualization techniques before diving to relax, establish a comfortable relaxed breathing pattern and move gracefully underwater.

• Adjust for proper weighting – float at eye level at the surface with an empty BCD, while holding a normal breath.

• Make a controlled, slow descent to the bottom and adjust for neutral buoyancy.

•  Adjust for neutral buoyancy at a predetermined depth.

• Hover for 60 seconds without rising or sinking more than 1 metre by making minor depth adjustments using breath control only (open-circuit scuba), or using very minor hand/fi n sculling only(rebreathers).

• Swim in a neutrally buoyant, horizontal position without touching the bottom or surface.

• Make minor depth adjustments using breath control.

• Swim efficiently using long, slow kick strokes and gliding.

• Control buoyancy while swimming without touching anything and without breaking the surface.

• Adjust weights (trim) and practice hovering in different positions – vertical, horizontal, feet elevated and head elevated.