Jog your memory

Like everything we learn, your scuba diving knowledge will fade over time if you don’t brush up on your skills every once in a while. If you don’t remember the answer to questions like “What should I do if I’m separated from my buddy?” or “What if I run low on air?” or “What should I do if I’m caught in a current?” then you are sure to benefit from a refresher course. The professionals who teach tune up courses will bring you back up to speed.

Work out the kinks

Many divers who have been inactive for a while often forget correct procedures and end up developing bad habits. If you’re anxious about any skills, taking a refresher course gives you the perfect opportunity to practice in a controlled environment. The watchful eye of a pro can also help iron out any bad habits you’ve picked up over the years.

Test your equipment

If your equipment hasn’t been used in a while, then it’s a good idea to test it out before you use it again. The last thing you want is to be out at sea and realize there is something wrong with your equipment! The professional running your course will be able to help you identify and address any issues you may be having with your equipment.

Here at SPE Dive School we offer tune up courses to help you brush up on your skills! Check out our course calendar to sign up!

A dive light, also known as a dive torch, is an essential piece of scuba diving gear. The light is a must for night dives, and extremely helpful for exploring cracks and crevices during day dives. There are many different dive lights on the market, so before you make the investment be sure you know what to look for.

Check the label

Look for lights that are labeled water-tight and pressure-proof, and avoid lights labeled waterproof. “Waterproof” lights may resist water, but they will not withstand the pressure of deep submersion on a dive. Lights that aren’t pressure-proof are prone to cracking under pressure, which is the last thing you want to deal with on a dive!

Use rechargeable batteries

Dive lights require a lot of power to maintain a bright shine, which means they burn through batteries quickly. Using rechargeable batteries will help save you money and avoid wasting regular batteries.

Choose the right bulb

Without the bulb, there’s no light, so choosing the right one is essential. There are lots of different bulbs out there, so it comes down to preference and priority. Tungsten and halogen bulbs cost less, but they require more batteries and give off dimmer light. HIDs and LEDs are more expensive, but they are more efficient. For example, a 10-watt HID generates the same light as a 50-watt halogen, but it uses only 20 percent of the power.

To learn more about scuba diving and proper scuba diving equipment, check out SPE Dive School! We train and certify all levels of divers from the Washington, DC metro area, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Why You Should Take a Scuba Refresher Course