![]() ![]() Larger fish also staying closer to the reef and seeking shelter. Medium current (1-2 knots) – The smaller fish are now really close to the coral and finning rapidly to keep in position. Light Current (up to 1 knot) – Fish swimming in one direction and up in the water column, around 0.5 knot and closer to the reef, nearer to 1 knot. No Current – Fish are swimming in every direction and well above the reef. On coral reefs, plants, soft corals and fish are great indicators as to the strength and direction of the current. In temperate waters, seaweed or kelp can tell you which way the current if flowing. If unsure, pop a mask on and have a look below the surface. The surface current is a good indicator of what may be happening a few meters deeper. Ok, so what are the steps needed to plan, prepare and conduct a successful drift dive?īefore even thinking about jumping in the water, conditions of the dive site need to be evaluated. Other currents include offshore, longshore and river currents, although they are not encountered as often by divers. ![]() ![]() Generally, the best time to dive with little, or no current, is around high tide. Other factors such as the moon’s cycle, topography, coastline and wind can have an impact on currents. Mid-tide, when the water is flowing or ebbing horizontally at the fastest rate, generally produces the strongest current. The bigger the tidal range, the stronger the currents can be. Tides rise and fall, often twice daily and the difference between the high and low tide is referred to as the tidal range. Most currents experienced by divers, are tidal in nature. Drift diving has an environmental benefit as well, because boats don’t have to anchor. To get the best out of drift diving you need to understand a few basic principles, otherwise you could find yourself out of control, sucking through your air and flying through the water like a lost kite in a gale.ĭrift diving is usually defined as any form of diving done by drifting with a mild to heavy current, where the exit point is significantly down-current from the entry point. Your instructor will give you a briefing on skills you will have to do during the dive.Gliding along a coral reef, watching the shoals of fish dancing in the current, making slight adjustments to effortlessly change your position – seems easy right? Well, yes and no. Following, we will be off to do 2 drift dives! It is time to apply everything you’ve learned. This day will begin with a short classroom session with your instructor. Lastly, there are entry and exit strategies specific to drift diving to consider. Moreover, we will teach you some special techniques and buddy procedures. Then, you will learn how to assess currents. In addition, we’ll go over special considerations and planning. Your theory will cover everything to do with drift diving! We’ll learn about different kinds of ocean currents and what causes them. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor if you have any questions. We will provide you with your own drift diving manual. Then, you will situate yourself in one of our air-conditioned classrooms to do some self-studying. Firstly, we will check you in and have you complete registration.
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