www.challengeddivers.com A simple resource for UK Shore Divers So, you’ve got a group of mates together, and your going to go shore diving.  You’ve picked a date, a location, checked the tides, kept an eye on the weather and you’re all set to go. Having done your research, you’ve got a good idea of where and when to meet, what sort of dive to expect and hopefully some knowledge of the abilities of the divers involved.  Shore diving can be great for beginners at the right sites but also offer fantastic opportunities for more experienced divers to practice their photography, try out some new kit or simply have some fun. Someone needs to be in charge Some are natural leaders, other prefer to follow, but whatever way you look at it diving by committee rarely works and is generally a recipe for disaster. Normally this takes care of itself and someone will rise to the challenge. Buddy pairs and which ice creams to have are usually arranged by common consent, but looking at the bigger picture, someone suggested this trip in the first place, so let them be boss for the day.... it’s only fair. So what should the boss do? Set limits for maximum depth and dive time. Agree the dive plan for everyone. Organise the surface cover and logging procedures. Have the final say on buddy pairs. Make sure first aid and oxygen are available. Remind everyone of recall and emergency procedures. Let the Coastguard know what you are doing. ...and anything else you can think of. If you disagree, you can always throw your teddy out of the pram and go home. Personal Stuff UK diving is generally Dry-suit diving, so get trained. Two piece 7 mm wetsuits may do if you are hard enough. No one will dive with you unless you have an octopus (alternate air supply). Make sure your regulators are cold water rated and regularly serviced. You will need more weight for the sea. Compass and dive computer are always a good idea. Keep track of your own dive. A dive knife. Abandoned fishing lines can be a pain for shore divers, but you can sell back the lead weights. A torch is also useful. Surface Marker Buoy You should have your own, but during the dive at least one of the buddy pair should be towing one around to give the jet skis something to turn around or the fishermen to aim at. If you get separated, you may have to deploy your own before you surface. An Underwater Camera You will be pleasantly surprised at the abundance of sea life even on shallow shore dives. Calling the Coastguard On the day make a quick call to the local Coastguard station and let them know what you are planning, they will expect this, so don’t be shy. Include where, when and how many divers. They will be able to advise you on any local happenings such at yacht regattas or jet ski races to avoid. Don’t forget to give them a call when everyone is back safe and sound so they can cross you off their list. Finding out the unknown stuff Shore diving is good fun, generally easy to organise an on the whole much safer than throwing yourself off a RIB in the middle of the North Sea. But like most things, a little local knowledge can make all the difference. Having checked tides, weather and facilities, what about currents and the little nuances of the dive site.  A quick check on the internet will reveal all the good and bad stuff from personal perspectives of people who have actually dived the site before. A good Dive Guide book is another place to start, something you can dip into and drool over. They may have also done most of the hard work for you listing details of local air fill stations and alternative dive sites. And now the obvious stuff... Don’t be over ambitious, dive within the limits of the group and if you have any doubts whatsoever call the whole thing off.... there is always another day, an ice cream parlour, pub, funfair. | Tide Table Links | Reference Books | Weather Prediction Links |