The exceptional visibility for which Blue Grotto is famous is among the chief reasons divers will invest considerable time, money and effort, often driving hundreds of miles, to visit us. This is why we find it incredibly frustrating when some divers ignore our orientation video and ruin the visibility for themselves and others.
The problem is primarily due to two causes. These are:
- Failure to stay well away from the cavern floor.
- Poor overall buoyancy control skills.
The first problem can be avoided if divers remember to stay at least two body lengths away from the cavern floor and to settle down only on the platforms or the boulders at the back of the cavern. The second issue is more problematic as it can result from poor training or lack of experience.
The picture at the top of the page shows one way in which poor buoyancy skills manifest themselves. The divers in the photo are engaged in what is known as planing.
Rather than maintaining good buoyancy control and trim, these divers are staying off the bottom using thrust from their fins. This is not only inefficient, but it can stir up massive amounts of silt.
There are several things you can do to avoid looking like these divers. These include:
- Wearing the least weight possible. You should never wear more weight than is necessary to sink slowly below the surface. Carrying unnecessary weight not only makes controlling buoyancy harder but is also one factor that can cause your feet to sink.
- Maintaining awareness of depth. The Grotto becomes increasingly deeper the further into the cavern you go. Remember to add air in small bursts as you go deeper, venting it in small bursts as you ascend.
- Stopping frequently. If you find yourself sinking when you do, don’t kick. Instead, add air to your BC. You should never kick to stay off the bottom.
Practicing good buoyancy control and trim helps ensure your own enjoyment and shows consideration for others. It is something we look for in all of our guests