I let 2 of my friends try my scuba equipment out in a 4 foot pool to see if they might like scuba and get certified. I was under there with them breathing off the octo. I was only ok with it because if they had a problem they could stand up and be ok.
Around me you probably wont be asked for a c-card to buy equipment. But if you are trying to rent equipment or wanting to get a SCUBA tank filled, you will be required provide a C-card. Some times multiple are required if say you are renting more than one BCD.
As a general rule, ask locals first. And not the kitchen staff, find some reliable source of information. :) There are a lot of places where only local guides can take you out, or national parks etc. Just like national parks on dry land, you may need to pay some fee, or go in only with a guide. There might be local rules, like shore diving is forbidden, or you must bring an SMB, or mustn't bring gloves, whatever. It's pretty easy to buy gear, no one have ever asked me for certs in shops, even easier to buy 2nd hand. You can even buy a rebreather with filled tanks 2nd hand, if he asks, tell the seller that you're doing your cert, he may or may not believe it. If you're confident enough filling tanks can be done too, or just lie that it's for paintball. I'm not saying that anyone should do any of these, but time by time stupid people kill themselves by various ways.
The sad thing is some idiot dies without training out come the armchair lawyers and pundits. Then the dive industry takes a hit. Most private places are scared to let you get in the water and if they do you have to sign your life away. The Darwin awards sadly has to come into play
I'd second the main limitation is getting an airfill without showing a cert card! That is going to be really difficult in most countries, not impossible, but v. difficult
CMASIII 30+ years, I live in France, sometimes dive in France. Be aware of Liability in France . If you are Level IV, that means dive instructor and you are the most experienced dive instructor i"n the water", you are legally liable for any accident. Yes this means you are diving off your boat near Marseilles, and some Bozos park their boat 10 metres from yours, paddle off, 4 divers get tangled in a cave and die. It can be legally your fault. I amp not joking, this happened.. That is one reason why I have always refused to go to Level IV. Talk to the locals, where you are diving, don't believe it all. Use common sense, keep away from other boats (I wish we could) If two diving groups get mixed up it's bad. As for being asked for a dive certification to buy dive gear, dream on, I've never been asked. Is that because I've goit a 20 yard stare and a fat wallet?
I let 2 of my friends try my scuba equipment out in a 4 foot pool to see if they might like scuba and get certified. I was under there with them breathing off the octo. I was only ok with it because if they had a problem they could stand up and be ok.
Around me you probably wont be asked for a c-card to buy equipment. But if you are trying to rent equipment or wanting to get a SCUBA tank filled, you will be required provide a C-card. Some times multiple are required if say you are renting more than one BCD.
As a general rule, ask locals first. And not the kitchen staff, find some reliable source of information. :) There are a lot of places where only local guides can take you out, or national parks etc. Just like national parks on dry land, you may need to pay some fee, or go in only with a guide. There might be local rules, like shore diving is forbidden, or you must bring an SMB, or mustn't bring gloves, whatever.
It's pretty easy to buy gear, no one have ever asked me for certs in shops, even easier to buy 2nd hand. You can even buy a rebreather with filled tanks 2nd hand, if he asks, tell the seller that you're doing your cert, he may or may not believe it.
If you're confident enough filling tanks can be done too, or just lie that it's for paintball.
I'm not saying that anyone should do any of these, but time by time stupid people kill themselves by various ways.
The sad thing is some idiot dies without training out come the armchair lawyers and pundits. Then the dive industry takes a hit. Most private places are scared to let you get in the water and if they do you have to sign your life away. The Darwin awards sadly has to come into play
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should!
Super helpful video, thank you :)
I'd second the main limitation is getting an airfill without showing a cert card! That is going to be really difficult in most countries, not impossible, but v. difficult
I’m the USA you can buy all dive gear. Except buying and tank and getting it filled.
You can buy a tank, just can’t get it filled.
awesome sweater
Try diving sidemount solo through a dive operator 🙄
CMASIII 30+ years, I live in France, sometimes dive in France. Be aware of Liability in France . If you are Level IV, that means dive instructor and you are the most experienced dive instructor i"n the water", you are legally liable for any accident. Yes this means you are diving off your boat near Marseilles, and some Bozos park their boat 10 metres from yours, paddle off, 4 divers get tangled in a cave and die. It can be legally your fault. I amp not joking, this happened.. That is one reason why I have always refused to go to Level IV. Talk to the locals, where you are diving, don't believe it all. Use common sense, keep away from other boats (I wish we could) If two diving groups get mixed up it's bad. As for being asked for a dive certification to buy dive gear, dream on, I've never been asked. Is that because I've goit a 20 yard stare and a fat wallet?