Tobago Underwater Carnival Ideal Event for Beginners
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews/articles/2855/1/Tobago-Underwater-Carnival-Ideal-Event-for-Beginners/Page1.html
By TJJ Admin
Published on 28-May-12
July in Trinidad means sparkle and glitter as Carnival bands begin to launch their themes for the following year. July in Tobago however, brings a different type of Carnival atmosphere. Wet suits replace sequined costumes, dive tanks replace feathered backpacks and dive masks replace regal headpieces, but the beauty and splendor remain as the celebration moves beneath the island’s cobalt blue waters for the 3rd annual Underwater Carnival.
The Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly, and the Association of Tobago Dive Operators (ATDO) will host the weeklong dive event from July 22 to 29, 2012. Designed to highlight the wonders of the island’s dive niche, as well as heighten interest in the activity, the Underwater Carnival is as much for the diving enthusiast as it is the diving novice.
The schedule will feature several seminars and group dives, along with a special highlight for non-divers: the Try Dive. This event, which takes place at the YMCA in Turtle Beach, on Wednesday 25 July from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., allows non-divers to familiarize themselves with the equipment. It’s meant to provide the curious with the extra nudge needed to take the next step and venture out into open water.
For the adventurers with a desire to learn, ATDO President, Alice Darwent, took the time to answer some frequently asked questions. Her responses may come as a pleasant surprise and might encourage many to get their feet wet at the Try Dive.
Q: I cannot swim, can I learn to dive?
A: Yes, as a non swimmer you can learn to dive, but you must be comfortable in water too deep to stand up in. A non swimmer can participate in the "Discover Scuba Diving" experience or Try Dive. The program takes 1/2 a day and entails a short video, instructor reinforcement of what was on the video, shallow water skills and a dive. This is not a certification course but you can dive accompanied by a Dive master, with limitations. This beginners program can be credited towards your full scuba certification, at which time you will have to learn to swim.
Q: How long is the certification course?
A: The certification course takes between 3-5 days, depending on your how quickly you can grasp the academic information in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual, as well as your water skills capability. It is a 5 part modular course which consists of reading and exams, mastering shallow water skills and completing open water dives.
Q: I am not certified, can I be part of the events?
A: If you are not a certified diver but would like to attend the seminars, this is available for a small attendance fee.
Q: Do I have to participate for the entire week?
A: No, you can choose the programs and activities you would like to participate in.
Q: Is there a fee or requirement for the "Try Dive" event?
A: There is no fee, but you have to be in good health with no ailments or health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy etc.
Q: Can I become certified in Tobago?
A: Yes you can become certified in Tobago. There are several PADI facilities on the island that can take you through the course. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you get trained by a member of the Association Of Tobago Dive Operators (ATDO). You can find a list of these operators at www.tobagoscubadiving.com.
July in Trinidad means sparkle and glitter as Carnival bands begin to launch their themes for the following year. July in Tobago however, brings a different type of Carnival atmosphere. Wet suits replace sequined costumes, dive tanks replace feathered backpacks and dive masks replace regal headpieces, but the beauty and ...
July in Trinidad means sparkle and glitter as Carnival bands begin to launch their themes for the following year. July in Tobago however, brings a different type of Carnival atmosphere. Wet suits replace sequined costumes, dive tanks replace feathered backpacks and dive masks replace regal headpieces, but the beauty and splendor remain as the celebration moves beneath the island’s cobalt blue waters for the 3rd annual Underwater Carnival.
The Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly, and the Association of Tobago Dive Operators (ATDO) will host the weeklong dive event from July 22 to 29, 2012. Designed to highlight the wonders of the island’s dive niche, as well as heighten interest in the activity, the Underwater Carnival is as much for the diving enthusiast as it is the diving novice.
The schedule will feature several seminars and group dives, along with a special highlight for non-divers: the Try Dive. This event, which takes place at the YMCA in Turtle Beach, on Wednesday 25 July from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., allows non-divers to familiarize themselves with the equipment. It’s meant to provide the curious with the extra nudge needed to take the next step and venture out into open water.
For the adventurers with a desire to learn, ATDO President, Alice Darwent, took the time to answer some frequently asked questions. Her responses may come as a pleasant surprise and might encourage many to get their feet wet at the Try Dive.
Q: I cannot swim, can I learn to dive?
A: Yes, as a non swimmer you can learn to dive, but you must be comfortable in water too deep to stand up in. A non swimmer can participate in the "Discover Scuba Diving" experience or Try Dive. The program takes 1/2 a day and entails a short video, instructor reinforcement of what was on the video, shallow water skills and a dive. This is not a certification course but you can dive accompanied by a Dive master, with limitations. This beginners program can be credited towards your full scuba certification, at which time you will have to learn to swim.
Q: How long is the certification course?
A: The certification course takes between 3-5 days, depending on your how quickly you can grasp the academic information in the PADI Open Water Diver Manual, as well as your water skills capability. It is a 5 part modular course which consists of reading and exams, mastering shallow water skills and completing open water dives.
Q: I am not certified, can I be part of the events?
A: If you are not a certified diver but would like to attend the seminars, this is available for a small attendance fee.
Q: Do I have to participate for the entire week?
A: No, you can choose the programs and activities you would like to participate in.
Q: Is there a fee or requirement for the "Try Dive" event?
A: There is no fee, but you have to be in good health with no ailments or health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy etc.
Q: Can I become certified in Tobago?
A: Yes you can become certified in Tobago. There are several PADI facilities on the island that can take you through the course. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you get trained by a member of the Association Of Tobago Dive Operators (ATDO). You can find a list of these operators at www.tobagoscubadiving.com.