A Year On

I got my PADI Open Water Diver in Tioman last April... so being there a year later brought back nice memories. When I think about the very first time we entered the water from the shore of Swiss House Reef, I still shudder with excitement.

A year on after the Open Water trip, we were back there to do the PADI Rescue Diver open water over the last weekend.

My Rescue stint was a case of the rescuer also needing rescue when I collapsed onto the shore while pulling my victim out because I almost died of exhaustion. Tak larat sial!

I was given a chance to re-do it. But it bugged the hell out of me because in an actual rescue situation, there won't be a second chance.

So there, if you ever need me to rescue you in future (touch wood!) please bear in mind that I am reciting this in my head - The rescuer's safety takes priority.

:P

On this trip also, we assisted Lynette and Aaron who were there with 7 new open water students. As (soon-to-be) Dive Masters in training, for me, it was an experience like no other because this time round, it's not just about me and my buddy anymore. We had to learn how to look out for the others and to be able to quickly identify issues or problems when and if it arises.

It's not easy (and Lynette might add that it's not hard either!), but practice will make perfect, and only God knows how determined am I to perfect it.

Rescue Diver theory paper this weekend, so here's to doing it only once!