The best deal in
diving is an active and thriving local dive store. Dive stores are the
driving force and center of activity for our sport, and if they're not
supported, they go away. When that happens, a diver's easy access to
good advice and training, equipment, supplies, air, dive travel, and
camaraderie becomes limited and, perhaps, even disappears.
Everyone wants good dive
prices, but like so many other things, price is only part of a "good
deal." Making sure that your local dive store is doing well keeps the
supply and communication lines open and ensures that the right
environment exists so you can easily continue to enjoy the adventures
and challenges that recreational diving offers.
A primary and crucial dive
store responsibility is providing initial and advanced training in a
professional and safety-conscious manner. With the guidance and help of
the various certification agencies, most dive stores provide excellent
programs. As a diver, you should consider increasing your diving
knowledge and abilities by adding to your basic certification card.
It's our hope that Dive Training magazine can also add another dimension to your
experience. As you go through our issues, take a quick look at the lower
left corner of each page. You'll see six words that present the theme,
direction, and emphasis this publication takes.
"A good diver is always
learning" is not only a truism, but an attitude that should be nurtured
and developed by every diver, young or old, novice or professional.
Dive Training is intended to help foster and encourage this
attitude. Each monthly issue presents information that we hope will
nourish understanding of diving environments, heighten interest, suggest
concepts, promote additional training, and stress dive safety. The
publication tries to be realistic and honest in its editorial approach.
In your early days of
diving, learning the basics well is an important responsibility.
Periodically reviewing those basics, and increasing your knowledge
through continuing education will help make diving a safer, more
enjoyable activity. You and your dive store are vital ingredients in
this learning process. It's a mutual partnership that benefits each of
you.
We hope Dive Training
magazine can be of help to both of you.
