Peak Performance
Buoyancy
Specialty Course
Instructor Outline
Product No. 70236 (Rev. 5/05) Version 1.05
Legend
Points for the instructor to consider that give
additional qualifying information about conducting the course. Not intended to be read to
students.
Note to instructors:
Required information. Read to students as
printed.
Note to students:
By the end of this session, you will be
able to:
•
Objective
•
Objective
•
Objective
Important information. Read to students.
Objectives always precede individual Academic
Topics and open-water dives.
Information highlighting Project philosophy.
Information and techniques learned in this
specialty course aid in the preservation of the
aquatic environment. Pay particular attention
to the information adjacent to this icon.
PADI®
Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course Instructor Outline
© International PADI, Inc. 1994-2005
All rights reserved.
Portions of the Appendix of this outline may be reproduced by
PADI Members for use in PADI-sanctioned training.
No other reproduction is allowed without the
express written permission of PADI.
Published by
International PADI Inc.
30151 Tomas Street
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-2125 USA
Printed in U.S.A.
Product Number 70236 (Rev. 5/05) Version 1.05
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
ii
Please read this first.
Qualifying To Teach The PADI Peak Performance
Buoyancy Specialty Diver Course
All new or upgraded Teaching status PADI Assistant Instructors and Teaching
status Underwater Instructors (or higher rating) are authorized to conduct Peak
Performance Buoyancy Specialty courses when using this outline. Unlike other
PADI Specialty Diver courses, Instructors using this outline need not attend a
Specialty Instructor Training Course or apply directly to PADI to be certified
as a PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Instructor. Likewise, PADI
Instructors using this outline need not show experience in diving instruction
(have certified at least 25 divers) nor submit documentation of having at least
20 “buoyancy” dives. All other General Standards for Specialty Diver courses
apply.
Specialty Instructor Training Course attendance is, however, recommended and
encouraged. These courses provide hands-on training, technique demonstrations, course marketing information, current PADI Standards information, and
instructor-level open water training.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
iii
COURSE STANDARDS AND OVERVIEW
The purpose of the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course is to
polish a diver’s buoyancy control beyond the Open Water Diver level. The goal
of PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy training is to enhance the student diver
diver’s buoyancy control abilities through knowledge development and practical skills practice.
Prerequisites
To qualify for the Peak Performance Buoyancy course, an individual must:
1. Be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water
Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training
organization.
2. Be 10 years of age or older.
The Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive conducted during the PADI Adventures
in Diving Program may be counted toward this specialty at the discretion of
the instructor conducting the specialty course.
Instructor Supervision
The Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty may be conducted by any Teaching status PADI Assistant Instructor (or PADI Instructor with a higher rating).
Specialty student divers may be indirectly supervised by the instructor during
open water training dives.
The maximum student diver-to-Instructor ratio for open water
training is eight students per instructor (8:1).
Considerations for Open Water Training
The Peak Performance Buoyancy Course includes two open water
training dives which may be conducted in one day. Student divers are
required to log specialty training dives in their log books.
Training dives may be conducted at night for divers who have
completed the Night Adventure Dive or the first dive of the PADI
Night Diver specialty course, or have qualifying night diving experience.
COURSE OVERVIEW
To conduct the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course,
include the following:
1. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals:
• Buoyancy check
• Fine-tuning buoyancy underwater
• Weight position and distribution
• Streamlining
• Visualization
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
iv
2. Use of PADI’s “Basic Weighting Guidelines.”
3. An opportunity to polish buoyancy control beyond the Open
Water Diver level:
• Positioning and distributing weight for comfort and
desired body position (trim in the water)
• Visualization techniques prior to dives
• Buoyancy checks
• Establishing neutral buoyancy during all segments of a
dive
• Fine-tuning neutral buoyancy underwater
• Hovering
The information presented in this course can be efficiently covered by having
student divers watch PADI’s Peak Performance Buoyancy video. A detailed
knowledge presentation is not necessary when students view the video. Student independent-study through the use of the video is highly recommended.
When the video is not available, use the knowledge presentation provided in
the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course Instructor Outline.
CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
The certifying instructor obtains a Peak Performance Buoyancy certification for
students by submitting completed, signed PICs to the appropriate PADI Office.
The instructor who conducts the final open water dive is the certifying instructor. The instructor certifying the student must ensure that
all certification requirements have been met.
KEY STANDARDS
Prerequisite Certification: PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open
Water Diver or qualifying certification
Minimum Age: 10
Recommended Course Hours: 5 (1 hour for knowledge development,
2 hours for each open water dive)
Minimum Open Water Training: 2 dives
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: 8:1*
Minimum Instructor Rating: Teaching status PADI Assistant Instructor+
*Note: For dives that include 10-11 year olds, direct supervision is required at a maximum ratio of 4:1. No more than two of the four divers may be age 10 or 11.
+All Teaching status PADI Assistant Instructors and Instructors with a
higher rating may conduct the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course
without applying for approval or obtaining a Peak Performance Buoyancy
Specialty Instructor certification.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
v
Introductory Information
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
Heading IV, in the outline “Course Overview and Peak Performance Buoyancy
Fundamentals,” provides information presented to students prior to confined
or open water training. At the discretion of the instructor, the topics in this section may be “modularized” (divided into several academic presentation sessions). The information presented in this section can be efficiently covered by
having the student watch PADI’s Peak Performance Buoyancy video. A detailed
knowledge presentation of academic topics is not necessary when students
view the video. Use of the video is highly recommended for student independent study. When the video is not available, use the presentation under heading IV as a lecture in a classroom or on a boat, shore or pool deck.
Heading V, in the outline “Dive Considerations,” provides specific information
about conducting the practical training dives in the course. Although organizational techniques are left to the instructor, read this information carefully prior
to taking students in the pool, confined water or open water.
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
vi
I.
Course Overview
The purpose of the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course
is to assist all divers in polishing their buoyancy control beyond the
Open Water Diver level. The goal of PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
training is to enhance the student’s buoyancy control abilities through
knowledge development and skills practice.
This outline may also be used as curriculum for buoyancy clinics and Dive One
may be used as an Elective Dive for PADI’s Adventures in Diving program.
Buoyancy Clinic
to PADI Members: PADI Divemasters may conduct the knowledge
portion of this specialty (IV. Course Overview and Peak Performance Buoyancy Fundamentals) and Dive One as part of a buoyancy clinic. The Project
A.W.A.R.E. certificate is available from PADI for participant recognition
upon completion of the clinic.
II.
Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
Course Requirements
A. Prerequisite certification: PADI Open Water Diver, Junior
Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from
another training organization. The Teaching status PADI
Instructor is to ensure that the individual can perform the skills
required of a PADI Open Water Diver.
B. Minimum age requirement: 10 years
C. Maximum student-to-instructor ratio: 8:1, to certified assistant
4:1.
For dives that include 10-11 year olds, direct supervision is required at a maximum ratio of 4:1. No more than two of the four divers may be age 10 or 12.
D. Completion of Dive One and Dive Two in open water is
required for certification as a Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Diver. Additional dives (confined or open water
training) may be added at the discretion of the PADI Instructor
conducting the specialty course. The Elective Peak Performance
Buoyancy Dive conducted during the Adventures in Diving program may be counted toward the certification requirements for this
specialty at the discretion of the instructor conducting the specialty
course.
E. Dive data
1. Two scuba dives
2. Recommended depth for open water training is 9 metres/30
feet to 12 metres/40 feet.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
1
For 12-14 year olds, Adventure Dive maximum depth is 18 metres/60 feet or
21 metres/70 feet if they have taken the Adventure Deep Dive.
For 10-11 year olds, the maximum depth is 12 metres/40 feet.
III. Student and PADI Member Equipment
Requirements
A. Student learning materials and diving equipment
1. Student learning materials
a. Peak Performance Buoyancy video
b. Peak Performance Buoyancy booklet (included with video)
c. The PADI Adventures in Diving Manual
to PADI Members:
For effective and streamlined instruction, use PADI’s Peak Performance
Buoyancy video and booklet. Encourage each student to have a personal copy
of the video allowing for self-paced, independent study. Also, divers having a
copy of the video in their library can use it for review after the course.
2. All personal standard dive equipment including:
a. Mask, snorkel and fins
b. Exposure suit appropriate for the local diving environment
and depth, including hood, boots and gloves or mitts, if
needed.
c. Quick-release weight belt or weight system, if needed to
achieve neutral buoyancy.
d. Regulator system with submersible pressure gauge.
e. Alternate air source suitable for sharing air with other
divers (octopus, alternate inflator regulators, pony bottles).
f. BCD with low-pressure inflator
g. Complete instrumentation, including a means to monitor
depth, time and direction.
to PADI Members:
An electronic dive computer may be used to monitor depth and time.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
Recreational Dive Planner
Diving tool or knife capable of cutting line
Whistle or other surface signaling device
Slate with pencil
Diver’s Log
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
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to PADI Members:
Encourage student ownership of standard diving equipment. Equipment
ownership often enhances effective buoyancy skill development.
B. PADI Member dive equipment and teaching support materials
1. All personal standard and specialty equipment required of
students
2. Safety equipment. First aid supplies and equipment.
3. Specialty equipment
a. Obstacle course materials/equipment
b. Extra weight for positively buoyant students
4. PADI materials used to teach this course.
a. General materials and teaching aids:
• PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy video and booklet
• Log Book (Adventure Log recommended)
• PADI Instructor Manual
• Student Record File
• Dive Roster
b. Recognition materials:
• PIC envelopes
• Specialty Diver wall certificates
• Peak Performance Buoyancy chevron
IV. Certification Procedures for PADI Assistant
Instructors
PADI Assistant Instructors (certified/upgraded since 1995 and
insured where required) are authorized to teach and certify
PADI Peak Performance Specialty Divers under the direction
of a PADI Instructor. A Teaching Status PADI Instructor must
be available for consultation during training sessions. The
instructor must cosign the student diver log books and Training Record sheets after verifying that all performance requirements are met. The Teaching Status PADI Assistant Instructor
may sign and submit the PIC Envelope to PADI for processing.
The instructor who cosigns the log book may certify the diver as an Adventure
Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver if the Peak Performance Buoyancy
Dive is the final dive needed for that certification.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
3
V.
Course Overview and Peak Performance
Buoyancy Fundamentals
The information presented in this course can be efficiently covered by having
the student watch PADI’s Peak Performance Buoyancy video. A detailed
knowledge presentation on the following topics is not necessary when students
view the video. Use of the video is highly recommended for student independent study. When the video is not available, the following knowledge presentations may be given in a classroom or on a boat, shore or pool deck.
This is an actual presentation outline. Directions to, or comments for,
the PADI Member are enclosed in [brackets].
A. Introductions, course overview and welcome to the course
1. Staff introductions
a. [Introduce yourself and assistants]
b. [Have students introduce themselves, break the ice and
encourage a relaxed atmosphere]
2. Why complete the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
course? As someone with Peak Performance Buoyancy control
you’ll enjoy:
a. Diving that’s effortless and more fun
b. Extended bottom time through reduced air consumption
c. Having more opportunities for positive interactions with
aquatic life
d. Furthering your commitment to the Project A.W.A.R.E.
philosophy
e. Helping preserve fragile underwater environments
f. Prolonging the life of your dive equipment
g. Improving your diving ability while providing you with
additional supervised experience
h. Participating in other specialty training
3. Course overview
a. You’ll learn/review these Peak Performance Buoyancy
fundamentals:
• Buoyancy check
• Fine-tuning buoyancy underwater
• Weight position and distribution
• Streamlining
• Visualization
• Staying physically fit
b. Dive One and Dive Two. By the end of the dives, you’ll be
able to:
• Assemble your weight system and estimate the
amount of weight you need. Estimated weight is
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
4
based on individual build, salt or fresh water, equipment used and estimated weight change due to air
consumption.
• Conduct a buoyancy check. You’ll have the opportunity to establish neutral buoyancy by adding or
subtracting weight at the surface.
• Establish neutral buoyancy during your descent to the
bottom (as opposed to waiting to neutralize buoyancy
on the bottom).
• Fine-tune your neutral buoyancy underwater.
• Hover above the bottom for one minute without fin
movement or hand movement.
• Help protect the environment by keeping your hands,
fins and body from coming in contact with bottom
dwelling, delicate aquatic life.
4. Certification.
a. Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll receive
the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course
certification card.
b. Certification means that you:
• Have mastered buoyancy control beyond the Open
Water Diver level, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits previously outlined.
• Can calmly and naturally control your buoyancy in
a fluid manner. Your execution of Peak Performance
Buoyancy could be used for demonstration purposes.
• Have an enhanced commitment to the Project
A.W.A.R.E. philosophy.
• Will be qualified to apply for the rating of Master
Scuba Diver if you are a PADI Advanced Open Water
Diver (or have a qualifying certification from another
organization) and a PADI Rescue Diver (or have a
qualifying certification from another organization)
with certification in four other PADI Specialty ratings.
5. Course requirements.
a. Cost of course. [Be sure to explain all course costs]
b. Equipment needs will be discussed later
c. Materials needed for the course
d. Attendance requirements
6. Administration
a. [Complete paperwork – Enrollment, Standard Safe Diving
Practices Statement of Understanding, PADI Medical
Statement, Liability Release and Assumption of Risk.
The PADI Student Record File contains all of these forms.
Using it makes completing course paperwork easy
and convenient.]
Peak Performance Buoyancy
5
B. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals –
buoyancy check
Learning Objectives.
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
• Assess personal buoyancy control skills using the PADI Buoyancy
Assessment.
• Use the PADI “Basic Weighting Guidelines” to estimate the amount of
weight needed to begin a buoyancy check.
• Identify three circumstances when you should conduct a buoyancy
check prior to diving.
• Outline the five steps to help you conduct a buoyancy check at the
surface.
1. The PADI Buoyancy Assessment
a. [Have students individually complete the PADI Buoyancy
Assessment and identify specific areas in need of development or further refinement during the course. See Peak
Performance Buoyancy booklet or photocopy the pages at
the end of this outline.]
2. Estimating needed weight using the PADI “Basic Weighting
Guidelines.”
a. The best divers don’t overweight. If you want peak buoyancy control, neither should you.
b. [Review PADI’s “Basic Weighting Guidelines” with the
students – basic guidelines, conversion estimates for salt
or fresh water, estimating weight change due to air consumption and the examples. See Peak Performance Buoyancy
booklet or photocopy the pages at the end of this outline.]
c. Have each student estimate the amount of weight he’ll
need to complete the dives in the course.
3. Buoyancy check
a. When to conduct a buoyancy check
• Each time you switch dive equipment
• Each time you change diving environments
• If you haven’t been diving in a while
b. Five easy steps to help you conduct a buoyancy check at
the surface:
• Wear all your equipment
• Enter water too deep to stand in and deflate your BCD
completely
• Hang vertical and motionless in the water while holding a normal breath
• Add or subtract a small amount of weight until you
float at eye level while holding a normal breath
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
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c.
• As a final test, exhale. You should sink slowly
Air consumption and the buoyancy check
• During a dive, your tank will become more buoyant
because the air you breathe from it has weight.
• Take this into consideration when conducting buoyancy
checks at the beginning of a dive, when your tank is
full.
• Depending on the tank you use, you may need to
weight yourself slightly heavy at the beginning of a
dive, so you’ll be neutrally buoyant at the end.
• Consider conducting a buoyancy check at the end of
your dive as well.
C. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals – fine-tuning
buoyancy underwater
Learning Objectives.
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
• Identify three primary instances when buoyancy adjustment is needed
underwater.
• Identify when to use a BCD for buoyancy adjustment.
• Describe how to fine-tune buoyancy underwater when using a dry suit.
• Describe how lung volume affects buoyancy and how to use breath
control to fine-tune buoyancy underwater.
1. Buoyancy adjustment underwater
a. When properly weighted, and wearing only a swimsuit or
dive skin, you’ll rarely need to adjust the amount of air in
your BCD for neutral buoyancy.
b. There are three primary instances when buoyancy adjustment is needed underwater:
• To compensate for buoyancy changes as you use air
from your tank. As the dive continues, you’ll slowly
become more buoyant. This requires you to dump air
from your BCD (or dry suit).
• To compensate for buoyancy changes due to compression of an exposure suit (wet suit or dry suit). As water
pressure increases on the suit (descending), it compresses, making you less buoyant. This requires you to
add air to your BCD (or dry suit).
• To compensate for buoyancy changes during ascent. As
water pressure decreases on the suit (ascending), the air
used to compensate for loss of buoyancy during descent
must now be neutralized. This requires you to dump air
from your BCD (or dry suit) upon ascent.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
7
2. When to use your BCD for buoyancy adjustment
a. The BCD is used primarily for surface support.
b. Use the BCD to adjust your buoyancy underwater when
diving with a wet suit. Those with Peak Performance
Buoyancy avoid using their BCD like an elevator or lift.
Use the BCD to adjust to neutral buoyancy at each depth
level when wearing a wet suit. Put air in when descending
to remain neutral; let air out when ascending.
3. Fine-tuning your buoyancy underwater with a dry suit
a. Dry suit divers adjust their buoyancy by either adding air
to their BCDs or their suits.
b. The BCD is used primarily on the surface to attain positive
buoyancy for comfort and swimming.
c. Underwater, add air to the dry suit instead of the BCD.
You add air to the dry suit to:
• Avoid potential suit squeeze problems.
• Easily dump air during ascent or in an emergency
(you don’t have to vent air from both your BCD and
your suit – avoids confusion).
4. Fine-tuning your buoyancy underwater using breath control.
a. Your breathing pattern affects your lung volume, and lung
volume affects buoyancy.
b. When you’re neutrally buoyant underwater, you rise
slightly as you inhale and sink slightly as you exhale.
Because of this, you can make minor depth adjustments
using breath control.
c. Once you’re neutrally buoyant you shouldn’t have to use
your BCD for minor depth adjustments. Fine-tune your
buoyancy using breath control.
D. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals – weight
position and distribution.
Learning Objectives.
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
• Position and distribute weight for greater control in the water.
1. Proper weight position and distribution gives you greater control in the water. Different diving applications require different
positioning and distribution.
• Example: A photographer working along a wall may
prefer a head-up position, while a photographer working near the bottom may prefer a slightly head-down,
feet-up position.
a. Typically, you’ll want to position and distribute your
weight so you swim horizontally – neither head-up nor
head-down.
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
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•
This minimizes water resistance (drag) and reduces
fatigue.
• Position your weights away from your spine, more
toward your sides and stomach. This helps maintain a
face down, horizontal position.
b. Head-up, feet-down position for wall diving – position
weights toward the middle of your stomach (particularly
if you’re wearing a heavy tank).
c. Slightly head-down, feet-up position – move tank higher
or lower in the BCD or distribute weights more toward
chest away from hips.
2. Other tips
a. If your legs and feet rise uncomfortably while diving consider:
• Switching to fins that don’t float or weigh more
• Using ankle weights
b. Consider using an integrated weight system – BCD and
weights integrated into one unit.
• Load all weight into an integrated BCD or divide your
weight between the BCD and a weight belt.
• Dry suit divers find that loading half their weight in
an integrated BCD and half on a weight belt distributes the lead comfortably.
E. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals – streamlining
Learning Objectives.
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
• List four reasons for being streamlined while diving.
• Describe how a streamlined diver looks while underwater.
1. Reasons to be streamlined while diving:
a. Encourages efficient kicking style.
b. Comfort
c. Reduces energy needed to move through the water
d. Helps keep equipment and body off the bottom, preserving aquatic life
2. Avoid overweighting
a. Overweighting drags down the lower half of your body.
b. Causes you to add air to your BCD to compensate. This
floats your upper half, keeping you from attaining a
streamlined position in the water.
3. Swim through the water as horizontal as possible.
4. Neatly attach all hoses to the BCD; keep them tucked close to
your body. Secure:
Peak Performance Buoyancy
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a. Alternate air sources (in the triangle formed by your chin
and lower corners of your rib cage).
b. BCD inflator hose
c. All gauges/computers
d. Accessories – slates, lights, dive tables, etc.
e. Straps – fins, knife, BCD, mask, etc.
5. Use the weight positioning and distribution techniques
discussed previously to help you streamline your body underwater.
F. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals –
visualization
Learning Objectives.
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
• Use visualization techniques to help you relax, establish a comfortable
breathing pattern and move more gracefully through the water.
• Use visualization techniques to achieve Peak Performance Buoyancy.
1. Many sports and recreational enthusiasts attain peak performance by visualizing themselves performing their best.
2. To help you relax before a dive, visualize yourself underwater:
a. Using your equipment.
b. Aware of your surroundings
c. In control of your buoyancy
3. Think about relaxing – breathing slowly and deeply.
4. To help you establish a comfortable breathing pattern while
diving, picture yourself moving calmly and confidently
through the water.
5. Practice – visualize Peak Performance Buoyancy by retracing
your last dive.
G. Peak Performance Buoyancy fundamentals –
staying physically fit
Learning Objectives.
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
• Explain how being physically fit helps you attain and maintain Peak
Performance Buoyancy.
1. Your physical well-being plays an important role in Peak Performance Buoyancy.
2. Staying physically fit allows you to increase stamina, boost
your energy level and make breath control easier.
3. Staying in shape helps you avoid getting winded as easily,
assisting with breath control. This allows you to fine-tune your
buoyancy more efficiently.
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H. Summary – during this course we’ve discussed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
V.
Buoyancy checks
Fine-tuning buoyancy underwater
Weight position and distribution
Streamlining
Visualization techniques
The connection between Peak Performance Buoyancy and
staying physically fit
Dive Considerations
A. Dive One
Dive One is the first dive of the Specialty Course, and may also be
conducted as an Elective Dive for the PADI Adventures in Diving
program.
Buoyancy Clinic
to PADI Members: PADI Divemasters may conduct the knowledge
portion of this specialty (IV. Course Overview and Peak Performance Buoyancy Fundamentals) and Dive One as part of a buoyancy clinic. The Project
A.W.A.R.E. certificate is available from PADI for participant recognition
upon completion of the clinic.
B. Dive Two
Dive Two is conducted to complete the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course.
C. Additional dives (confined or open water training) may be added
at the discretion of the PADI Instructor conducting the specialty
course.
D. Conduct a thorough knowledge orientation/review and dive
briefing. The better the briefing, the more smoothly the dives will
proceed.
E. Make the dives fun and include buoyancy games.
F. Consider having a variety of weight systems, buoyancy related
accessories and BCDs for students to try. Students who have not
purchased these items may appreciate the opportunity to try them
prior to selection. Remember, learning buoyancy control is a two
step process – owning their own equipment and then practicing
buoyancy control with that equipment.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
11
VI. Open Water Dives
Skills and procedures different from other PADI Standardized Specialty Dives appear in boldface type.
A. Dive One
Performance Requirements.
By the end of Dive One, you will be able to:
• Rig a weight system with the following considerations in mind:
1. Use an estimated amount of weight from PADI’s “Basic Weighting
Guidelines.”
2. Position and distribute the weight for comfort and desired body
position (trim) in the water.
• Use visualization techniques prior to the dive to help you relax, establish a comfortable breathing pattern and move gracefully through the
water.
• Conduct a buoyancy check by adjusting the amount of weight worn
to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface of the water with the BCD
deflated.
• Make a controlled, slow descent to the bottom and, if needed, adjust
for neutral buoyancy using the BCD.
• Adjust for neutral buoyancy at a predetermined depth.
• Using buoyancy control, hover motionless (without kicking or hand
movement) underwater for at least one minute.
• Swim horizontally, while neutrally buoyant without touching the
bottom or breaking the surface of the water with equipment or body.
• Make minor depth adjustments using breath control only.
• Demonstrate efficient fin kicks, using long, slow strokes and gliding.
• Navigate an obstacle course without touching obstacle items, the
bottom or breaking the surface.
• Adjust weights (trim) and practice hovering in different positions
– vertical, horizontal, feet slightly elevated and head slightly elevated.
1. Assembly of weight system and use of PADI’s “Basic
Weighting Guidelines.”
a. Estimate amount of weight needed for the dive – base
determination on your build, water medium (salt or
fresh), equipment used, estimated weight change due to
air consumption. [Have students use the “Basic Weighting Guidelines” in the Peak Performance Buoyancy
booklet when estimating the amount of weight they’ll
need.]
b. Assemble weight system. Note method of ditching
weights in an emergency.
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
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to PADI Members:
Allow students time to set up their weight systems. Emphasize proper weight
positioning, distribution, trim, securing weights, right hand releases and
ditching in an emergency. Students with integrated BCD weight systems
should know how to a) load weights, b) release weights in an emergency, and
c) how to reload the weights using the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Visualization practice. Just before suiting-up, take time to
visualize yourself attaining Peak Performance Buoyancy
while diving.
3. Getting in the water, buoyancy check and descent.
a. Put on all equipment for the dive – full scuba. Conduct
the PADI Predive Safety Check with buddy (Begin With
Review And Friend). Make sure all loose equipment
(alternate air sources, gauges, BCD hose) is secured – don’t
allow equipment to dangle, streamline equipment against
the body.
b. Make appropriate entry.
c. Conduct buoyancy check. Add or subtract weight as
needed.
d. Buddy teams descend in water too deep to stand in. You
should be able to descend without kicking – just by
exhaling. Concentrate on descending slowly and neutralizing your buoyancy as needed during descent.
4. Hovering
to PADI Members:
Establishing neutral buoyancy is an important subskill of hovering. Fin
pivoting can help students efficiently and easily establish neutral buoyancy.
Students having difficulty hovering should be encouraged to establish neutral
buoyancy using the fin pivot before attempting to hover.
a. If appropriate, establish neutral buoyancy using the fin
pivot.
b. Once neutral buoyancy is established, hover for one
minute without fin movement or hand movement.
During the hover practice breath control to make minor
depth adjustments.
to PADI Members:
Should you choose to conduct buoyancy clinics in a pool environment, use
item 5 below. Should you choose to conduct the Peak Performance Buoyancy
Specialty course or Adventure Dive, use item 6 below.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
13
5. Peak Performance Buoyancy game – pool
to PADI Members:
Use this buoyancy game when conducting a clinic in a pool that has both a
shallow section (approximately 1 metre/3 to 4 feet deep) and a deep section (at
least 2 metres/6 feet).
a. Directly from the hover, swim midwater to the outside
edge of the pool with your buddy. Swim underwater
from the deep end to the shallow end of the pool, next to
the wall. During the swim adjust for neutral buoyancy,
concentrate on an efficient kicking style, practice gliding after kicks and streamline your body/equipment as
much as possible.
b. Goal: Complete two back-to-back trips around the outside edge of the pool (alternately moving from deep to
shallow water) without any part of your body or equipment touching the bottom of the pool or breaking the
surface of the water.
to PADI Members:
It may take some individuals many trips around the outside edge of the pool to
meet the objective. That’s okay, allow them as much time as they need to meet
the objective.
c.
Buoyancy game add-ons:
• Swim through an obstacle course with weighted
PVC pipe, Hula-Hoops™ or other such devices in
the middle of the pool. As a challenge, try to swim
through the obstacles without touching them with
your equipment or body.
• Simulate a safety stop in the deep end of the pool
– hover midwater for three minutes.
• Practice the following: 1) One-finger push-offs
– pretend the bottom of the pool is a dead portion
of a reef and practice pushing off with one finger. 2)
Sculling forward and backward using minimal hand
or fin movement. 3) Dropping weights at the surface.
[Do this at the end of the session, just before participants exit the pool. This may be the first time participants have actually dropped weights for practice.
However, be cautious of divers under the weights
and of damaging pool bottoms. Practice with “soft
weights” loaded with lead shot only. Also, help students with integrated BCDs reload weights using the
manufacturer’s instructions.]
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
14
6. Peak Performance Buoyancy game – open water
to PADI Members:
Use this buoyancy game when in open water as part of the Peak Performance
Buoyancy Specialty course or Adventure Dive. The outline assumes use of an
environment that varies in depth. Try to plan the dive so it progresses from the
deepest portion of the dive to shallow water.
a. Directly from the hover, swim above the bottom. [The
swim could be a guided tour by a clinic leader or
directed along a marked route.]
• During the swim, make minor depth adjustments
using breath control only. While swimming, adjust
for neutral buoyancy; concentrate on an efficient,
relaxed kicking style; practice gliding after kicks;
and streamline your body/equipment as much as
possible.
• Goal: To swim horizontally, while neutrally buoyant,
without any part of the body or equipment touching
the bottom or breaking the surface of the water.
b. Buoyancy game add-ons:
• Swim through an obstacle course with weighted
PVC pipe, Hula-Hoops™ or other such devices in
midwater. As a challenge, try to swim through the
obstacles without touching them with your equipment or body.
• Practice the following: 1) One-finger push-offs
– practice on areas that won’t disturb aquatic life. 2)
Sculling forward and backward using minimal hand
or fin movement. 3) Streamlining to reduce drag
while swimming on the surface. Practice efficient,
well paced fin kicks with neutral buoyancy.
7. Ascent
a. Ascend at a rate not to exceed 18 metres/60 feet per
minute. Determine the rate of ascent using your depth
gauge and timer or dive computer with ascent-rate indicator.
b. Vent air as needed from your BCD to maintain neutral
buoyancy.
c. Perform a safety stop at 5 metres/15 feet for three minutes.
Maintain neutral buoyancy at the safety stop.
8. Post-dive procedures
a. Signal support personnel once on the surface after a dive
(if appropriate).
b. Conduct a post-dive buoyancy check. Even while wearing
a tank low on air, you should still be neutrally buoyant.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
15
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Achieve comfortable positive buoyancy using your BCD.
Proper exit technique.
Check in with the divemaster (if appropriate).
Assist your buddy with equipment removal.
Set your timing device for the surface interval (if necessary).
h. Stow personal equipment (if appropriate).
i. Calculate the pressure group letter – complete the PADI
Repetitive Dive Work Slate or The Recreational Dive Planner Data Carrier (if appropriate).
9. Debriefing.
a. Positive comments regarding student performance.
b. Problems encountered during the dive and those to be
avoided on future dives.
c. Discuss differences between buoyancy checks at the
beginning and end of the dive.
10. Log dive if conducted in open water. (PADI Member signs
log.)
B. Dive Two
to PADI Members:
This is a fun dive, giving students the opportunity to further enhance their
buoyancy control skills.
Skills and procedures different from other PADI Standardized
Specialty Dives appear in boldface type.
Performance Requirements.
By the end of this dive, you will be able to:
• Rig a weight system with the following considerations in mind:
1. Use an estimated amount of weight from PADI’s Basic Weighting
Guidelines.
2. Position and distribute the weight for comfort and desired body
position (trim) in the water.
• Use visualization techniques to help you relax, establish a comfortable breathing pattern and move gracefully through the water.
• Conduct a pre- and post-dive buoyancy check by adjusting the
amount of weight worn to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface of
the water with the BCD deflated.
• Make a controlled, slow descent to the bottom and if needed, adjust
for neutral buoyancy using the BCD.
• Demonstrate efficient fin kicks, using long, slow strokes and gliding
after each kick.
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
16
• Hover and make minor depth adjustments using breath control only.
• Maneuver as close to a nonliving portion of the bottom (rock, sand,
etc.) without touching it and then back away using neutral buoyancy
with hand or fin sculling.
1. Briefing
a. Evaluation of conditions
b. Facilities at dive site
c. Entry technique to be used – location
d. Exit technique to be used – location
e. Bottom composition and topography around training site
f. Depth range on bottom
g. Ending tank pressure – when to terminate the dive underwater
h. Interesting/helpful facts about the dive site
i. Review objectives for dive
j. Special communication underwater and topside
k. What to do if a student loses the class or his buddy underwater
l. What to do if an emergency arises
m. Buddy assignments
n. How to use visualization techniques to help with relaxation, establish a comfortable breathing pattern and
move gracefully through the water.
2. Predive procedures
a. Prepare personal diving equipment. Rig weight system,
estimating amount of weight using PADI’s Basic Weighting Guidelines. Position and distribute the weight for
comfort and desired body position (trim) in the water.
b. Calculate no-decompression limits – use the Repetitive
Dive Work Slate or Recreational Dive Planner Data Carrier.
c. Visualization practice. Just before suiting up, take time
to visualize yourself attaining Peak Performance Buoyancy while diving.
d. Don personal diving equipment
e. Perform predive safety drill
f. Proper entry technique
g. Conduct a buoyancy check
3. Descent
a. Set or start your timing device
b. Vent air from your BCD
c. Maintain subsurface buddy contact
d. Neutralize buoyancy while descending
Peak Performance Buoyancy
17
4. During the dive
a. Demonstrate efficient fin kicks, using long, slow strokes
and gliding after each kick.
b. Avoid all contact with the bottom – body and equipment.
c. Practice hovering over the bottom without kicking or
hand movement.
d. While hovering, practice making minor depth adjustments using breath control only.
e. Maneuver close to a nonliving portion of the bottom
(rock, sand, etc.) without touching it and then back away
using neutral buoyancy with hand or fin sculling. [Have
students try this a few times for practice.]
5. Ascent
a. Ascend at a rate not to exceed 18 metres/60 feet per
minute. Determine the rate of ascent using your depth
gauge and timer or dive computer with ascent-rate indicator.
b. Vent air as needed from your BCD to maintain neutral
buoyancy.
c. Perform a safety stop at 5 metres/15 feet for three minutes.
Maintain neutral buoyancy at the safety stop.
6. Post-dive procedures
a. Signal support personnel once on the surface after a dive
(if appropriate).
b. Conduct a post-dive buoyancy check. Even while wearing
a tank low on air, you should still be neutrally buoyant.
c. Achieve comfortable positive buoyancy using your BCD.
d. Proper exit technique
e. Check in with the divemaster (if appropriate).
f. Assist your buddy with equipment removal.
g. Set your timing device for the surface interval (if necessary).
h. Stow personal equipment (if appropriate).
i. Calculate the pressure group letter – complete the PADI
Repetitive Dive Work Slate or The Recreational Dive Planner Data Carrier (if appropriate).
7. Debriefing
a. Positive comments regarding student performance.
b. Problems encountered during the dive and those to be
avoided on future dives.
c. Discuss differences between buoyancy checks at the beginning and end of the dive.
8. Log dive (PADI Instructor signs log)
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
18
Basic Weighting Guidelines
How much weight do I need? This is a tough question every diver faces from
time to time. Although only a buoyancy check precisely determines the proper
amount of weight needed, here are some basic weight guidelines that will get
you started. These guidelines are based on individuals of average build, diving
in salt water. Lean individuals or individuals diving in fresh water may need less
weight, heavy individuals may need more.
Basic Guidelines:
Exposure Suit Type
Begin With
1.
Swimsuit or dive skin
0.5 - 2 kg/1 - 4 lb.
2.
Thin (3 mm/1/16 inch), one-piece
wet suits – shorties or jump suits
5% of your body weight
3.
Medium-thickness (5mm/3/16 inch),
Two-piece wet suit
10% of your body weight
4.
Cold-water (7mm/1/4 inch), two-piece
wet suit with hood and boots
10% of your body weight,
plus 1.5 - 3 kg/3 - 5 lb.
5.
Neoprene dry suits
plus 3 - 5 kg/7 - 10 lb.
10% of your body weight,
6.
Shell-style dry suits* (using light-weight,
nonfoam underwear)
10% of your body weight,
plus 1.5 - 3 kg/3 - 5 lb.
7.
Shell style dry suits* (using heavy-weight
or foam underwear)
10% of your body weight,
plus 3 - 7 kg/7 - 14 lb.
* Regarding shell-style drysuits – the lead needed beyond 10% of your body weight is
primarily determined by the buoyancy of your underwear. The buoyancy of different
underwear types varies greatly.
Conversion Estimates for Salt or Fresh Water
Convert from salt water to fresh water (or vice versa) using the following estimates.
Body Weight
45 - 56 kg/100 - 125 lb.
57 - 70 kg/126 - 155 lb.
71 - 85 kg/156 - 186 lb.
86 - 99 kg/187 - 217 lb.
Amount of Weight to Add
(Fresh Water to Salt Water) or
Subtract (Salt Water to Fresh Water)
2 kg/4 lb.
2.3 kg/5 lb.
3 kg/6 lb.
3.2 kg/7 lb.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
19
Estimating Weight Change Due to Air Consumption
Depending on the type of tank you use, it can become 1-2 kg/3-5 lb. more
buoyant by the end of your dive. The popular 80 cubic foot/12 litre tank
will become approximately 2 kg/5 lb. more buoyant. To compensate for this
increased buoyancy near the end of your dive, you may need to add some
weight beyond the basic guidelines above. Additional weight, beyond the
guidelines may not be needed for some types of steel tanks.
Using the Estimates – Three Examples
1.
2.
3.
A diver weighing 70 kg/155 lb. buys a medium thickness, two-piece
5mm/3/16 inch wet suit. Using the estimates above, he decides to begin
with 7 kg/15 lb. in salt water or 4.7 kg/10 lb. in fresh water. He plans on
using an aluminum 12 litre/80 cubic foot tank, so he adds 2 kg/5 lb. lead
to his weight system. To begin his buoyancy check he enters the water
with an estimated 9 kg/20 lb. in salt water or 6.7 kg/15 lb. in fresh water.
A diver weighing 85 kg/188 lb. travels to a resort, warm-water ocean
destination where he decides to dive using nonbuoyant dive skins. Using
the estimates above, he decides to begin with 2 kg/4 lb. Since he is a little
overweight, he decides to add an additional 0.5 kg/1 lb. The divemaster informs him that the steel tanks supplied by the resort are neutrally
buoyant at the end of the dive. With this information he decides conduct
his buoyancy check at the beginning of his first dive with a total of 2.5
kg/5 lb.
A diver weighing 50 kg/110 lb. buys a shell-style dry suit with heavyweight, cold water underwear. Using the estimates above, he decides to
begin with 5 kg/11 lb. in salt water (10% of his body weight) or 3 kg/7
lb. in fresh water, and then adds 5 kg/10 lb. to compensate for the buoyancy of his underwear. This addition brings his total estimated weight
requirement to 10 kg/21 lb. in the ocean or 8 kg/17 lb. in fresh water.
He plans on using an aluminum 12 liter/80 cubic foot tank, so he adds 2
kg/5 lb. lead to his weight system. To begin his buoyancy check he enters
the water with an estimated 12 kg/26 lb. in salt water or 10 kg/22 lb. in
fresh water.
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
20
Name_______________________________________________________________________ Date_____________
Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive
Knowledge Review
To the student: Answer the following questions while watching and reading PADI’s Peak Performance Buoyancy video and booklet. Bring this completed Knowledge Review with you to your next training session.
1.
Using PADI’s “Basic Weighting Guidelines,” estimate the amount of weight you need (given your
present body weight), to begin a buoyancy check if you plan to use a:
a. neoprene dry suit, an 12 liter tank/80 cubic foot and diving in salt water: _______________
b. cold-water wet suit, an 12 liter tank/80 cubic foot and diving in fresh water: _______________
c. thin (3mm/1/16 inch), one-piece wet suit, a neutral steel tank when empty and diving in salt
water: ________________
2.
When should you conduct a buoyancy check prior to making a dive? (List three circumstances.)
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
3.
4.
A proper buoyancy check at the surface includes five distinct steps. Arrange the following steps in
their proper order – placing a number 1 for the first step, a number 2 for the second step and so on.
____
As a test, exhale. You should sink slowly.
____
Hang vertical and motionless in the water while holding a normal breath.
____
Put on all equipment.
____
Enter water too deep in which to stand, and deflate your BCD completely.
____
Add or subtract a small amount of weight until you float at eye level while holding a
normal breath.
Place a check next to those instances when buoyancy adjustment is needed underwater.
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes as you use air from your tank.
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes due to compression of an exposure suit (wet suit or dry
suit).
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes due to compression of your body during descent.
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes during ascent.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
21
5.
Make the following sentence read correctly by writing the words “sink” and “rise” in the blanks.
When you’re neutrally buoyant underwater, you ______________ slightly as you inhale and ________
_______ slightly as you exhale.
6.
Proper weight position and distribution will give you greater _________ in the water.
a. resistance
c. buoyancy
b. control
d. visualization
7.
List four reasons for being streamlined while diving.
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________
8.
Overweighting drags down the lower half of a diver’s body. A streamlined diver avoids being overweighted while underwater.
□ True
□ False
9.
To improve your buoyancy control underwater, visualization techniques can help you: (Check by all
that apply.)
□ Relax underwater.
□ Establish a comfortable breathing pattern.
□ Move more gracefully through the water.
Student Statement: I have had explained to me and I understand the questions I missed.
Name________________________________________________________________ Date____________________
Adventure Dive: Peak Performance Buoyancy
Skills Overview
• Knowledge Review
• Briefing
• Assembly of weight system
• Visualization practice
• Suiting up
• Predive safety check (BWRAF)
• Entry
• Predive buoyancy check
• Neutral buoyancy during slow descent
• Hovering practice
• Fine-tune with breath control
• Buoyancy game
• Ascent – safety stop
• Manueuver close to bottom – no touching
• Post-dive buoyancy check
• Exit/debrief
• Log dive – complete training record
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
22
Name_______________________________________________________________________ Date_____________
Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive
Knowledge Review Answer Key
To the student: Answer the following questions while watching and reading PADI’s Peak Performance Buoyancy video and booklet. Bring this completed Knowledge Review with you to your next training session.
1.
Using PADI’s “Basic Weighting Guidelines,” estimate the amount of weight you need (given your present body weight), to begin a buoyancy check if you plan to use a:
(Varies)
cold-water wet suit, an 12 liter tank/80 cubic foot and diving in fresh water: (Varies)
a. neoprene dry suit, an 12 liter tank/80 cubic foot and diving in salt water:
b.
c. thin (3mm/1/16 inch), one-piece wet suit, a neutral steel tank when empty and diving in salt water:
(Varies)
2.
When should you conduct a buoyancy check prior to making a dive? (List three circumstances.)
1. When I change diving equipment
2. When I change diving environments
3. When I haven’t been diving for a while
3.
A proper buoyancy check at the surface includes five distinct steps. Arrange the following steps in their
proper order – placing a number 1 for the first step, a number 2 for the second step and so on.
5
3
1
2
4
As a test, exhale. You should sink slowly.
Hang vertical and motionless in the water while holding a normal breath.
Put on all equipment.
Enter water too deep in which to stand, and deflate your BCD completely.
Add or subtract a small amount of weight until you float at eye level while holding a
normal breath.
4.
Place a check next to those instances when buoyancy adjustment is needed underwater.
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes as you use air from your tank.
✔
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes due to compression of an exposure suit (wet suit or dry suit).
✔
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes due to compression of your body during descent.
□ To compensate for buoyancy changes during ascent.
✔
5.
Make the following sentence read correctly by writing the words sink and rise in the blanks.
When you’re neutrally buoyant underwater, you
slightly as you exhale.
rise
Peak Performance Buoyancy
23
slightly as you inhale and
sink
6.
Proper weight position and distribution will give you greater
a. resistance
c. buoyancy
b. control
d. visualization
7.
List four reasons for being streamlined while diving.
1.
2.
3.
4.
“b”
in the water.
Encourages an efficient kicking style
Encourages an efficient kicking style
Reduces needed energy to move
Keeps equipment off the bottom
8.
Overweighting drags down the lower half of a diver’s body. A streamlined diver avoids being overweighted while underwater.
□ True
□ False
✔
9.
To improve your buoyancy control underwater, visualization techniques can help you: (Check by all
that apply.)
□ Relax underwater.
✔
□ Establish a comfortable breathing pattern.
✔
□ Move more gracefully through the water.
✔
Student Statement: I have had explained to me and I understand the questions I missed.
Name________________________________________________________________ Date____________________
Adventure Dive: Peak Performance Buoyancy
Skills Overview
• Knowledge Review
• Briefing
• Assembly of weight system
• Visualization practice
• Suiting up
• Predive safety check (BWRAF)
• Entry
• Predive buoyancy check
• Neutral buoyancy during slow descent
• Hovering practice
• Fine-tune with breath control
• Buoyancy game
• Ascent – safety stop
• Manueuver close to bottom – no touching
• Post-dive buoyancy check
• Exit/debrief
• Log dive – complete training record
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
24
Peak Performance Buoyancy
PADI Adventure Dive Training Record
Adventure Dive:
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Skills Overview
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Knowledge Review
• Hovering practice
Briefing
• Fine-tune with breath control
Assembly of weight system
• Buoyancy game
Visualization practice
• Ascent – safety stop
Suiting up
• Manueuver close to bottom – no touching
Predive safety check (BWRAF)
• Post-dive buoyancy check
Entry
• Exit/debrief
Predive buoyancy check
• Log dive – complete training record
Neutral buoyancy during slow descent
Instructor Statement: “I verify that this student has satisfactorily completed
the Knowledge Review and Performance Requirements for this PADI Advanced
Open Water Training Dive. I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor
for the current year.”
Instructor Name _____________________________________________________________________
Instructor Signature __________________________________________________________________
PADI No. __________________ Dive Completion Date_______________________
Month/Day/Year
Instructor Contact Information (Please Print)
Instructor Mailing Address _____________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________________ State/Province ______________________
Country _________________________________________________ Zip/Postal Code_____________________
Phone ________________________________________ FAX __________________________________________
Student Statement: “I verify that I have completed all of the Performance
Requirements for this Advanced Open Water Training Dive. I realize that there
is more to learn about buoyancy control, and that completion of a PADI Peak
Performance Buoyancy course is highly recommended. I also agree to abide by
PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices.”
Student Signature _______________________________________________ Date ________________
Month/Day/Year
Peak Performance Buoyancy
25
29
PADI Specialty Training Record
Peak Performance Buoyancy
I verify that this student has satisfactorily completed all academic and/or any confined water training
sessions as outlined in the PADI Specialty Course Instructor Outline for Peak Performance Buoyancy. I am
a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor in this specialty.
Instructor Name ________________________________________________________________ PADI#_____________
Instructor Signature _________________________________________________ Completion Date ______________
Dive One
Open Water Dives
I verify that this student has satisfactorily completed Dive One as outlined in the PADI standardized
outline for Peak Performance Buoyancy including:
• Assemble weight system using PADI’s “Basic Weighting Guidelines”
• Visualization practice
• Hovering
• Peak Performance Buoyancy Game (pool/confined water/open water)
I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor in this specialty.
Instructor Name __________________________________________________________ PADI #______________
Instructor Signature ______________________________________________ Completion Date ______________
Dive Two
I verify that this student has satisfactorily completed Dive Two as outlined in the PADI standardized
outline for Peak Performance Buoyancy including:
• Demonstrate efficient fin kick
• Avoid all contact with bottom
• Practice hovering without kicking or hand movement
• While hovering, practice making minor depth adjustments
• Maneuver close to bottom without touching it and back away using neutral buoyancy
I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor in this specialty.
Instructor Name __________________________________________________________ PADI #______________
Instructor Signature ______________________________________________ Completion Date ______________
I verify that I have completed all performance requirements for this Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty. I am adequately prepared to dive in areas and under conditions similar to those in which I was
trained. I agree to abide by PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices.
Student Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature ______________________________________________________Date ______________
Specialty Course Instructor Outline
26