SCUBA

[Silence66]

I was thinking about going to get my basic scuba cert. and then after that go through there advanced scuba. also been thinking alot about joining the Navy and going SEALs. what I wanted to know...if you already scuba certified before you join the Navy will it give any kinda bonus or will it basicly not matter cause if you make it past BUD/S anyway they teach you? just wanted to know before I go blow 230 bucks.

[Nissan]

Silence take the course and spend the 230...it is deffinetly worth it...you get to experience the undersea world and get to see things that very few others have or can unless they are in a aquarium...It will also help you for BUD/S because while everyone else is learning how to put together their rig, learn the basic physics of diving, learn dive tables, all the bouyancy and fun stuff like that you'll already know and this will just be a type of refresher...plus the course can be alot of fun...especially if ya get some good looking ladies in your class...underwater everything is 25% bigger and closer so take advantage of it...it is definetly a worthwhile course that even if you don't goto the SEALs you still have a great sport to participate in...

As for the extra pay and all...no you have to qualify as a military diver before you recieve any extra pay for it. But just think...off in teh South Pacific or the Med and getting to take a week of leave and go SCUBA diving in a bunch of exotic places...it don't get much better then that..

PS if you get advanced make sure you go for some of the other options such as dry suit, night, deep, wreck among others...they are the best way to experience a wide range of diving and can be a great thing if ya like seafood...especially night diving..cause thats when most of the bugs come out to have dinner and wind up being the main course...

[Silence66]

Yeah I just went snorkling a couple of days ago with my friend. It was a lot of fun saw many things(but very quickly cause I am new to it and can't hold my breath that long)we even had a visitor a sea lion was checking us out from a distance... and at one point my friend spotted a couple of dolphins about 20ft from us. We tried to hurry over but lost sight of em. I know after the advanced course they have special courses like rescue diving and a couple others. I forgot the names but I would like to take the courses its a lot of fun out there swiming.

[WS-G]

Silence66:

Anything that helps you to get cozy with the water could only help you. While outside (i.e.: civilian) qualifications won't get you any extra credit on any military courses, learning dive physics and physiology ahead of time will make things less difficult down the road.

Also, taking the trouble to obtain whatever certification you can get for functioning in the water can serve as an indicator of motivation on your part. While you're at it, you may also wish to consider taking a Lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor course (or both) from your local American Red Cross.

------------------
ex Co. G (-)(Abn/Rgr), 143d INF(LRRP), TXARNG 1981-1985
ex 433MAW (AFRES), 1985-1991
FAA-certificated pilot and Advanced Ground Instructor