Drift Diving

Drift diving is a type of recreational diving where the diver is transported by the currents caused by the tide or in a river.

The current gives the diver the impression of flying and allows the diver to cover long distances underwater, possibly seeing more habitats and formations than usual. Often drift diving is performed more for the experience of underwater "flight" and less for interactions with underwater life, which, given the speed at which most divers move, are reduced. Tidal streams can keep an area free from sediment, increasing visibility.

Normal precautions for this type of diving are to have a supporting boat follow the divers and to use a surface marker buoy.

It requires specialized training and certification to be done safely and properly. Many dive agencies with Open Water Scuba Instructors offer drift diving training as part of their Advanced Open Water Diver training, and are one of the specialties available therein.

Further more it requires more rigorous planning to be executed safely. In contrast to normal diving, drift diving is generally not planned to coincide with slack water. It is important to consider the direction of tidal streams as well as their strength to avoid divers being swept into dangerous areas such as shipping lanes. It is also important to plan for the danger of separation, either underwater or at the surface. Each diver should carry an appropriate signaling device and compass.

It is important for the diver to also have knowledge of the local rules pertaining to the use of surface marker buoys, as in some parts of the world, surface marker buoys alone are not legally sufficient signaling devices, and either of the international diver's down flags (in the appropriate size), or perhaps both, might be required while drift diving.

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