Students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) joining campus diving unit have done practice in the open waters of Pasir Putih area in Situbondo, East Java, from 8-12 March 2017.
Chairman of UGM diving training department, Marwandhana Letto, said the open practice was part of the XXVII training for new students before they were appointed as members of UGM diving unit.
“There are 9 new members joining the open practice this year,” he said on Monday(13/3) on campus.
Letto said there were a series of written training and practices being given to the students. Initially, the candidates learned the basic of pools, followed by swimming and diving skills prior to a try out in the pool.
“Participants that pass the try out may join the open waters training and later to be installed as new members of UGM diving unit,” he said.
Afterwards, they will have their diving certificates, but to get this is not easy. They have to do diving in three practices. First is done in sandy beach at 0-5 meter depth, second 5-10 meter and last 10-18 meter.
“Diving in an open area for a beginner is a major challenge. The biggest one is to overcome if they panic whilst they are diving,” he said.
Muhammad Haris, one participant, said he was rather worried before diving in the open space. But the fear was gone because he knew he was with his fellow divers. Also, they had done eight time practices in the pool.
“Previously, we did a try out in the pool so we’re trained a little. The challenge is to care to keep that the marine biota remain unharmed,” he said.