BREATHING, equalization, hand signals, inflation and deflation are just few of the basic reminders before leaving the surface for a dive. But as a first timer, despite the short orientation on the basic of diving, my confidence to go underneath never went off the grid as we were mentored, monitored, and partnered with the Navy Seals under Naval Special Operations Unit 7 of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
As what our Seal instructors shared during the orientation, diving is very dangerous activity, but with the right knowledge, equipment, and especially the right amount of presence of mind, there is nothing to worry.
Listening is a very important aspect during a dive as it reduces the risk of danger while below the surface. Instructors also told us to remain calm and to respond within five seconds or else they will pull us back to the surface as a standard procedure.
Adrenaline pumps rapidly as they dress me up with the gear that weighs more the 15 kilos while sitting on a rubber boat with flippers, giving you final instructions before doing the back-roll entry.
I had a hard time descending to our maximum depth of 20 feet because I had less weights placed on my gear but with the help of my Frogman partner, I was able to maximize and enjoy the 20-minute dive in Vanishing Island in Island Garden City of Samal.
Diving alongside with a Seal is a rare opportunity. With the level of expertise they possess, first time divers will surely learn a lot from these underwater operators trained to all kinds of scenarios and prepared for all weather conditions always ready to demolish from underneath.
After being trained by season divers, I was equipped with new knowledge and more than the basics of diving with the tips from the SEALs.
The gathering was also graced by NFEM Commander Commodore Antonio Palces and expressed the importance of the strengthen partnership of the media and the Navy in an interview.
The event was a pre-anniversary activity; Navy staged a fellowship with the members of the media last September 1, 2019 inside their base in Panacan, Davao City.