PADI 5 Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom Skill

The 5 point descent is one of the best and safest way’s to descent underwater. In the PADI Open Water Course you learn to perform a 5 Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom Skill. It is extremely important that we don’t touch any aquatic life when we descent. Depending on the depth you find many bottoms with sensitive life on it. Using the 5 Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom Skill will prevent us damaging that life.

Check out the video on How To perform the PADI 5 Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom Skill for the PADI Open Water Diver Course in an Easy Way:

The 5 points are steps that we take before we deflate the BCD and go underwater. These 5 points help us to make sure we understand that we go down, that we have a clear view of our surroundings, we don’t forget to switch from the snorkel to the regulator, that we check our dive computer before we go down and that we equalise gently before and during the descent. Check out our detailed video below on how to do the PADI 5 Point Descent skill in confined water 👇Check out these amazing Suunto dive computers for every budget:

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Steps for the PADI 5 Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom Skill

1. Signal to your buddy: OK to go Down.

2. Orientate yourself and look underwater.

3. Switch from your snorkel to your regulator.

4. Check your dive computer / watch.

5. Equalise your ears and deflate your BCD.

6. Slowly descent, equalize your ears and stay close to your buddy.

7. Make sure you look down and add some air to the BCD to achieve neutral buoyancy and don’t touch the bottom during the descent.

In this other video we show you how to demonstrate the PADI 5 Point Descent over a Sensitive Bottom as a PADI Divemaster or PADI Scuba Instructor. It is important when you demonstrate this skill to do it slow and over exaggerated:

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For this skill we recommend you to have a great BCD to control your buoyancy during your descent. Having a personal BCD that fits you properly and that you know how to use, can make you control your descent much better.

5 Point Descent PADI Skill in the Open Water

You need to also complete this skill during your PADI Open Water Diver course to get your scuba diving certification. The 5 point descent is easy to remember by using SORTED. S stands for Signal, O stands for Orientation, R stands for Regulator, T stands for Time, E stands for Equalize and D stands for Descent.

5 Point Descent Steps:

1. Signal ok to go down
2. Orientation
3. Swap your snorkel to your regulator
4. Check the time
5. Equalize
6. Descent

Check here a video of all the steps for the 5 Point Descent PADI Open Water:

Frequently Asked Questions About the PADI 5-Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom Skill

What is the PADI 5-Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom skill?

The PADI 5-Point Descent Over a Sensitive Bottom skill is a controlled descent technique taught in the Open Water Diver course. It emphasizes environmental awareness by ensuring divers descend without contacting fragile marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs or seagrass beds. This skill involves a systematic approach to descending safely and responsibly.

Why is this skill important for divers?

Practicing the 5-Point Descent over sensitive bottoms helps prevent damage to delicate marine habitats. By mastering this technique, divers contribute to conservation efforts and promote sustainable diving practices. It also enhances diver safety by encouraging controlled and deliberate descents.

What are the five steps involved in this descent technique?

The five steps are:

1. Signal – Communicate with your buddy that you’re ready to descend.
2. Orient – Identify your entry point and any potential hazards.
3. Regulator – Ensure your regulator is in place and functioning properly.
4. Time – Check your dive time and depth limits.
5. Descend – Begin a controlled descent, equalizing early and often, while maintaining neutral buoyancy to avoid contact with the bottom.

How does this skill contribute to low-impact diving?

By maintaining neutral buoyancy and avoiding contact with the seafloor, divers minimize their environmental footprint. This practice aligns with low-impact diving principles, which aim to preserve marine life and habitats for future generations.

Is this skill practiced during PADI training courses?

Yes, the 5-Point Descent is introduced during the PADI Open Water Diver course and reinforced in subsequent training. Instructors emphasize its importance, especially when diving in areas with sensitive marine environments.

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