A DIVE and rescue training session on June 6 and 7 resulted in the successful completion of a spearfishing safety course by 10 experienced spearfishermen, according to Morito Asai, owner of Aquasmith dive shop and one of the trainers in the program.
The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Education Program organized the event.
Asai said participants may pick up their certificates at Aquasmith in Garapan.
Participants first received CPR training from Wave & Waterpark Safety Academy instructor Ed Johnson. They then underwent full dive and rescue training led by Asai, Fuminori Kawahara and Yoshinari Iizuka. The program included a two-hour classroom session and a two-hour pool session at the Aqua Resort Club, followed by a three-hour open water training at Sugar Dock.
During the course, participants successfully learned and demonstrated the following safety procedures:
– Rescue of an unconscious diver from the ocean floor.
– Rescue breathing for an unconscious diver at the surface.
– Safe exit from the water with an unconscious diver.
– Calling for help and performing CPR on shore.
– Implementation of the buddy system in a three-person team (2-up, 1-down).
– Separation protocol for dive teams.
– Understanding how water pressure affects the human body.
– Proper use and importance of a dive flag and float.
– Case studies of actual spearfishing accidents.
– Recognition and characteristics of various shark species.
– Understanding and prevention of loss of motor control and blackout.
– How to respond if a buddy experiences loss of motor control.
– Familiarity with essential safety gear and practical tips.
– Importance of respecting Marine Protected Areas and L50 size limits.
Asai commended the participants for their “focus and dedication.”
“Everyone passed because they practiced repeatedly, especially the surface rescues, which tend to cause panic,” he said. “In real-life situations where a buddy may be unconscious at the bottom, it’s natural for your mind to go blank. That’s why I strongly encourage repeated participation — to build muscle memory and help eliminate future tragedies in the CNMI.”
Asai said residents of Guam, Rota, and Tinian have expressed interest in a similar program for their islands. While no plans have been finalized, discussions are ongoing, he added. There may also be opportunities for beginner-level spearfishers in future sessions.
A dive and rescue training session was held on June 6 and 7.
The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Education Program organized a dive and rescue training session for local spearfishermen.
Training participants successfully learned and demonstrated several rescue techniques.
The training included a two-hour pool session at Aqua Resort Club.
