Mentoring New Divers Without Overstepping
Mentoring can be rewarding and frustrating. If you have a few dozen dives, or some advanced or technical training, you have probably felt the urge to help a newer diver. Maybe they are struggling with buoyancy. Maybe they forgot a step during setup. Maybe they just look nervous. But helping is not always helpful, especially when it is unwanted or poorly timed.
When Should You Help?
Helping is not just about what you know. It is about context and consent.
- Was help requested? Wait to be asked, or ask if they would like help. Do not assume.
- Is there real risk? If someone is about to skip a critical safety check or make an unsafe mistake, that is different. Step in politely and clearly.
- Are you part of the team? If you are not in their buddy pair or group, be cautious. Interrupting another team rarely helps.
Invite, Don’t Inflict
Use questions that invite discussion rather than correction:
- “Hey, do you want a hand with that?”
- “Want to talk through your dive plan?”
- “I ran into something similar once. I can share what worked for me if you’re interested.”
These questions show respect while offering support. The goal is to be helpful, not instructional.
The Fine Line Between Teaching and Preaching
You may have strong experience, but if you are not their instructor, remember:
- You do not know their training background. They may have learned different methods.
- You might be wrong. Training evolves, and agencies differ. Stay open.
- Do not cite your dive count. Numbers mean nothing without context.
Many bad divers have hundreds of dives. Many great ones have fewer than a hundred. Good mentors stay humble.
Do Not Ruin the Experience
Even well-meant advice can ruin a new diver’s experience.
- Do not critique post-dive unless asked. Debrief your own team unless invited.
- Do not hover underwater watching or correcting. It is distracting and unnerving.
- Avoid gear shaming. If their equipment is safe and functional, let them dive it.
The Silent Treatment Does Not Help Either
If someone asks for feedback, give it honestly and kindly. Avoid vague “you did fine” answers when you do not mean them.
Leading by Example: Don’t Preach, Just Dive
You do not need to say a word to mentor. New divers learn more from what you do than what you say. Calm, controlled dives with visible checks and clear communication teach more than any speech. This principle also appears in the Responsible Diver Code of Conduct.
- Run your checks visibly and without stress
- Maintain trim and buoyancy
- Communicate clearly with your buddy
- Treat staff and crew with courtesy
If someone is watching you, you are already mentoring. Show them what a capable diver looks like.
What If They Are Doing Something Unsafe?
If a diver is about to endanger themselves or others:
- Intervene respectfully but firmly.
- State the concern, not your credentials. Say “your tank strap is loose,” not “I’m a rescue diver.”
- If ignored, escalate to staff or the divemaster. Better to risk awkwardness than injury.
If the dive has started and something seems off, signal and communicate. Abort early if needed. Prevention always beats reaction.
Check Yourself
Sometimes the urge to help masks other motives:
- Trying to prove something
- Frustration with your own progress
- Seeking validation through correction
Good mentors stay aware of why they are helping. Guidance driven by ego is not mentorship.
Want to Go Further? Get Trained
If mentoring truly interests you, formal training provides structure and protection. Consider becoming a divemaster or assistant instructor. You will learn how to teach safely and handle responsibility with professionalism.
You can also:
- Assist at pool nights or club events when invited
- Join respectful skill-building discussions
- Share honest lessons from your own experience, including mistakes