Take a Dive

Baxter Turain

Athens local Jon Tobin is a store owner, firefighter, lead safety ropes instructor and, in this issue, a scuba diving instructor. Under this role, Tobin leads participants through the necessary training to receive scuba diving certification. Certification equips trainees with credentials needed for booking dives, renting equipment and other scuba endeavors. The training that is pictured here was held at the Hocking College Student Center and was open to any interested candidates. To earn scuba certification, Tobin teaches students a variety of techniques and precautions. Part of the course includes proper usage of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, which provides divers with breathing gas at ambient pressure. Tobin also teaches proper mask technique so participants can comfortably dive with clear visibility. During this course, divers and a photographer were able to dive down 11-feet, 6-inches to experience the physical sensations of deep diving while also practicing new skills.

Participants in Tobin’s scuba certification course work with a variety of equipment, such as the self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Tobin works carefully to equip students with skills needed for scuba diving.

Students are taught about the proper way to wear a mask to ensure visibility and comfort.

Tobin is part of Athens County Specialized Response and Recovery commonly known as the “dive team".”