Today was special for two reasons, as it was Swati’s birthday and also the day of completing dive three and dive four of the open water certification. The dives started early in the morning, with the boat heading out before the sun had fully risen. Entering the water felt calmer this time, as the routine of checking gear, setting up, and taking the giant stride was becoming familiar. The depth went down to around sixteen metres, which was deeper than before and gave a stronger sense of descending into a space that felt far removed from the surface. The day carried both personal celebration and progress in training, making it memorable in more than one way.
The third dive involved refining the skills practiced earlier, but this time at depth. Equalizing became more frequent, and the ears needed attention as the descent went further than before. Buoyancy was more demanding, as the margin for error increases with depth, but the practice of slow breaths and careful adjustments to the BCD started to show results. Skills like mask clearing and regulator retrieval felt easier now compared to the first attempts, which showed how quickly the body and mind adapt with repetition. It was less about just getting through the tasks and more about feeling steady while doing them.
The highlight of the dive was spotting a blue-spotted stingray resting on the sand. Watching it remain still and then move slightly when approached was a reminder of how marine life blends seamlessly into the environment. Unlike the fish swimming above and around, the stingray looked like part of the ocean floor, only revealing itself when the eyes adjusted to its outline. Seeing it up close at depth made the dive more than just practice, giving a glimpse of what underwater exploration can bring once training is complete. These moments balance out the discipline of drills with the reward of discovery.
The fourth dive was about tying everything together. Descending again to similar depth felt easier than the morning’s first attempt, showing how quickly confidence grows in just a few hours. The skills were repeated, and there was more focus on maintaining position without floating up or sinking down unintentionally. The instructors allowed more independence, with less direct intervention, which made the dive feel closer to what future fun dives will be like. Swimming around and observing life while managing equipment and position created a sense of self-reliance that had been missing on the first day.
By the end of the session, surfacing with the knowledge of having completed the four required dives felt satisfying. The certification is a formality, but the real value is in experiencing the gradual shift from nervousness to comfort underwater. Having Swati’s birthday fall on the same day as the final dives added a personal layer to the memory. The combination of completing something new, sharing the experience, and marking the occasion made the day stand out. Diving to sixteen metres and seeing a stingray will remain linked with the thought of her birthday, blending celebration on land with achievement underwater.