From: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com (Dillon Pyron)
Subject: Re: Information about advanced deep diving course wanted
Reply-To: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com
Organization: TI/DSEG VAX Support
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 92 18:29:13 GMT


In article <Bu09AK.3I9@apollo.hp.com>, daigle@APOLLO.HP.COM (Joe Daigle) writes:
>In article <12195@cis.rand.org>, Karl_Schutz@rand.ORG (Karl Schutz) writes:
>|> > 
>|> >   I have talked with many instructors about taking the deep
>|> > diver specialty,
>|> >      [stuff deleted.......]
>
>|> I hope the instructors you talked to are planning to do more than escort you to
>|> depth.  Before going deep the first time, divers need to be told, 
>|>     [stuff deleted......]
>|> But, then again, who
>|> really knows it all? 
>
>
>Actually, what many have said is that the reason for taking the deep diving
>course is to be escorted to depth by someone that is knowledgeable.  They do not
>provide a class.  I want a class because I am far from knowing it all, but
>I would like to learn more than enough to keep me alive.  Just bringing me to
>the bottom does not cut it in my book.

If you take the PADI "Deep" Diver speciality and your instructor does not spend
at least 2 hours in "class room" time discussing this, please let me, or anyone
else who lists themselves as a PADI member, know.  Or contact another PADI
instructor in your area.  The PADI standard is for a minimum of two hours of
class room instruction (I think, no manual at work), and I haven't seen many
instructors get by with less than 4 hours.  I'm sure that NAUI and YMCA have
similar standards.  Night diving I could see just going out and diving, but
anything deep (more than a single breath away) can get you seriously killed, or
worse.

>
>|> 
>|> 
>|> > What I want to know is why PADI does not teach you what to do if you blow your NDL.  What
>|> > would be wrong with them teaching some light decompression diving?  If I stay down too long
>|> > (OK, I know, never let that happen), then I am SOL when it comes to knowing what the hell 
>|> > to do now.  Saying that I shouldn't have blown my NDL is simply not acceptable at that point.> 
>|> 
>|> Are we talking planned decompression diving or are we talking about what to do if
>|> one accidently exceeds the NDL?
>
>
>I'm sorry, I should have been more clear.  I meant accidentally exceeding the NDL.  I
>personally would never plan to exceed the limit.  I have seen the consequences first
>hand.  I was on a live-aboard where someone got hit and had to fly via Helicopter
>a few hundered miles to a chamber.  That next day I joined DAN, signed up for the 
>advanced course, and swore I would never be in that guy's shoes.  This is why
>I want to KNOW what to do if I get into a jam.  It will probably never happen,
>but I want to be prepared for the worst.

DAN PLUG: If you dive, you belong in DAN.  DAN needs your help, TODAY.

>
>Seeing what that guy went through scared the hell out of me!
>
>|> 
>|> If one accidently exceeds an NDL, well then, do you still have your PADI
>|> Recreational Dive Planner (RDP)?  If so, flip it over to the side with Table 3 on 
>|> it.  
>
>Thanks for pointing that out.  I was not aware of it.  Believe it or not, my advanced
>instructor never pointed that out. We did 4 dives with a short talk before each one.
>I do not recall seeing it in the advanced manual, but it may be in there.

All the instructors I work with emphasize the "cheat sheet" in OW, and we
always go through the steps in AOW.  Looks like you had a weak
class/instructor.
>
>Instructors, please dont flame me for this comment, but teaching diving should be a 
>hell of a lot more than taking us into the water.  Whenever I ask about what I will
>gain from taking such and such a specialty course, the answer I get is "well, we take
>you on x dives in that environment".   Big deal.  While I may be asking for too much,
>I would also like to see a book given in each specialty course as well.

I don't think you will find many instructors who disagree with you.
>
>|> 
>|> 
>|> -- 
>|> Karl F. Schutz
>|> PADI DM-50321
>
>-- 
>
>
>Joseph W. Daigle
>                          
--
Dillon Pyron                      | The opinions expressed are those of the
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