Precision Diving

I have told the story many times, to many people. So I thought I should post it here for everyone. It was early spring of 2006. After I spent the winter searching for a trimix instructor, I made my selection and signed up for the class. I took the class in May 2006. The class went very well and I felt like I learned a lot. My performance during the class was mediocre to say the best. But I was still able to walk away with my trimix button. But something was nagging at me. I knew I shouldn’t have been certified to dive to 200 feet on helium. Something just didn’t feel right. So after some soul searching, I decided to take that year off from doing ANY technical diving. Instead, I focused on IMPROVING my fundamental diving skills. The dives I did that year were no deeper than 85 feet (the hole at the quarry). I focused on improving my situational awareness, trim, propulsion, and buoyancy control (especially while task loaded). (more…)

I recently had a student that went through my Intro to Tech course ask me to teach him the solo diver course. A few years ago (before I knew better) I became a solo diving instructor. As my diving career evolved, I realized that this was the biggest waste of money since my PADI IDC Staff Instructor course. Regardless of how much money is offered, I will not teach this course. Below is my response to him.

For those of you thinking about a solo diver course. Unless you can grow another head with an independently thinking brain, you will never have TRUE redundancy!!!!

Man is judged by how he stands next to his values.

Hi xxxxxxx,

I’m glad you had a good class and learned a lot. Practice, practice, practice is the only way to become great.

In regards to the solo class, I will still have to say no. There is no amount of money that could make me feel better if you got hurt from an activity I taught you that I knew was inherently dangerous. I’m a man of values and I stand behind them. I’d question those who want you to do something with a high level of risk. Why do they want you to be a solo diver? Anybody can strap on a bunch of redundant gear and solo dive. But very few people can function effectively as a team. I would be more than happy to point out the pitfalls of solo diving, but I will not put my name on a solo diving c-card. That would be very hypocritical of me to say that solo diving is bad, then certify someone in that activity. If you do decide to pursue a solo diving course, I wish you well.

Dive Safe,
Duane
www.PrecisionDiving.net