Building the Next Generation of Thinking Scuba Divers
Just got this notification from Diver’s Alert Network (DAN). Looks like a cool study.
DURHAM, NC – Divers Alert Network (DAN) is looking for divers and/or expeditions to get involved with in 2010 and to invite participants to take part in this observational, non-interventional field study. DAN will enroll adult volunteers, certified divers or students in the process of dive training and follow them during their regular field activities. [Read more...]
This information came from a PADI meeting in Pattaya, Thailand in which the PADI representatives discussed changes to their technical diving classes. At the time of this article, I do not know if these changes will be PADI worldwide or they are only PADI Asia. These are purposed changes and not currently the standard. The interesting thing I took away from this is that PADI, once again, is making it easier for people to enter their technical diving program. Instead of focusing on firming up their education, they listen to the marketing team. [Read more...]
Duane Johnson - Technical Diving Instructor
When I became a tech instructor, my main focus was on teaching the Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures courses. As time went on, I was finding myself rejecting more potential technical diving students than ones I held classes for. So I decided to find out why. Was it me? Are my standards too high? Do I have unrealistic goals for potential tech students? My curiosity was piqued. As part of my own personal standard, I do an assessment dive with every potential tech student and I video those dives. So I went back to the video of those people I did not accept into my classes. As I watched, one thing became blatantly obvious. These people did not have true mastery of the fundamental skills for diving (i.e. buoyancy & trim control, etc.) and they just did not look that comfortable in the water. Many were OK divers and didn’t kick up the muck or shoot to the surface. But I could just tell they weren’t in full control of their position in the water. [Read more...]
Technorati Tags: Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, technical diving, buoyancy
