Question, questions, questions.
The page nobody reads, but really should
I want to do decompression diving- what level is that at?
You will be conducting decompression dives at the Foundations level. Certification is Tec 40, Decompression Procedures, XR Nitrox or similar.
Safely extend your recreational diving
All that gear? I don't know if I will like it, must I have all of it?
No! Not at all. ALL technical gear is included in the cost of training if you wish- that's correct, there is no rental fee or gear loan costs or anything like that. Wings, BPs, SM harnesses, tanks, regs, computers are all available for free use on the courses- how about that?
I'm more interested in the recreational level. Foundations or Introduction is a GREAT way to expand your recreational diving- dive longer on that wreck and SAFELY come back from it. Learn the techniques, drills, skills and competencies to safely and successfully conduct decompression diving to recreational limits of 130'
But don't let that deter you from using technical gear for Foundations. As well as being an excellent recreation expansion programme, it is a great foundation of technical diving (hence the name!) and if you are considering more then you are encouraged to start off at the outset in technical gear- which is all provided for free!
Some items must be owned by you while some of the costlier items that you might be unlikely to own already are available to you. Twin manifolded cylinders, stage cylinders, regulators (especially O2 clean ones). lights, wings, harnesses, etc are available to you for no cost. Slates, masks, knives etc should be owned. Speak with me. The intent is NOT for you to buy equipment that you will have no further use for should you decide that this type of diving is not for you (although why that would be one cannot imagine!) but rather to provide you with appropriate gear choices for items that are not solely technical dive orientated whilst giving you access to those items that are.
SIDEMOUNT diving negates entirely the need for double cylinders, the manifold and the bands- now that is worth it!
TECHNICAL Sidemount is NOT AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE but IS AVAILABLE at Tec Diving Instructor- learn from one of the pioneers of technical sidemount! Think on that.
Only Advanced Open Water to start out? Really?
Yes! AOW or equivalent is the entry level certification for Foundations- it really is a natural extension of your regular diving. Many students enter at exactly this level, are successful and are now enjoying the opportunities for diving that only expanded diving can give. You do NOT need to be a diver with a log book to rival Cousteau's or even one with a decade's or more worth of experience- look at this: the Foundations Course class is DESIGNED to take the AOW student with a minimum of 30 logged dives and create a knowledgeable, thinking, highly competent, very capable diver with a greatly expanded skill set. Neat isn't it? You will really enjoy it and learn more about diving than you thought possible. That said, the course will challenge the most accomplished of divers, especially recreational instructors who, sadly all too often think they rather know it all. So what's stopping YOU?
I am AOW now- how do I proceed from here and should I even do so?
The answer to the second part is, "that depends". What is it you want from your diving? Lets discuss that and see- Talk to me.
If yes then you will need both the nitrox and deep specialties- contact me to arrange this training if you need it or speak with your regular scuba instructor regarding completing these if you would prefer.
Training is expensive- can I get a deal?
Yes! The cost of training reflects the QUALITY and QUANTITY of instruction on the course, plus the fact that you will receive and benefit from the very highest quality of instruction. You get what you pay for- but you know that anyway
Train now- pay later! What? Train now, and pay as you can. No additional charges, interest or other shenanigans just pay when you are able to. I know, sounds too good, but contact me and ask about it. Many students take advantage of it. What's the catch? None that I know of.
Or..... bring 3 students with you and GET YOUR TRAINING FREE.
Can I go straight to a level if I haven't already done the preceding one?
Certainly- you just need the equivalent certification, however....................
You will be expected to exhibit mastery of the knowledge, skills and drills that are taught at the preceding levels.
These skills might include:
horizontal positioning, trim, bouyancy, maintaining position in absolute terms (depth) plus in relative terms (with respect to your team mates), gas shut down drills, bag deployment, NOTOX/ SWITCH/ MOD (or similar) gas switches, emergency procedures, and more. What FUN!
An assessment dive will test these skills. Should you find that after the assessment dive that you need some practice in these areas then you can either attend the preceding course to be taught the skills and drills to the high standard required, spend some time practicing before returning or do the FIX ME course!
I am a tech diver, certified with another agency and want to train with you. What should I do now?
Congratulations! Talk to me.
I am an INSTRUCTOR, what will I get out of this?
Firstly, a hefty portion of humble pie; secondly, and elevation of your diving skills, procedures and knowledge like you cannot imagine- set yourself apart from the average, run of the mill instructor. Did you learn to dive to experience first hand the wonders of the underwater world? Did you become an instructor to impart some of that passion, wonder and knowledge? There is more, much, much more to learn, to discover and to impart. As a decompression diver or technical diver, your practical skills will be highly elevated, your knowledge and experience base will be broader and deeper, all resulting in you becoming an instructor that is more sought out and your students' experiences being the richer for being taught by you.
Remember, as an instructor, you are in a strong position to bring 3 students, and thus your training could be free.
What's the point?
So many reasons. None of which may be appropriate for you.
And of course, 'because it's there'.
But if that's a prominent question for you- the answer is, this probably isn't for you.
How important is a redundant bladder?
The issue here is not a redundant bladder per se, but rather redundant buoyancy that you can confidently rely upon and competently use should you require it. Other examples could include a drysuit or a lift bag. Neither are first choice as redundant buoyancy systems as they both have their shortcomings, the drysuit for the limited buoyancy it provides, the bag for the issues of control of ascent. The best solution is a redundant bladder but should you wish to use alternative methods you are more than welcome to- but be prepared to use them as you WILL be tested in their use.
What about age- isn't this a young person's game?
I am firmly in my mid-life crisis, I have students from their 30s to mid 70s, the majority of students are in their 40s and 50s. Talk to me about your suitability for this training.
Train Hard, Fight Easy.
Train Right!
