I was talking to an instructor who told me that CMAS in Europe teaches IWR in the open water class. This seems a bit much for a beginner class, so I am asking here of any CMAS instructors. Is this true or maybe a misreading by one individual?
In Water recompression
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Teaches or makes them aware that the it exists? I am glad that the hysteria over IWR is subsiding but it is not a trivial skill.
There is a good article in the latest issue of Diver Magazine: Volume 41, Number 5, page 54 by Joseph Dituri. I could not find it online, yet anyway.
There is also a practical discussion of IWR published in Alert Diver Magazine:
Alert Diver | In-Water Recompression
There is a good article in the latest issue of Diver Magazine: Volume 41, Number 5, page 54 by Joseph Dituri. I could not find it online, yet anyway.
There is also a practical discussion of IWR published in Alert Diver Magazine:
Alert Diver | In-Water Recompression
Last edited:
The answer is, it depends. CMAS is not one body in Europe. It is made up of regional training "arms" represented by an agency in the country or region where it is located. That training arm may establish their own standards that meet CMAS requirements and exceed them. Scuba Educators International is the CMAS training arm in the US.
In the base standards in water re-compression is not listed.
The items below are required from
CMAS International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual
___________________________________________________________________
Chapter 3
Syllabus 3.A.5: CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme
Syllabus 3.A.5
CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme
1. Required theoretical knowledge
1.1 Subject Area 1: Introduction
1.1.1 The participant shall be provided with all such information, as provided for in Clause 4. 2 of
Chapter 1 in order to enable him to take an informed decision about his participation in the
CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme.
1.1.2 The participant shall be provided with the information about the CMAS as provided for in
Clause 4.3 of Chapter 1.
1.2 Subject Area 2: Equipment
1.2.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the physical
characteristics operating principles, maintenance and use of the following items of
diving equipment.
1.2.1.1 Basic Equipment
1.2.1.1.1 Mask
1.2.1.1.2 Snorkel
1.2.1.1.3 Fins
1.2.1.1.4 Exposure suits
1.2.1.1.5 Quick release weight systems
1.2.1.1.6 Knife/cutting devices
1.2.1.2 SCUBA equipment
1.2.1.2.1 Cylinders
1.2.1.2.2 Cylinder valves
1.2.1.2.3 Regulators
1.2.1.2.4 Submersible pressure gauge (breathing gas monitor)
1.2.1.2.5 Alternative breathing gas source
1.2.1.2.6 Cylinder-support systems
1.2.1.2.7 Buoyancy control devices
1.2.1.2.8 Timing devices
1.2.1.2.9 Under-water navigational aids
1.2.1.2.10 Depth gauge/depth monitor
1.2.1.2.11 Dive tables
1.2.1.2.12 Dive computers
1.2.1.3 Ancillary equipment
1.2.1.3.1 Diving lights
1.2.1.3.2 Float and flag
1.2.1.3.3 Dive bags
1.2.1.3.4 Personal Diving Log Book
3.A.5.1
1.2.1.4 Emergency equipment
1.2.1.4.1 Emergency signalling device (acoustical, optical)
1.2.1.4.2 First-aid kit
1.2.1.4.3 Oxygen kit
1.3 Subject Area 3: Physics of diving
1.3.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the physical
principles and their application to diving activities, equipment and hazards relating to:
1.3.1.1 Sound
1.3.1.2 Light
1.3.1.3 Buoyancy
1.3.1.4 Pressure/gas laws
1.3.1.5 Temperature
1.4 Subject Area 4: Medical and psychological problems related to diving
1.4.1 Medical problems related to diving
1.4.1.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the causes,
symptoms, prevention, first-aid and treatment of diving medical problems.
1.4.1.1.1 Direct Effects of Pressure
1.4.1.1.1.1 Descent phase
1.4.1.1.1.1.1 Ears
1.4.1.1.1.1.2 Sinuses
1.4.1.1.1.1.3 Mask
1.4.1.1.1.1.4 Lungs
1.4.1.1.1.1.5 Suit
1.4.1.1.1.1.6 Teeth
1.4.1.1.1.2 Ascent phase
1.4.1.1.1.2.1 Gas expansion (ears, sinuses, lungs, stomach, intestines, and teeth)
1.4.1.1.1.2.2 Lung over pressurization/overexpansion injuries including arterial gas embolism
1.4.1.1.1.2.3 Vertigo
1.4.1.1.1.3 Indirect Effects of Pressure (Physiological)
1.4.1.1.1.3.1 Decompression Illness (including on-gassing, off-gassing, forms of DCI and post-dive
effects)
1.4.1.1.1.3.2 Nitrogen narcosis
1.4.1.1.1.3.3 Hypercapnia (carbon dioxide excess)
1.4.1.1.1.3.4 Oxygen toxicity (discussion of first aid and treatment not required)
1.4.1.1.1.3.5 Hyperventilation/shallow-water blackout
1.4.1.1.1.3.6 Contaminated breathing gas supply
1.4.1.1.1.4 Other Hazards
1.4.1.1.1.5 First aid after diving incidents
1.4.1.1.1.5.1 Basic Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
1.4.1.1.1.5.2 Basic normobaric oxygen first aid
3.A.5.2
1.4.2 Psychological problems related to diving
1.4.2.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning causes, symptoms,
prevention and management of:
1.4.2.1.1 Mental stress
1.4.2.1.2 Panic
1.4.2.1.3 Overconfidence
1.5 Subject Area 5: Use of dive tables (decompression tables) and dive computers
1.5.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the use of dive tables and
dive computers including:
1.5.1.1 How to determine dive profiles which do not require in-water decompression stops
for single and repetitive dives.
1.5.1.2 How to determine required stage decompression (even though exceeding the nodecompression
limit is beyond the qualification of a CMAS One Star Diver).
1.5.1.3 How to use dive tables and/or dive computers to properly plan and execute a dive
1.5.1.4 Flying after diving.
1.6 Subject Area 6: Dive planning
1.6.1 The participant shall have appropriate knowledge concerning the following dive planning
issues:
1.6.1.1 Planning and preparation, with emphasis on the prevention of out-ofbreathing-
gas situations and emergencies
1.6.1.2 Communications, both under-water and on the surface
1.6.1.3 Emergency procedures
1.6.1.4 Accident management/prevention
1.6.1.5 Diver assistance (self/buddy)
1.6.1.6 Recommended safe diving practices (e.g. separation procedures, safety stops etc.)
1.6.1.7 Procedures for diving from boats
1.6.1.8 Proper use of Personal Diving Log Book
1.7 Subject Area 7: Dive environment
1.7.1 The participant shall have appropriate knowledge concerning the local and general
conditions of the diving environment and their possible effects on the SCUBA diver
and the SCUBA divers' impact on the environment.
1.7.1.1 Water
1.7.1.1.1 Temperature/thermocline
1.7.1.1.2 Visibility
1.7.1.1.3 Movement (surface action, currents, tides, and the like)
1.7.1.1.4 Density (fresh and salt water)
1.7.1.2 Topography
1.7.1.2.1 Bottoms
1.7.1.2.2 Shorelines
1.7.1.3 Aquatic life
1.7.1.3.1 Animal
1.7.1.3.2 Plant
1.7.1.4 Environmental awareness
1.7.1.5 Weather conditions
1.7.1.6 Orientation to new diving environments
1.7.1.7 Hazards
1.7.1.7.1 Surface hazards
1.7.1.7.2 Overhead environments
1.7.1.7.3 Entanglement
1.8 Subject Area 8: Career development
1.8.1 The participant shall be provided with the career development information as provided for in
Clause 4.4 of Chapter 1.
2. Required SCUBA skills
2.1 Confined water skills
2.1.1 The participant shall be able to demonstrate the following skills in a comfortable and
relaxed manner; each skill shall be mastered in confined water before that skill is
performed in open water:
2.1.1.1 Use of mask, snorkel and fins
2.1.1.2 Diving system assembly and disassembly (at water's edge)
2.1.1.3 Pre-dive equipment inspection and in and out of water buddy check
2.1.1.4 Entries and exits
2.1.1.5 Proper weighting
2.1.1.6 Mouthpiece clearing - snorkel and regulator
2.1.1.7 Regulator/snorkel exchanges at the surface
2.1.1.8 Proper descent and ascent procedures (e.g. equalising pressure in ears and mask)
2.1.1.9 Swim under-water efficiently with appropriate buoyancy and attitude control
2.1.1.10 Mask-clearing, including removal and replacement
2.1.1.11 Controlled breathing underwater without a mask
2.1.1.12 Buddy-system techniques (e.g. appropriate hand signals, staying close,
monitoring buddy)
2.1.1.13 Underwater and surface buoyancy control
2.1.1.14 Underwater problem-solving (e.g. regulator recovery/retrieval, etc)
2.1.1.15 Monitoring instruments
2.1.1.16 Surface-snorkel swimming with full diving equipment. (The student shall be
able to swim a distance of at least 50 m)
2.1.1.17 Surface operation of the quick release/emergency function of the weight
ballast system
2.1.1.18 Underwater removal and replacement of SCUBA system
2.1.1.19 Underwater removal and replacement of the weight/ballast system
2.1.1.20 Out-of-air emergency procedures allowing a SCUBA diver to ascend to the
surface in the event of an out-of-breathing gas situation, acting as both
receiver and donor. This shall include both dependent and independent
procedures)
2.1.1.21 Diver assistance techniques (self/buddy) (i.e. to assist a buddy to the
surface and provide support on the surface)
2.1.1.22 Equipment care and maintenance (at water's edge)
In the base standards in water re-compression is not listed.
The items below are required from
CMAS International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual
___________________________________________________________________
Chapter 3
Syllabus 3.A.5: CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme
Syllabus 3.A.5
CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme
1. Required theoretical knowledge
1.1 Subject Area 1: Introduction
1.1.1 The participant shall be provided with all such information, as provided for in Clause 4. 2 of
Chapter 1 in order to enable him to take an informed decision about his participation in the
CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme.
1.1.2 The participant shall be provided with the information about the CMAS as provided for in
Clause 4.3 of Chapter 1.
1.2 Subject Area 2: Equipment
1.2.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the physical
characteristics operating principles, maintenance and use of the following items of
diving equipment.
1.2.1.1 Basic Equipment
1.2.1.1.1 Mask
1.2.1.1.2 Snorkel
1.2.1.1.3 Fins
1.2.1.1.4 Exposure suits
1.2.1.1.5 Quick release weight systems
1.2.1.1.6 Knife/cutting devices
1.2.1.2 SCUBA equipment
1.2.1.2.1 Cylinders
1.2.1.2.2 Cylinder valves
1.2.1.2.3 Regulators
1.2.1.2.4 Submersible pressure gauge (breathing gas monitor)
1.2.1.2.5 Alternative breathing gas source
1.2.1.2.6 Cylinder-support systems
1.2.1.2.7 Buoyancy control devices
1.2.1.2.8 Timing devices
1.2.1.2.9 Under-water navigational aids
1.2.1.2.10 Depth gauge/depth monitor
1.2.1.2.11 Dive tables
1.2.1.2.12 Dive computers
1.2.1.3 Ancillary equipment
1.2.1.3.1 Diving lights
1.2.1.3.2 Float and flag
1.2.1.3.3 Dive bags
1.2.1.3.4 Personal Diving Log Book
3.A.5.1
1.2.1.4 Emergency equipment
1.2.1.4.1 Emergency signalling device (acoustical, optical)
1.2.1.4.2 First-aid kit
1.2.1.4.3 Oxygen kit
1.3 Subject Area 3: Physics of diving
1.3.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the physical
principles and their application to diving activities, equipment and hazards relating to:
1.3.1.1 Sound
1.3.1.2 Light
1.3.1.3 Buoyancy
1.3.1.4 Pressure/gas laws
1.3.1.5 Temperature
1.4 Subject Area 4: Medical and psychological problems related to diving
1.4.1 Medical problems related to diving
1.4.1.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the causes,
symptoms, prevention, first-aid and treatment of diving medical problems.
1.4.1.1.1 Direct Effects of Pressure
1.4.1.1.1.1 Descent phase
1.4.1.1.1.1.1 Ears
1.4.1.1.1.1.2 Sinuses
1.4.1.1.1.1.3 Mask
1.4.1.1.1.1.4 Lungs
1.4.1.1.1.1.5 Suit
1.4.1.1.1.1.6 Teeth
1.4.1.1.1.2 Ascent phase
1.4.1.1.1.2.1 Gas expansion (ears, sinuses, lungs, stomach, intestines, and teeth)
1.4.1.1.1.2.2 Lung over pressurization/overexpansion injuries including arterial gas embolism
1.4.1.1.1.2.3 Vertigo
1.4.1.1.1.3 Indirect Effects of Pressure (Physiological)
1.4.1.1.1.3.1 Decompression Illness (including on-gassing, off-gassing, forms of DCI and post-dive
effects)
1.4.1.1.1.3.2 Nitrogen narcosis
1.4.1.1.1.3.3 Hypercapnia (carbon dioxide excess)
1.4.1.1.1.3.4 Oxygen toxicity (discussion of first aid and treatment not required)
1.4.1.1.1.3.5 Hyperventilation/shallow-water blackout
1.4.1.1.1.3.6 Contaminated breathing gas supply
1.4.1.1.1.4 Other Hazards
1.4.1.1.1.5 First aid after diving incidents
1.4.1.1.1.5.1 Basic Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
1.4.1.1.1.5.2 Basic normobaric oxygen first aid
3.A.5.2
1.4.2 Psychological problems related to diving
1.4.2.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning causes, symptoms,
prevention and management of:
1.4.2.1.1 Mental stress
1.4.2.1.2 Panic
1.4.2.1.3 Overconfidence
1.5 Subject Area 5: Use of dive tables (decompression tables) and dive computers
1.5.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the use of dive tables and
dive computers including:
1.5.1.1 How to determine dive profiles which do not require in-water decompression stops
for single and repetitive dives.
1.5.1.2 How to determine required stage decompression (even though exceeding the nodecompression
limit is beyond the qualification of a CMAS One Star Diver).
1.5.1.3 How to use dive tables and/or dive computers to properly plan and execute a dive
1.5.1.4 Flying after diving.
1.6 Subject Area 6: Dive planning
1.6.1 The participant shall have appropriate knowledge concerning the following dive planning
issues:
1.6.1.1 Planning and preparation, with emphasis on the prevention of out-ofbreathing-
gas situations and emergencies
1.6.1.2 Communications, both under-water and on the surface
1.6.1.3 Emergency procedures
1.6.1.4 Accident management/prevention
1.6.1.5 Diver assistance (self/buddy)
1.6.1.6 Recommended safe diving practices (e.g. separation procedures, safety stops etc.)
1.6.1.7 Procedures for diving from boats
1.6.1.8 Proper use of Personal Diving Log Book
1.7 Subject Area 7: Dive environment
1.7.1 The participant shall have appropriate knowledge concerning the local and general
conditions of the diving environment and their possible effects on the SCUBA diver
and the SCUBA divers' impact on the environment.
1.7.1.1 Water
1.7.1.1.1 Temperature/thermocline
1.7.1.1.2 Visibility
1.7.1.1.3 Movement (surface action, currents, tides, and the like)
1.7.1.1.4 Density (fresh and salt water)
1.7.1.2 Topography
1.7.1.2.1 Bottoms
1.7.1.2.2 Shorelines
1.7.1.3 Aquatic life
1.7.1.3.1 Animal
1.7.1.3.2 Plant
1.7.1.4 Environmental awareness
1.7.1.5 Weather conditions
1.7.1.6 Orientation to new diving environments
1.7.1.7 Hazards
1.7.1.7.1 Surface hazards
1.7.1.7.2 Overhead environments
1.7.1.7.3 Entanglement
1.8 Subject Area 8: Career development
1.8.1 The participant shall be provided with the career development information as provided for in
Clause 4.4 of Chapter 1.
2. Required SCUBA skills
2.1 Confined water skills
2.1.1 The participant shall be able to demonstrate the following skills in a comfortable and
relaxed manner; each skill shall be mastered in confined water before that skill is
performed in open water:
2.1.1.1 Use of mask, snorkel and fins
2.1.1.2 Diving system assembly and disassembly (at water's edge)
2.1.1.3 Pre-dive equipment inspection and in and out of water buddy check
2.1.1.4 Entries and exits
2.1.1.5 Proper weighting
2.1.1.6 Mouthpiece clearing - snorkel and regulator
2.1.1.7 Regulator/snorkel exchanges at the surface
2.1.1.8 Proper descent and ascent procedures (e.g. equalising pressure in ears and mask)
2.1.1.9 Swim under-water efficiently with appropriate buoyancy and attitude control
2.1.1.10 Mask-clearing, including removal and replacement
2.1.1.11 Controlled breathing underwater without a mask
2.1.1.12 Buddy-system techniques (e.g. appropriate hand signals, staying close,
monitoring buddy)
2.1.1.13 Underwater and surface buoyancy control
2.1.1.14 Underwater problem-solving (e.g. regulator recovery/retrieval, etc)
2.1.1.15 Monitoring instruments
2.1.1.16 Surface-snorkel swimming with full diving equipment. (The student shall be
able to swim a distance of at least 50 m)
2.1.1.17 Surface operation of the quick release/emergency function of the weight
ballast system
2.1.1.18 Underwater removal and replacement of SCUBA system
2.1.1.19 Underwater removal and replacement of the weight/ballast system
2.1.1.20 Out-of-air emergency procedures allowing a SCUBA diver to ascend to the
surface in the event of an out-of-breathing gas situation, acting as both
receiver and donor. This shall include both dependent and independent
procedures)
2.1.1.21 Diver assistance techniques (self/buddy) (i.e. to assist a buddy to the
surface and provide support on the surface)
2.1.1.22 Equipment care and maintenance (at water's edge)
2.2 Open water skills
2.2.1 The participant shall be able to demonstrate the following skills in a comfortable and
relaxed manner. Participants shall demonstrate mastery of each skill using
appropriate equipment and techniques for the local environment. They shall be
capable of performing each skill in conditions typical of the local environment. Skills
involving swimming shall be conducted over distances appropriate to local conditions
and diving techniques:
2.2.1.1 Use of mask, snorkel and fins
2.2.1.2 Diving system assembly and disassembly (at water's edge)
2.2.1.3 Pre-dive equipment inspection and in and out of water buddy checks
2.2.1.4 Entries and exits
2.2.1.5 Proper weighting
2.2.1.6 Mouthpiece clearing - snorkel and regulator
2.2.1.7 Regulator/snorkel exchanges at the surface
2.2.1.8 Proper descent and ascent procedures (e.g. equalising pressure in ears and mask)
2.2.1.9 Swim under-water efficiently with appropriate buoyancy and attitude control (trim)
2.2.1.10 Mask-clearing, including removal and replacement
2.2.1.11 Controlled breathing underwater without a mask
2.2.1.12 Buddy-system techniques (e.g. appropriate hand signals, staying close, monitoring
buddy)
2.2.1.13 Underwater and surface buoyancy control
2.2.1.14 Underwater problem-solving (e.g. regulator recovery/retrieval, etc)
2.2.1.15 Monitoring instruments
2.2.1.16 Surface-snorkel swimming with full diving system. (The student shall be able to swim
back to the point of safe exit but no less than 50 m)
2.2.1.17 Surface removal and replacement of SCUBA system
2.2.1.18 Underwater removal and replacement of the weight/ballast system
2.2.1.19 Out-of-air emergency procedures allowing a SCUBA diver to ascend to the surface
in the event of an out-of-breathing gas situation, acting as both receiver and donor.
This shall include both dependent and independent procedures.
2.2.1.20 Diver assistance techniques (self/buddy) (i.e. to assist a buddy to the
surface and provide support on the surface)
2.2.1.21 Simple under-water navigation
2.2.1.23 Equipment care and maintenance (at water's edge)
2.2.1 The participant shall be able to demonstrate the following skills in a comfortable and
relaxed manner. Participants shall demonstrate mastery of each skill using
appropriate equipment and techniques for the local environment. They shall be
capable of performing each skill in conditions typical of the local environment. Skills
involving swimming shall be conducted over distances appropriate to local conditions
and diving techniques:
2.2.1.1 Use of mask, snorkel and fins
2.2.1.2 Diving system assembly and disassembly (at water's edge)
2.2.1.3 Pre-dive equipment inspection and in and out of water buddy checks
2.2.1.4 Entries and exits
2.2.1.5 Proper weighting
2.2.1.6 Mouthpiece clearing - snorkel and regulator
2.2.1.7 Regulator/snorkel exchanges at the surface
2.2.1.8 Proper descent and ascent procedures (e.g. equalising pressure in ears and mask)
2.2.1.9 Swim under-water efficiently with appropriate buoyancy and attitude control (trim)
2.2.1.10 Mask-clearing, including removal and replacement
2.2.1.11 Controlled breathing underwater without a mask
2.2.1.12 Buddy-system techniques (e.g. appropriate hand signals, staying close, monitoring
buddy)
2.2.1.13 Underwater and surface buoyancy control
2.2.1.14 Underwater problem-solving (e.g. regulator recovery/retrieval, etc)
2.2.1.15 Monitoring instruments
2.2.1.16 Surface-snorkel swimming with full diving system. (The student shall be able to swim
back to the point of safe exit but no less than 50 m)
2.2.1.17 Surface removal and replacement of SCUBA system
2.2.1.18 Underwater removal and replacement of the weight/ballast system
2.2.1.19 Out-of-air emergency procedures allowing a SCUBA diver to ascend to the surface
in the event of an out-of-breathing gas situation, acting as both receiver and donor.
This shall include both dependent and independent procedures.
2.2.1.20 Diver assistance techniques (self/buddy) (i.e. to assist a buddy to the
surface and provide support on the surface)
2.2.1.21 Simple under-water navigation
2.2.1.23 Equipment care and maintenance (at water's edge)
Wingy
Contributor
I am not an instructor or any form of dive professional but my CMAS instructor provided me with a good understanding of IWR due to the nature of how and where I dive - I tend to travel to the most obscure places to dive so IWR may be my only option if the need arises. This was during my ** course and he felt it beneficial that I had an idea of IWR principals after knowing my dive travel habits.
OP
Wingy was IWR treated as officially part of the course or just an aside your instructor thought would help?
Jim other than how to plan a dive so as not to require in water decompression (not the same as IW RECOMPRESSION) is IWR actually taught as protocal?
Jim other than how to plan a dive so as not to require in water decompression (not the same as IW RECOMPRESSION) is IWR actually taught as protocal?
Wingy
Contributor
Just as an aside - I do a lot of remote diving - basic principals and pitfalls with a strong emphasis on if it is needed when there is no other option the importance of team work. I have always appreciated the extra effort and have never had to IWR but if it does happen im sure I will be a little more equipped to deal with the situation. In no way a full course but at least I know why and how.
admikar
Contributor
I was told about IWR, but it never was part of a course, more of an after lecture talk of "what if's".
OP
Thanks guys. I guess how it's mentioned depends as usual on the instructor.
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