I just got my DPV cert. It was a blast. I'm laughing at myself because it took years to finally take this class. It was a DPV that started me into scuba. I saw a DPV at a dive shop and asked how I could get certified to use it ...
Numerous times I signed up for DPV classes that were cancelled due to insignificant interest. The couple of shops I've taught for don't have DPVs. I certainly wasn't ready to plop down the money without trying one first.
I went for a drive recently to explore more remote scuba shops. I found a DDS (distant dive shop) that teaches the DPV speciality and signed up for a class that was already on the scheduled.
It's amazing how much your streamlining flaws are emphasized by a powerful DPV motor. You go about 3 times faster than a decent pace under fin only propulsion. When you start the motor it yanks you. Just to hang on - there is some strength that you must continually apply with your biceps (and a few muscles I didn't know I had
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DPV riding makes a great case for having one of those foldup snorkels to put in your pocket - just to meet standards. Because the one attached to my mask - no matter where I positioned it - kept flapping and annoying me. I have a hoseless computer with compass on a retractor but forget checking it while holding on with both hands (I couldn't one arm it no matter how hard I tried). So you have to stop the DPV to get bearings. Anyway it convinced me that if the DPV was mine personally I would mount this computer and compass directly on the vehicle.
Another complaint I had was battery life. These batteries represented 1995 technology. Since the instructor required us to read the operator's manual I was familiar with all many requirements surrounding charging, using, and maintaining the battery. What a bunch of jumps through hoops and standing on ones nose! As a many generational mobile/cell phone owner I can tell you that batteries have come a long way since these DPVs were manufactered. I'd love to see a 3 hour or more battery life out of some sort of Metal Hydride or even more modern battery type. Basically the mfg says when the pitch of the motor changes - you risk deep discharging the battery. It's been like 5 years since I've even heard of batteries with a "memory" like these. Anyway, I'll invest in another 5 years when they figure out some of these limitations.
One last thing, the DPV weighs 40 pounds out of the water, and if you bring a spare battery along - more. It's awesome in the water about 2 lbs negatively buoyant, but considering the hydrodynamics of that bulk - I'd hate to be the victim who ran out of battery power and had to tow that lugger back to the exit point <good grief that would suck water big time>.
Numerous times I signed up for DPV classes that were cancelled due to insignificant interest. The couple of shops I've taught for don't have DPVs. I certainly wasn't ready to plop down the money without trying one first.
I went for a drive recently to explore more remote scuba shops. I found a DDS (distant dive shop) that teaches the DPV speciality and signed up for a class that was already on the scheduled.
It's amazing how much your streamlining flaws are emphasized by a powerful DPV motor. You go about 3 times faster than a decent pace under fin only propulsion. When you start the motor it yanks you. Just to hang on - there is some strength that you must continually apply with your biceps (and a few muscles I didn't know I had
. DPV riding makes a great case for having one of those foldup snorkels to put in your pocket - just to meet standards. Because the one attached to my mask - no matter where I positioned it - kept flapping and annoying me. I have a hoseless computer with compass on a retractor but forget checking it while holding on with both hands (I couldn't one arm it no matter how hard I tried). So you have to stop the DPV to get bearings. Anyway it convinced me that if the DPV was mine personally I would mount this computer and compass directly on the vehicle.
Another complaint I had was battery life. These batteries represented 1995 technology. Since the instructor required us to read the operator's manual I was familiar with all many requirements surrounding charging, using, and maintaining the battery. What a bunch of jumps through hoops and standing on ones nose! As a many generational mobile/cell phone owner I can tell you that batteries have come a long way since these DPVs were manufactered. I'd love to see a 3 hour or more battery life out of some sort of Metal Hydride or even more modern battery type. Basically the mfg says when the pitch of the motor changes - you risk deep discharging the battery. It's been like 5 years since I've even heard of batteries with a "memory" like these. Anyway, I'll invest in another 5 years when they figure out some of these limitations.
One last thing, the DPV weighs 40 pounds out of the water, and if you bring a spare battery along - more. It's awesome in the water about 2 lbs negatively buoyant, but considering the hydrodynamics of that bulk - I'd hate to be the victim who ran out of battery power and had to tow that lugger back to the exit point <good grief that would suck water big time>.
