That's true... but he's already got a PADI Wreck Diver cert...that ended just before. The workshop doesn't decrease the limitations applied at that level - it just educates and provides a safer end-product compared to the 4-dive 'Wreck Diver' card holder. The diver is still 'recommended' (as much as any course can enforce/apply limitations) to remain in the light zone, no restrictions and no more than 40m linear from the surface. The dives featured in the video fit into that bracket - and, theoretically, could be attempted by any card-toting PADI wreck diver. In reality, 20 minutes of line-laying and a single (optional) penetration dive on the typical Wreck Diver course would be a fart in a hurricane to prepare them for those dives.
In the video, he was putting the ties in on his third ever dive in doubles - his 16th dive ever - in a blacked-out mask (zero-viz lost line drill). To be fair, I'd grant him his decision to stay stable on the bottom in that instance.. it was effective (if not worthy of a pre-rehearsed GUE demo video). It is also an edited clip - a few seconds from a very long, very skill intensive, dive.
It added to his 'tool kit' in that he now has a contingency for deploying a safety reel under adverse circumstances and conducting a search (for line or exit or buddy). A worst case scenario shot at 'getting the heck outta there..'. It also developed (tested?) his ability to remain calm and methodical under zero-viz, confusing conditions. How many PADI wreck divers have those tools available when they receive their c-card?
His first doubles dive was shallow skills, with an arm-aching session of shut-downs. Hovers, non-silting fin kicks, helicopter turn, inverted one-handed mask remove-replace, kit remove/replace underwater and at the surface... There was some considerable task loading - that's the point of it. Each dive was in excess of 60 minutes. Total training time (in-water) exceeded 480 minutes. The doubles training replicates that given at entry-level tech courses, with the exception of using stages, deco procedures or rich nitrox etc. Again.. he's not ready to pass fundies/tech... but he's ready to start working efficiently towards that level of competence.
It isn't a 'qualification' to dive in doubles (as no such thing exists) - it presents a configuration/equipment option, with an emphasis on ample gas supply and redundancy (coupled with gas management/dive planning theory). Neither is it pretending to be a 'tech' course. Given the recommended wreck diving (and open water diving) limitations, shut-downs aren't critical anyway - these are dives that the majority would do unthinkingly in single AL80s. I teach shut-downs at this stage for the sake of completeness and to give wider options.
Neither is it a 'technical' wreck course. There's no debate that a diver should be doing complex penetration without a high degree of familiarity and ingrained skill with the equipment and core dive fundamentals before reaching that level. However, it does provide a far more competent, confident, calm and capable
recreational wreck diver. That's the product I am trying to achieve... a comparison between the 'average' 2-day/4-dive wreck diving course graduate and an extra couple of days on the workshop starts to look very favourable.
Transition back to single cylinder typically shows a big step-forward in comfort and skill. Over subsequent dives, comfort in the kit increases very quickly. Now, it isn't 'fundies', but it's pretty good at raising the skill level in a short time. The main goal, especially with a diver of his tender experience, is to set about some basic foundations for effective future development. I'd rate him against any <20 dive experienced diver out there. When he's got double - triple his current amount of experience, he'll be knocking on someone's dive shop door to enquire about entry-level tech. Between now and then, he's got a good road-map to follow for his development.
Given his experience conducting some of the simulations, drills and penetrations - I'd also hope that there's ample education... real education... about the risks and requirements of wreck diving penetration. The emphasis of the workshop in that respect is to discourage over-confidence, machismo and all the other traits or failings that lead under-prepared, under-equipped divers into potentially dangerous wreck dives. Any illusions created when the 'Wreck Diver' card arrives in the post are swiftly dispelled.
If I felt I was 'turning someone loose', then I wouldn't do this workshop.... or I'd set a tech-equivalent prerequisite for experience. I make it very clear that it's not a certification, there is no shiny card.... and all else remains the same in respect of the dives undertaken afterwards. The benefits being accelerated progression in the foundations, some more options with kit, some increased confidence, greater experience immersion and core competency... and a healthy dose of respect for wreck diving.
I just posted
another student video (workshops are proving v.popular) in the Advanced forum. That student was a MSD with 60+ dives. Still had the wobbles...
Better description of the workshop goals etc in that thread.
Oh... it's also a whole lot of fun
