Diver Training, Has It Really Been Watered Down???

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Hal is properly mortified that he said that so many, many years ago.

I'm mortified by things I posted online a week ago!

 

[The Chairman]

I'm mortified by things I posted online a week ago!

Been meaning to talk to you about that...

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Been meaning to talk to you about that...

Doh!

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

What planning is required on a dive that has a max depth of 14 meters? Entry, exit, most interesting features, turn pressure, etc... unless there was a previous dive that was pushing the NDL, I am unclear what planning you are worried about. As a repetitive dive plan, treat it as max depth 14m dive, watch your computer to keep track of your N2 load (just in case). The NDL is so long few divers are going to go anywhere near it on a single tank recreational dive, even with a square profile.

In my opinion all dives should be planned. What is your sac rate? Estimated gas usage after we spend 15 minutes in the 5 meter section and head to the 14 meter section. How long will you be able to spend at 14 meters before you need to begin the ascent? Anything less is a trust me dive IMO.

Here you go. Now please note, there is no way I'd expect an open water student to memorize all this It is used as a guideliine to work through it. I also don't think divers need to do this for every dive. However, for the student who is nervous, I do believe that by verifying they have at least the amount of gas expected, as they go from point to point in their dive, they will feel safe and build confidence.

If you have any feedback on how to improve it, I welcome all input. My hope is that people who use it (I know instructors in my area use it) in different parts of the world, write an addendum for their area.

Kosta

I have downloaded it and will be reading through it today. Thanks for sharing!

 

[AfterDark]

In my opinion all dives should be planned. What is your sac rate? Estimated gas usage after we spend 15 minutes in the 5 meter section and head to the 14 meter section. How long will you be able to spend at 14 meters before you need to begin the ascent? Anything less is a trust me dive IMO.!

I'm curious if a solo diver doesn't plan this way whom is the diver trusting on a solo "trust" me dive? I know my gas consumption well enough that I dive my double hose without a J-valve or SPG yet I don't plan the way you do and I don't go OOA, because I have a watch and a depth gauge. Detailed planning short shallow dives is like planning a trip to the bathroom IMO.

 

[Jcp2]

Sometime going to the bathroom at work does require substantial planning. I once had a boss that would alway “coincidentally” end up in the men’s room whenever I was there, to the point that I would go to a different floor, then ultimately to a different building.

 

[The Chairman]

I'm curious if a solo diver doesn't plan this way whom is the diver trusting on a solo "trust" me dive?

Dumb luck.

What's in a dive plan? Gas/Time/Depth, yes? How close does your plan have to be? A number of mine are quite fluid and that happens when you don't know the site. Some of it rests in your experience and history. Some of it gets tossed out the window when that current hits or something breaks. As I've said: Diving is all about limits. Figure out the limiting factor and you'll save yourself a lot of distraction trying to juggle limits. If I'm on a dive on the Benwood in the Keys, from experience I know that my limiting factor is the boat captain wanting me back on board in an hour. That doesn't mean I can ignore my gas or my buddy's gas, but for the most part I'm checking my watch more than the depth (shallowish) and gas (did I mention shallowish?). For a new student, I make sure that they determine the limiting factor at the beginning of every dive. I also make sure that they realize that there are other limits to their diving: gear, conditions, experience and training to name a few. All of this should be easily done in their heads: no need for advanced calculus on the dive boat. SWAGs, rounding and inferences are part and parcel of great dive planning. After all, you're still going to check the big three, Gas/Time/Depth, as you swim with the fishies and adjust your plan accordingly.

Keep it easy simple and it will get used.
Make it complex, and like the tables, they'll be forgotten in no time.

 

[ofg-1]

NEVER have a plan. That way, nothing can go wrong.

 

[AfterDark]

Dumb luck.

What's in a dive plan? Gas/Time/Depth, yes? How close does your plan have to be? A number of mine are quite fluid and that happens when you don't know the site. Some of it rests in your experience and history. Some of it gets tossed out the window when that current hits or something breaks. As I've said: Diving is all about limits. Figure out the limiting factor and you'll save yourself a lot of distraction trying to juggle limits. If I'm on a dive on the Benwood in the Keys, from experience I know that my limiting factor is the boat captain wanting me back on board in an hour. That doesn't mean I can ignore my gas or my buddy's gas, but for the most part I'm checking my watch more than the depth (shallowish) and gas (did I mention shallowish?). For a new student, I make sure that they determine the limiting factor at the beginning of every dive. I also make sure that they realize that there are other limits to their diving: gear, conditions, experience and training to name a few. All of this should be easily done in their heads: no need for advanced calculus on the dive boat. SWAGs, rounding and inferences are part and parcel of great dive planning. After all, you're still going to check the big three, Gas/Time/Depth, as you swim with the fishies and adjust your plan accordingly.

Keep it easy simple and it will get used.
Make it complex, and like the tables, they'll be forgotten in no time.

Well stated, common sense in the use of standards and protocols. I call it having options. On planning, a famous quote, "no plan survives contact with the enemy". Like you I've had conditions (the enemy) make me go to plan B right quick.

 

[AfterDark]

NEVER have a plan. That way, nothing can go wrong.

I do plan to get back to land however.