DevonDiver
N/A
I am a critic of recreational wreck training. I think that wreck penetration is equally as dangerous and specialist as cave diving.
I think that 'wreck diving' without penetration is simply 'metal reef diving'. It simply doesn't need a specialist course of training.
Cave diving is governed and regulated by independant authorities, that effectively remove it from the domain of mainstream recreational agencies. This serves to ensure that appropriate and comprehensive training is given to participants, along with strict regulation of activities. In addition, many national and regional government organisations will impost regulations on cave diving activities.
Even recreational cavern diving is subject to increased regulation...with course standards requiring a fully qualified cave instructor, rather than a regular non-specialist recreational instructor.
Why is this not the same for wreck diving?
IMHO, the recreational wreck training is woefully ineffective. It is the preserve of the recreational scuba agencies and they have failed to treat it differently to any other area of diving 'interest'.
A PADI instructor can qualify to teach wreck courses solely on the basis that they had one days training or they can even self-certify providing they have 20 logged wreck dives. That basically means that any PADI instructor can teach wreck diving, irrespective of their capability. It also means that the instructors themselves have no real appreciation of what they are teaching. I don't think this attitude reflects any care or consideration for the dangers of wreck diving.
Wreck courses can be taught by instructors with no background in wreck diving. :depressed:
Wreck courses don't have to include penetration dives. :depressed:
Wreck courses don't include mandatory penetration related skills. :depressed:
Here's a brief review of the relevant PADI Wreck course standards, from an experienced wreck diver perspective:
I think that 'wreck diving' without penetration is simply 'metal reef diving'. It simply doesn't need a specialist course of training.
Cave diving is governed and regulated by independant authorities, that effectively remove it from the domain of mainstream recreational agencies. This serves to ensure that appropriate and comprehensive training is given to participants, along with strict regulation of activities. In addition, many national and regional government organisations will impost regulations on cave diving activities.
Even recreational cavern diving is subject to increased regulation...with course standards requiring a fully qualified cave instructor, rather than a regular non-specialist recreational instructor.
Why is this not the same for wreck diving?
IMHO, the recreational wreck training is woefully ineffective. It is the preserve of the recreational scuba agencies and they have failed to treat it differently to any other area of diving 'interest'.
A PADI instructor can qualify to teach wreck courses solely on the basis that they had one days training or they can even self-certify providing they have 20 logged wreck dives. That basically means that any PADI instructor can teach wreck diving, irrespective of their capability. It also means that the instructors themselves have no real appreciation of what they are teaching. I don't think this attitude reflects any care or consideration for the dangers of wreck diving.
Wreck courses can be taught by instructors with no background in wreck diving. :depressed:
Wreck courses don't have to include penetration dives. :depressed:
Wreck courses don't include mandatory penetration related skills. :depressed:
Here's a brief review of the relevant PADI Wreck course standards, from an experienced wreck diver perspective:
The goals of PADI Wreck Diver training are:
1. Upon completing this program, the student should be able
to demonstrate practical wreck diving knowledge, including
recognizing and avoiding potential hazards, and planning
procedures that make wreck diving fun.
Example of Penetration Hazards:
Silt Out - Not covered on course
Entanglement - Not covered on course
OOA/Air Share - Not covered on course
Lost line - Not covered on course
Entangled in line- Not covered on course
Lost Buddy - Not covered on course
Lost Exit - Not covered on course
Lost Light - Not covered on course
4. Upon completing this program, the student should be able
to identify the hazards of wreck penetration diving and demonstrate
the techniques and procedures required to minimize
those hazards.
Again... what wreck penetration skills are taught in a course that only allows 1 penetration?
What wreck penetration skills can be taught by a PADI instructor after they had their 1 day instructor course?
The only answer to minimize these risks is "Don't Penetrate". So what's the point of doing a specialist wreck course?