SDI Ice Diver Course

[ppo2_diver]

I'm getting ready to cross over to SDI from PADI. I have a question about the ice diver specialty. The course outline does not state that students must be tethered to the surface. Can this class be taught "cave" style? Meaning using reels, etc.

 

[Steve SDI/TDI HQ]

I'm getting ready to cross over to SDI from PADI. I have a question about the ice diver specialty. The course outline does not state that students must be tethered to the surface. Can this class be taught "cave" style? Meaning using reels, etc.

Duane: I have always taught this using a tether it seems this is the way the standards have been written (mention of a harness for example). There are lots of precedence for conducting ice dives this way... very few (none actually) for doing it with a line and reel.

If you wish, you could write an outline using a reel and cave line but I can think of several arguments against this... most having to do with the greater likelihood of a dropped/lost line. Your outline would have to take this and other issues into account.

I'll try to get a more definite answer for you.

 

[ppo2_diver]

Thanks Steve. This is what I was thinking since the harness was mentioned in the standards. I have been getting a number of requests from people who want to learn ice diving the way I do it, with a reel and cave/wreck line. Since the standards do not specify that divers have to be attached to the line, I was thinking it could be taught both ways.

I look forward to the clarification.

 

[Steve SDI/TDI HQ]

Checked this morning and SDI Ice Diving Course requires divers to be tethered... hope this helps!

 

[ppo2_diver]

Thanks Steve.