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Training Recommendations


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10 replies to this topic

#1 CraigM

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Posted 26 April 2011 - 11:24 AM

I want to start technical diving with the goal of trimix certification. Can anyone recommend one certifying agency over the others? Also does anyone know of a reputable technical diving training shop in Orlando Florida? Thanks!

#2 georoc01

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Posted 26 April 2011 - 12:52 PM

I want to start technical diving with the goal of trimix certification. Can anyone recommend one certifying agency over the others? Also does anyone know of a reputable technical diving training shop in Orlando Florida? Thanks!


I think the biggest thing especially when it comes to technical diving, is not the certifying agency, but the instructor. I did both TDI and DSAT training and found the programs very similar. So that would be where I would start. Figure out what your plans to go as a technical diver, is it to dive deep wrecks, penetration? Or cave? Find an instructor who's experience matches your goals, and that would be the way I would go.

#3 peterbj7

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Posted 26 April 2011 - 02:31 PM

I did both IANTD and TDI, all the way through to instructor. IMO the standards required by IANTD were much higher, so the end result when you got it was commensurately more valuable.

#4 CraigM

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Posted 27 April 2011 - 03:56 PM

Thanks for the tips. I have been put off by the apathetic responses from instructors in Orlando. Perhaps I will need to travel to take tech classes from a solid instructor.



#5 peterbj7

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Posted 27 April 2011 - 06:32 PM

There are good instructors in your area. Why don't you phone IANTD in Miami and ask for their advice?

#6 lv2dive70

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Posted 04 May 2011 - 06:05 AM

Thanks for the tips. I have been put off by the apathetic responses from instructors in Orlando. Perhaps I will need to travel to take tech classes from a solid instructor.


I'm sure this is true of other places near you as well, but there is quite simply an amazing number of exceptional technical instructors in N Fl. If you are willing to travel 2-ish hours, I'm sure you could get some specific recommendations.

While not for tech training per se, I'm personally driving 5 hours each way multiple times a month for training/experience in N Fl, so that tells you what I think of the quality of instruction there!

Edited by Kate P, 04 May 2011 - 06:06 AM.

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#7 Greg@ihpil

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Posted 04 May 2011 - 06:12 PM

Just a FYI .Thought of SD as soon as I got this:There is a Tech Event (Free) California ,PADI Hd qtrs. June 6th..Hope the links work....

http://tecxplorpadih...eventbrite.com/

. http://www.padi.com/...10/default.html
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#8 peterbj7

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Posted 04 May 2011 - 08:11 PM

I'm afraid I can't take PADI tech training seriously. To me the two words just don't go together. I have all sorts of reasons, but of the various agencies I have trained under and taught for, IANTD far and away commands the greatest respect. I'll emphasise that I have no direct experience of GUE, so I make no statement about them. But I have taught for both IANTD and PADI for many years, and reckon I have a pretty good understanding of their philosophies.

#9 CraigM

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Posted 06 May 2011 - 03:25 PM

Hey Peter,

I have to agree. The PADI program seems more concerned with profit margin than hard-core training. And I say that a PADI DM since 1992. The PADI business model is great for recreational dive commerce, no doubt. But I want something more concrete and geared for the rigors of high-risk diving.

Per your advice, I am pursuing IANTD tech training with Dayo Scuba, although they have been difficult to communicate with thus far.

Cheers,

Craig

#10 CraigM

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Posted 06 May 2011 - 03:32 PM

Thanks for the tips. I have been put off by the apathetic responses from instructors in Orlando. Perhaps I will need to travel to take tech classes from a solid instructor.


I'm sure this is true of other places near you as well, but there is quite simply an amazing number of exceptional technical instructors in N Fl. If you are willing to travel 2-ish hours, I'm sure you could get some specific recommendations.

While not for tech training per se, I'm personally driving 5 hours each way multiple times a month for training/experience in N Fl, so that tells you what I think of the quality of instruction there!


Hi Kate,

Travel is tough for training, but no worries for fun dives. Training, for me, means when time is available. I really need to train in the greater Orlando area or not at all. I fly a bunch for work and have other commitments which preclude long drives.

Do you have any favorite shops/instructors in the Orlando area? Even if they are not tech, I can always reach out to them for advice on local tech training.

Thanks,

Craig

#11 peterbj7

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Posted 06 May 2011 - 08:41 PM

As I said, the HQ of IANTD is only just down the road in Miami. Call them and seek their advice - they will be very helpful.




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