39 replies to this topic

[chinacat46]

I'm thinking of taking an IANTD Advanced Nitrox class when in Kosrae in March. I know a few of you have taken this. What is involved? Requirements? Depths? etc... Any info would be appreciated.

- Chuck

[TraceMalin]

I did a TDI Advanced Nitrox Class combined with Decompression Procedures. I think most of the classes will depend upon your instructor so you're better off discussing that with the instructor or the dive center. We chose our deco mixes of 50% and 100% and dove 32% as back gas. Coming from the PDIC Nitrox program I was already used to doing lots of table work, calculating EADs, MODs, best mixes, OTUs, CNS% by hand and with tables so the academics were the same. The PDIC Nitrox Manual is quite good, but the PDIC Technical Manual is so awful that I can't even tell you how wrong the information is regarding mixed gases. I had taken DIR-F and Tech 1 from GUE prior to the TDI courses so we had skills and drills that totally prepped us for the class.

We had to do S-drills, valve drills, equipment and bubble checks, plan a dive and dive that plan as well as deploy DSMBs. We didn't get hit with constant emergencies and failures like in Tech 1. Our instructor just wanted to see safe dive plan executed well.

Since it was a TDI course and the classes were combined, I can't say exactly what skill was done for what class. We met the requirements for the number of dives needed for each. Our maximum depth was 80 feet and deeper dives were simulated (run time/deco stops).

I'm sure others will be more helpful.

Trace

[Diverbrian]

I have done the Advanced Nitrox with IANTD. It allows for ten minute decompression stops no deeper than 20 ft. and a deco mix of EAN50. It is basically an entry level tech tech class with a depth limit of 130 ft. The dives are not simulated. There is a requirement that there be certain bottom time in all of the dives (which insures that you will execute a staged decompression plan) and that a certain number of the dives be below 100 ft. No skills are performed with a decompression obligation, but they are evaluated like you have one.

Sounds simple... right? Not quite. It took me six months to get all of the dives in and get my gear and water skills streamlined enough to please me and the instructor. I was actually the most difficult one of the two to please when my instructor floats underwater instead of swims, LOL. It was also my entry to doubles.

The skills involved include valve drills, hovers, shooting lift bags from thirty ft with about a five ft. window, air shares in single file with the long hose, air shares with no mask, and I forget the rest. The important one is that your trim and buoyancy will be evaluated for the length of the course. Like any good tech course, just because you can do the skills does not mean that the instructor will pass you. He/she has to be sure that you are comfortable doing deep dives involving decompression stops and carrying stage bottles. I will say that this is the best course that I have taken for content on skills and theory. Enjoy yourself.

For further info, this is a link to the IANTD website. They list the standards/skills for the class.

[Dive_Girl]

It's the next class I am signed up for as well, so thanks for the info guys! Doubles and backplate/bladder are on order...oh Merry Christmas to me...now to find the male dive sherpa to carry the darn things for me to the water!

[peterbj7]

I think I said once before, this is the single course that taught me most about diving. I wish more people (recreational divers) would do it. I particularly hate it when I see PADI-and-the-like divers doing DM courses when what they should have done is this course.

[TraceMalin]

now to find the male dive sherpa to carry the darn things for me to the water!

I volunteer!!! I'll rinse your gear and heat up your towel too!

Coincidentally, I was thinking about diving in the PDX area. I have a plane ticket that I need to use and I was thinking of diving either SAN, PDX or SEA... or attending the party in DFW. Hmmm... what to do? What to do?

Trace

[WreckWench]

now to find the male dive sherpa to carry the darn things for me to the water! 

I volunteer!!! I'll rinse your gear and heat up your towel too!

Coincidentally, I was thinking about diving in the PDX area. I have a plane ticket that I need to use and I was thinking of diving either SAN, PDX or SEA... or attending the party in DFW. Hmmm... what to do? What to do?

Trace

Dang it! I knew I should have asked for the 'male dive sherpa' early this year! Now Dive Girl's gonna get one and I won't!

Of course you know I'm voting for the party in Dallas...but I have decided we need to do a trip to the PNW in 2005 if we have enough interest. Or for sure in 2006 even if its just me, dive girl and fbp!!!

If you go there instead of Dallas for the party...make sure you do a full report for us and promise you'll join the group when we all venture there together! -ww

p.s. and to show I can get back on topic...I too am taking the advanced nitrox course and staged decompression class. Was hoping to get it done before the end of the year but it will be next year before I can tackle it!

[maninthesea]

Chuck
Take the course! You will find it money well spent weather its TDI or Iantd. Also Bruce in Kosrai is a stand up guy. I have known him for years but have not had the chance to dive with him. He did his IANTD stuff with a friend of mine that does not cut any corners.
PS Dont forget you are supposed to let me know if we will have a chance to do a dive or have a beer when you travel through.
Cheers Jim

[chinacat46]

Jim,

My layover is to short for a dive but a beer will work. Between Palau and Truk we spend over 12 hours in Guam. Have been trying to find a day room but haven't had any luck. I get in around 5:30am and leave for Truk after 6pm.

- Chuck

[Dive_Girl]

Dang it! I knew I should have asked for the 'male dive sherpa' early this year! Now Dive Girl's gonna get one and I won't! 

I highly doubt that, you're blonde! Blondes always kick our brunnette buts.

Well, I had no clue all I had to do was ASK for a dive sherpa! Thanks Trace! Wha-hoo!!! And everyone is welcome to swing by the PNW and visit us. Best time of year for outof state visitors coming to dive can on the topside of Spring. Weather getting better, viz staying great! Or Falltime, but we are sort of past that with the rain coming and cold weather. FBP can comment too.

Back on topic:

WW, looks like I have to take it next year too!

[Walter]

I highly doubt that, you're blonde! Blondes always kick our brunnette buts.

Darlin',

I've never found hair color to be an important factor in anything.

[BradfordNC]

It's the next class I am signed up for as well, so thanks for the info guys! Doubles and backplate/bladder are on order...oh Merry Christmas to me...now to find the male dive sherpa to carry the darn things for me to the water!

carry your gear??? hmmmmm

do i get to carry you as well?? meow

saving up so much money on this "vacation" i'll prolly be getting a lot of new gear for christmas.

hmmm, and i think a drysuit is on the list, plan on doing more winter/cold water/cave diving.

oh yeah, and hair color has nothing to do with it

meow meow

[TraceMalin]

Dang it! I knew I should have asked for the 'male dive sherpa' early this year! Now Dive Girl gonna get one and I won't! 

I highly doubt that, you're blonde! Blondes always kick our brunnette buts.

Well, I had no clue all I had to do was ASK for a dive sherpa! Thanks Trace! Wha-hoo!!! And everyone is welcome to swing by the PNW and visit us. Best time of year for outof state visitors coming to dive can on the topside of Spring. Weather getting better, viz staying great! Or Falltime, but we are sort of past that with the rain coming and cold weather. FBP can comment too.

Back on topic:

WW, looks like I have to take it next year too!

PNW wins! I guess I'll go to PDX rather than DFW. Besides, the last time I was in DFW I rode the bull at Gilley's. I asked the urban cowboy running it, "I'm a surfer... how hard can this be?" Just to get him going. I took a pounding! I had to dive off before I found a new career in the Vienna Boy's choir. See! Blondes don't always kick a brunette's butt. No bull!

Trace

[WreckWench]

Dang it! I knew I should have asked for the 'male dive sherpa' early this year! Now Dive Girl's gonna get one and I won't! 

I highly doubt that, you're blonde! Blondes always kick our brunnette buts.

Ok I guess you get to eat those words girlfriend!!! Now you have one diver doing the PNW vs. DFW and another diver volunteering to be your OTHER male sherpa!

(I knew the DFW deal was weak...diving vs. partying? BUT....to get yet another male sherpa out of the deal... Maybe I'll have to move back to the PNW so I can share with you! )

[Dive_Girl]

do i get to carry you as well?? meow

:anna: While in my doubles?? Dang, this I gotta try... :anna: Who am I kidding? You are such a tease since you're over seas!

And WW...thank you for SD.... Trace, heck I wanna attend the party in DFW and finally meet all these people, but that's a no-go for timing! Of course, we do have the diving up here!!!

BACK ON TOPIC:

peterbj7 you mention that you wish more recreational divers would take this and especially so before DM, why is that? If it's something I should suggest to peopel interested in my DM course, then I will. Pending I have taken the course myself, which should be soon - soon as my gear gets here and my schedule clears. Maybe I'll do it when our dive shop staff is up in Canada wreck diving over MLK Day weekend! That's going to be a fun one!