20 replies to this topic

[drbill]

Walter- I greatly appreciate your assessment of my diving skills. I really don't feel I am that good a technical diver, although if my diving plan required it I'd be fine.

Due to the videography I do, my diving style is a bit unusual as is my kit setup. I have multiple hoses running across my chest (poster boy for non-DIR) and my gauge hose is on top of my two backup reg hoses (to keep them in place). Since I am on the bottom quite a bit (no BC issues there) and dive solo, this works for me... but I'd never recommend anyone else using the same strategies.

I do think I could learn something from a DIR-F class, although I don't know whether it would be worth the cost.

As for the DM certification, I forgot to add one factor. Lindblad Expeditions, the eco-cruise line I work with, requires DM certification on some of their cruises. Getting it would expand my options working with them to include places like South America, Africa and Antarctica which are high on my list! Not sure why they need a DM certified diver to take the underwater video and lecture on marine biology. My guess is that it is as a backup in case the diver actually leading the groups is sick or injured.

Dr. Bill

[Walter]

my diving style is a bit unusual as is my kit setup. I have multiple hoses running across my chest (poster boy for non-DIR) and my gauge hose is on top of my two backup reg hoses (to keep them in place). Since I am on the bottom quite a bit (no BC issues there) and dive solo, this works for me... but I'd never recommend anyone else using the same strategies.

The biggest problem with DIR is many DIR divers (far from all) don't understand that simple concept. What works in one situation doesn't necessarily work in another.

Expeditions, the eco-cruise line I work with, requires DM certification on some of their cruises. Getting it would expand my options working with them to include places like South America, Africa and Antarctica which are high on my list!

In that case, go for it!

[Coo's Toe]

How did a conversation about Divemaster classes/skill level turn into a conversation about DIR?

I was enrolled in a Divemaster course not too long ago. As far as whether it will make you a better diver? I say no, it won't. At least for me it wouldn't. If someone were to enroll in the class with the bare minimum 20 dives after OW class, then yes, they'll probably benefit immensely skillwise by taking the class, because they weren't very practiced going into the training in the first place. The fact that only 20 dives are required to enroll in the course probably plays into the reason why some ( not all ) DM's you'll encounter out there aren't the safest or most skilled divers you'll ever meet, which was what we were discussing to begin with. Asking a DM to show you his card might get you a peek at his card, but is no guarantee that you'll see a highly qualified diver in the water, because some DM's only ever met the bare minimums, and still have years of diving to go before they reach the point of being true pro's.

I agree with you Walter, in this regard. The Divemaster course is about learning to lead dives, and manage the legal aspects of that kind of activity. The reason I dropped out of the course I was in was because I realized I wanted nothing to do with leading dives, maintaining DM insurance, or having any legal hassles getting between me and diving. As far as picking up any new skills, or refining them.... The DM class just wasn't offering me anything in that respect.

As far as DIR training goes, it's certainly not everyone's cup O' tea. But I think one of the things I like about it is that it is applicable to every situation. Open water, single tank rec diving? Yes. My gear is configured a certain way, to maximize streamlining and keep equipment from dangling. If I choose to go with doubles, very little changes other than changing my air cell and tanks. All the other equipment stays the same, and I don't have to "remember" where I put everything. The skillset is universal. I can go from OW diving to cave penetrations with no real changes to gear or techniques, and to me, that's the beauty of the system. I don't have to flip flop between being a "tech" diver, "cave" diver, or "rereational" diver. Is it the ONLY way of doing things? No. Does it work well for me? Yes.

I just don't see how any of this applies to a discussion of being a skilled Divemaster? This is one conversation where DIR doesn't really add anything relevant.

[triggerfish]

coo,
i dove with a girl back in march (who's from seattle by the way) who is DIR. she was phenomenal. while i had many more dives than she, i learned a lot from her. i for one would like to take a DIR class. i'm already in a halcyon for simplicity's sake and i love it.

[Coo's Toe]

coo,
i dove with a girl back in march (who's from seattle by the way) who is DIR. she was phenomenal. while i had many more dives than she, i learned a lot from her. i for one would like to take a DIR class. i'm already in a halcyon for simplicity's sake and i love it.

Was her name Sonya?

[Walter]

Ok, so I have more more issue with DIR divers. Some are overly sensitive. Erin, buddy, DIR is a fine system. You'll get no argument from me on that point. I do not think it's ideal for all situations, but then neither is any other system. It certainly works well in many. The thing I admire most about the DIR system is the emphasis on learning and practicing skills.

Bill described his set with regard to DIR. I pointed out how some and I said "far from all" divers who use the DIR system had not learned the lesson he was explaining. It did not turn into a conversation about DIR. I don't believe I discussed DIR at all.