"Or Equivalent" in the Pre-Reqs

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Seckendorf on January 29, 2009 at 9:11am

Hi Duane,

We look at the prerequisites for each class and the individual diver's qualifications, then either allow the diver in, or we require an evaluation dive. If the evaluation dive shows the student almost ready, he or she can practice the needed skills and come back for another evaluation, or drop down one class.

In your example, a PADI AOW student looking at Rec 3 would have to make all the Rec 2 requirements: experienced to 100'/30m, Nitrox certified, be in the UTD gear configuration - BP/wing, long hose, etc., have some level of skill on the five propulsion techniques, and so on. If those skills were not in place, we might recommend Essentials of Recreational Diving, which could lead to Rec 3 if everything else was in place (Nitrox, gear config, etc.).

The whole idea is to be inclusive. Then once people enter the program, the steps from class to class are small and manageable, like the three Rec classes: Rec 1 - air and 60'/18m, Rec 2 - Nitrox and 100'/30m, Rec 3 - Helitrox and 130'/39m. Tech 1 to Tech 2 to Trimix 1 to Trimix 2 also make small steps. The more advanced the class, the more complicated and compounded the required skills, but we set students up for success.

Jeff

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Georgitsis on January 30, 2009 at 10:59am

Duane

Excellent question. In the other agencies, students never received any materials or pre class work (for that matter... they never even received materials during the class or after class for reference). They simply show up and well take a beating. UTD's vision is to ensure that number we are inclusive and when student's show up they are well prepared and have a realistic idea of what is envolved and have taken the time to prepare their personal skills for the class. That is why we have spent countless hours developing a full range of materials (From Openwater to Trimix to Rebreather) for the students to take the classroom portion prior to any of the classes. This will better prepare them for the class and they will know what to expect and will certainly know if their skills are acceptable before hand. After all, it is the student who is responsible for their own skills, ability and diving performance pre and post class, so they should be able to conduct a reasonable self assessment if they are ready for the class.

As a side note a lot of divers and instructors from other agencies use our materials for their certification classes which is wonderful.

Point is when they show up for the Rec 3 they are better prepared. Not only from a knowledge perspective but also being able to see what the skills are required and hopefully they have practiced their personal skills to ensure they are better prepared. So first of all it is the student who feels they are ready for that level of class as they have something to explain what is expected of them. It's not just the next step they need but more are they ready for that step.

Secondly, the Instructor will review the studnets registration form and medical background and decide if they have the on paper requirements prior to the class. Once accepted the students show up fo rthe first day of class and the Instructor will always conduct the first few dives as a skill assesment and of course a knowledge assesment. If the student meets what the instructor feels is enough to continue the class then they will. If not the instructor will discuss the deficiencies with the studnet and make a recommendation as to what class they should be entering.

I hope this answers you question

AG

So that was a really

responsibility

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