Recreational Diver Level 2 (Rec 2)

Introduction

The Recreational Diver 2 course is the next step for divers wishing to expand their limits to slightly deeper depths without venturing into decompression. The class is structured to prepare divers for a wider range of environment conditions, deeper environments, and more advanced recreational diving using proper equipment, diving techniques and breathing mixtures.

Rec 2 introduces thorough training in the use of Nitrox and certifies divers for its use. The class also incorporates teaching more advanced decompression theories and the use of lift bags and Surface Marker Buoys for correct and safe accent procedures.


Recreational Diver 2 training expands on either the Recreational Diver 1 or the Essentials of Recreational Diving and is designed to cultivate and integrate some critical skill training while solidifying the essential skills, all required for safe deeper recreational diving. Critical skills include problem identification and resolution, precise buoyancy control, ascent procedures. Rec 2 builds the capacity for progressively more challenging diving and is the next step in becoming a “Thinking Diver."

• Minimum 18 years of age
• UTD Recreational 1, Essentials of Recreational Diving, Intro to  Tech, or equivalent
• Minimum of 25 dives beyond open water qualification, 10 of which to be non-training dives

• Maximum depth 100’/30m
• Standard gas is Nitrox 32
• No stage decompression
• No overhead environments

Why Should I Take this Class?

As the Recreational 1 and "Essentials of Recreational Diving" only focus on the foundational building block and skills of DIR/Hogarthian and limit you to 60'/18m. Many recreational divers now want to start extending their range beyond 60'/18m and want to ensure they learn the next set of skills to safely explorer this territory up to 100'/30m while still using Nitrox and single tanks. T

Class Information

The Recreational 2  class is designed to be taught over a three (3) day period with 6 dives.

Day 1. Typically the class begins with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions, a power point presentation including video tape of the skills to be introduced in throughout the class. The “dry runs” of the skills and some practice before entering the water. Dry runs allow the student to practice the skills on land, before entering the water, under the watchful eye of the instructor(s). Skills reviewed are diver trim, proficiency and precision buoyancy control, perfecting propulsion techniques (including backwards kick), underwater communication, utilizing a team diving approach, Valve Drills, S-Drill, Ascent Drill, SMB deploy, rescue diver techniques as well as effective dive planning. Students will then conduct 2 (two) dives with a max depth of 40'/12m putting the skills and concepts learned in the morning session into actual practice while the videographer captures the in-water session for review. We conclude the day with a 1-2 hour video review.

Day 2. Begins with dry runs allowing the student to practice the skills on land, before entering the water, under the watchful eye of the instructor(s). Skills include simulated SMB failures, OOA emergencies, Simulated valve failures, Team separation, Mid -water ascents, Ascent line use and separation, minimum deco procedures. Students will then conduct 2 (two) dives with a max depth of 60'/18m while putting the skills and concepts learned in the dry-run session into actual practice while the videographer captures the in-water session for review. We conclude the day with a 1-2 hour video review followed by a 3 hour lecture covering Nitrox, Gas planning, Dive planning, Min Deco procedures, Emergency planning, contingencies to mention a few topics.

Day 3. The third day will commence with 2 dives to a max depth of 100'/30m where students will continue to practice all the skills and improving on the prior days performance. During these dives they will again be video taped for subsequent review. The class will then conclude with video review, final lecture session, test and student performance review. Upon successful completion of the Recreational Level 2 course.

All UTD classes are videotaped for educational and review purposes only as we believe this is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication, and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of the class. You will be evaluated during the class to obtain the UTD "Recreational 2" Certification. This Certification will allow you to dive at what is known as an "Advanced" Diver in the industry and continue within the UTD Recreational Training curriculum. Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice. In our helpful hints section and our Learning Center you can find out more information about the class, the equipment and skills you will be learning about.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18
• Completed UTD registration process
• Open water certification, Essentials of Recreational diving or Intro To Tech or Equivalent.
• All UTD Classes are Non Smoking.
• The use of prescription drugs must be authorized prior to the onset of diver training by a physician
• Must be able to swim a distance of at least 50 feet/15 meters on a breath hold.
• Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in less than 14 minutes without stopping.
  

Getting Started

• Check the Schedule of classes in your area
• Register Online
• Complete the online Knowledge Base course for Recreational 2
• Get a copies of and review the "Essentials of Recreational Diving DVD" and “Intro To Tech” DVD

Guidelines

• Nitrox
• Single configuration
• Long hose primary, and necklace style backup regulator hose configuration
• Instructor to student ratio maximum 6:1 in open water, adjusting downward for environmental conditions.

Equipment Specifications

UTD equipment configuration is designed to be simple, efficient, and consistent. To get the most from your class it is advisable that you take the course in a complete UTD style system. You do not have to own any UTD style equipment. To better assist you in preparing for class, we have listed below our required and suggested equipment lists for the class. Please check out our Learning Center or consult with us if you have further questions about your equipment needs

Required Equipment :

• 5 or 7 ft. Primary Regulator Hose without this you will not be able to learn and conduct air sharing correctly.
  

• Fins: non-split variety without these you will be unable to learn proficient fin kick

• Dive light for team communication Back plate BC System SS or Aluminum Back plate w/ web harness and hardware
  

• Back inflate style wing.
  

• At least one depth-measuring device

• At least one time-keeping device

• At least one cutting device

• X-notes or Wetnotes

• One spool with 100 feet of line

• One surface marker or lift bag

• Exposure suit appropriate for the environment you will be diving in.

 

Suggested Accessories (not required, just nice if available for you): BC mounted canister dive light w/ Goodman handle or long hose catch such as a knife pouch.

•    Cylinders Single tank configuration with K, H, or Y valve (need 2 per day of diving)
•    No stage or decompression bottle is necessary for this class.