Video Blog: Breaking through the barriers!!!

Gang

This week's Video Blog is going to be in the written form because I am in Egypt and out at sea on the M/V Tala (www.redseaexplorers.com) and we do not have the bandwidth to upload a movie file. So, with that in mind, I thought I would write my blog this week. I want to discuss UTD's position on entering into the curriculum. There has being some confusion or misconceptions about our stance and so I thought I would blog about it.

With Unified Team Diving, diving is exciting and fun. Having excellence in situational awareness within your team, equipment and environment allows your mind to be free, increasing your fun factor.

Naturally your abilities in the water and your diving knowledge are the main key criteria that decide where you land within the UTD curriculum. We strongly believe in creating the thinking diver, which increases safety and fun. Our programs offer developmental education to divers from various levels and experience, no matter what their current certification level or certifying agency. Everyone is welcome, and we are certain that no matter what their background is, divers will find great value in classes they take with UTD.

Initially the student signs up for a class at their level of interest. The required student registration process includes a brief dive history to indicate experience. Using this information, the instructor determines the students goals. Once signed up for a class, a student gets access to the online materials and can begin classroom work immediately. The materials, be it videos, presentations or lectures will clearly show the student what is required. Each class is independent and does not assume the student has taken any prior UTD classes. Therefore they do a great job revealing any holes that may exist in both diving knowledge and skills. The brilliance of these online classes is that any diver can use them, even if they are not registered to take UTD classes. They are intended to build a diver’s base knowledge regardless of certification brand or current level.

In class it is the instructors job is to teach the skills and knowledge needed for the level of the class. During the first day he or she will assess the student to find the gaps and what is needed to shore up diving skills, as well as introduce specific class skills and topics. It is important to note that our classes are designed to teach skills and techniques needed to safely dive at the specific level. Evaluation of the students skills is conducted towards the end of the class.

Students should not “Practice” skills they presume are needed for future classes so no bad habits are formed. Sure, they can practice the core and base skills, but should only practice the class-specific skills and techniques once learned in the class. The primary reason for the class is to learn the skills and techniques “properly and correctly” from the start (law of primacy). One should not be taking a class simply to be evaluated to get a badge. A class is not about seeing if the diver’s skills are good enough to carry the badge, it is about your own personal growth and development. Our emphasis at UTD is based on teaching and developing safer thinking divers.

In summary, at UTD, we welcome divers to our family with whatever skill or certification they may have. With our comprehensive material, educational processes and skilled instructors, we aim to provide the best path for divers to reach their goals and become competent in diving and proud UTD members.

AG