PADI Rebreather Courses
At the recent Eurotek conference in the UK, PADI released more information about its plans with rebreathers.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Mark Caney, Vice President, Rebreather Technologies in the PADI Technical Diving Division gave a presentation on the coming range of courses. The courses will be introduced at some time during 2011 and consist of both recreational courses under the PADI name, and a range of technical courses which will form part of the TecRec range.
Caney emphasized that courses were still in development, and so subject to change, however indicated the likely layout of the courses would be as below.
Although some credit will be given for anyone who has completed the recreational courses before entering the technical range, there is no requirement for them to do so, as PADI is treating the two styles of diving quite differently.
When asked which units would be approved for these courses, Caney explained that PADI would be designating two categories of rebreather; a Type R for recreational diving, and a Type T for technical diving. A Type R unit will have a high level of automation but relatively limited diver controls. (The Poseidon MkVI Discovery was mentioned as the only unit in production at present meeting these requirements). A Type T will have a wider range of controls for the user but will require significantly more discipline and training on the part of the diver in order to use them in the technical diving envelope. (Most of the current production units could meet the Type T requirements; however, PADI is considering requiring some form of third party testing of rebreather designs prior to approval as this technology is so new and relatively complex).
Caney suggested that if any instructors are planning to take advantage of these new courses that they should start to gain experience with rebreathers, as PADI will be expecting new instructors to show that they have acquired a significant amount of experience diving a given rebreather before they can teach others how to use it.
TechLab – From Rec to Tec: Tech BCD’s and Wings
TechLab delves into the ABCs of technical diving, then offers a sampling of some of the hottest tec gear on the market.
The traditional tec BC is a metal backplate, an air cell — also called a wing — and a harness made from 2-inch webbing. This configuration is still preferred by many techies, but adjustable shoulders with quick-release buckles and integrated weight systems are now common on modern tec rigs. There are even soft backpack designs built to carry the load while providing more comfort. Here are five systems that run the gamut from basic to Cadillac.
Apeks WTX Series
The WTX system is modular, and our test system consisted of a WTX harness, stainless-steel backplate, WTX4 air cell and a pair of SureLock integrated-weight pouches. The WTX Harness is made of tough 1,050-denier ballistic nylon reinforced with 2-inch webbing, and an internal sleeve accepts the backplate for bolting on doubles. A thick back cushion attaches with Velcro and six 2-inch and eight 1-inch D-rings provide attachment points for extra gear. The WTX4 air cell is a double-bag design with the abrasion-resistant outer bag is made of 1,000-denier Armorshield Cordura. It provides 45 pounds of lift and offers a lower-left exhaust valve and optional right exhaust port. Performance: Test divers used the WTX system with doubles using the backplate, with a single using the backplate and with a single without the backplate, proving that you can take this rig from full tec to tropic and anywhere in between. There’s a wide range of easy adjustment in the harness, allowing you to change from wetsuits to drysuits. The SureLock weight system fits neatly on the waistband and brings one of the best integrated-weight systems from recreational diving into the tec world. WTX Harness, $345; stainless-steel backplate, $174; WTX4 air cell, $325; SureLock system, $135 www.aqualung.com
Dive Rite Nomad EXP
While this rig is tailor-fit for side-mount configurations and rebreathers, we found it works just fine with a set of doubles or a single cylinder. Our test unit came with a 60-pound-lift single bladder and the semirigid backpack extends downward to include a butt plate that offers attachment points for side-mount cylinders and a crotch strap. Grommets in the center of the backpack offer easy bolt-on mounting of doubles with optional stability plates, or a single cylinder can be worn with dual soft-tank bands. Bungee cords keep the top of the air cell streamlined, and shoulder straps are routed over the top of the air cell to further control air volume. Eight 2-inch D-rings provide ample attachment points. Performance: Back-mount or side-mount, singles or doubles, you can dive them all. When we mounted up our double 100s, we were surprised at how stable they were. The semirigid backpack, reinforced with 2-inch webbing, is definitely up to the task. The shoulders are wide and supportive, and the retention system of bungees and straps keeps the air cell well contained. It’s an excellent choice for divers who use a variety of tank configurations. $699 www.diverite.com
Hollis Backplate System
Of the systems reviewed here, the Hollis Backplate is the most basic and for purists perhaps the best choice. It consists of a stainless-steel backplate with grommets for mounting doubles and slots to accommodate bands for a single tank, a 45-pound wing and a solo harness system. It comes with padded shoulder covers that slip over the webbing for increased comfort, eight 2-inch stainless-steel D-rings and a crotch strap. The air cell is from Hollis’ new C-Series, designed with a 360-degree bladder for streamlining and balance. The air cell is made with an outer shell of 1,000-denier Cordura and a 15-millimeter-thick urethane internal bladder. It has a centrally located inflation hose elbow and an exhaust valve on the lower left. Performance: While it takes a little time to get the rig adjusted just right, once you dial it in, it stays there. Initial test dives were with double 100s bolted to the backplate, followed by dives using soft bands for a single cylinder. In both configurations the rig felt snug, stable and completely free of any bulk or clutter in the torso. Inflation control was smooth and efficient too. In short, going simple still works pretty darn good. Stainless-steel backplate, $157; C-45 wing, $273; Solo harness, $89 www.hollisgear.com
OMS B.Y.O.B.S (Build Your Own Buoyancy System)
This rig is modular and customizable. We started with the IQ Pack harness and a 32-pound-lift air cell for use with a single cylinder. The IQ Pack is made of 840-denier nylon and reinforced with 2-inch webbing. The backpack provides a sleeve to accept a metal backplate for doubles. A thick pad covers the mounting hardware and provides extra comfort. Shoulders are overlaid with 2-inch webbing that can be easily opened to add additional D-rings or adjust length. The system also has quick-release adjustable buckles, a dual-adjust sternum strap and a crotch strap. The air cell is made of 1,000-denier nylon with a 210-denier nylon bladder. Performance: We set it up as a soft pack with a single tank and in minutes could have added a plate, a larger wing and bolted on a set of doubles. The harness is secure and comfortable, and the 32-pound air cell is compact. Shoulder adjustments are quick and easy with weight keepers used to secure webbing and D-rings. The OMS system seems well suited for the tec diver who also occasionally goes rec, because it’s so easy to switch out components to match the mission. IQ Pack, $361; 32-pound air cell, $392 www.omsdive.com
Zeagle Tech-10
The Tech-10 is a new soft backpack BC designed for “extreme duty,” according to Zeagle. Made of rugged 1,050-denier ballistic nylon, the Tech-10 comes with dual soft bands to accommodate a single tank, as well as mounting grommets for doubles. The rear air cell provides 65 pounds of lift, and its ripcord integrated-weight system holds 36 pounds in front pouches and 20 pounds in rear trim pouches, all ditchable. The rig has an extrawide waist panel with dual waist straps that provide a lot of midsection support. It also comes with a split-saddle-style crotch strap and utility pockets. The inflation system comes with a streamlined power inflator plus two lower dump valves. Performance: We like the travel possibilities of the Tech-10. As a soft backpack system, it travels lighter than a backplate rig yet still gives you all the attachment options for hooking on additional gear. We tested the Tech-10 with both a single tank and a set of doubles, and it supported both loads well, and you can also rig for side-mount. The wide waist section with twin double-pull buckles makes the rig supersupportive and extremely stable underwater. Tech-10 with standard BX-Inflator, $789; with an Octo-Z (Inflator/Alternate Air), $929 www.zeagle.com
Monsoon Madness Sale
With the strong Baht it’s time to give our divers a break!
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech announced today a drop in prices across the stream of courses available for the months of monsoon leading up to February of 2011.
The drop in price comes as a result of the low dollar, euro and pound against the Thai Baht which has grown significantly in the recent months.
In addition the strength of the Baht has reduced operating costs with the price of electric and gasoline dropping due to imported resources. We’re giving the savings back to our students.
To take advantage of the price changes in your own currency you have to transfer the funds to a local account. For example, to pay in euros you have to transfer the funds into a European bank account.
In addition to the discount we’re also implementing club and group ratings giving friends the chance to come and learn or dive together.
More details can be found on our bookings page: http://www.bigbluetech.net/technical-diving-bookings.php
As for equipment, all our DiveRite gear in our shop – http://www.bigbluetech.net/shop/ is being cut by 15% for online sales between these dates!
For more information contact us at info@bigbluetech.net
SDI Sidemount Open Water Diver Course
Side mounted cylinders provide technical range and access with perfect trim and control.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech recently completed the first SDI Sidemount Dive Course after receiving approval from SDI/TDI to conduct the course (authored by Big Blue Tech Staff) and finally getting the shipment of Nomad sidemount BCD’s from DiveRite.
Big Blue Tech is the only Diverite dealer in Thailand so we have been eager to get the new sidemount gear and see how it performs in our environment.
Sidemount is a scuba diving configuration which has tanks mounted alongside the diver, below the shoulders and along the hips, instead of on the back of the diver. It is a popular configuration with advanced cave divers, as smaller sections of cave can be penetrated and tanks can be changed with greater ease. Sidemount is also growing in popularity with divers who have difficulty handling the heavy double tanks commonly used by cave divers. Shortcomings of this diving style include a greater difficulty in sharing air while diving with team members using backmounted tanks.
Sidemount diving began in England, where it was originally used in partially submerged caves. It was an easier method of transporting diving gear between totally submerged sections of the cave (sumps). Americans began using sidemount in the mid seventies for the same purpose. In the early eighties, Wes Skiles, and other Florida cave divers began to use sidemount to explore cave passages that were too low for conventional back mounted tanks. They quickly found that the British style of sidemount didn’t work well in low passages, and slowly developed a “Florida style” form of sidemount. Today, the British refer to this “Florida style” diving as “American sidemount”.
Most sidemount rigs used to be home-made as there were no commercial production of kits like there were for standard scuba rigs. One of the later “pioneers” of sidemount diving was Bill Rennaker, who started making kits available with sidemount accessories such as a custom butt plate.
he SDI Sidemount Diver Course is designed to train certified divers how to safely utilize side-mounted primary cylinders as an alternative to the traditional back mounted configuration.
Diving in sidemount configuration basically means you take one or two cylinders and place them on either side of your body, rather than mounting them on your back, which is traditionally known as backmounted. So is it just a change in equipment configuration then? That would be correct; however you will find that with the right training it will be much more than that.
Compressor Operator and Nitrox Gas Blender Course
Mixed Gas Operation and Diving Compressor Operator course completed in the tropics
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Pierre Piegne, Dennis G. and Anthony Sillwood from their BSAC Compressor Operator and TDI Nitrox Gas Blender Course conducted over 3 days on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand by TDI & BSAC Instructor Ash Dunn
The BSAC Compressor Operator course enables the successful candidate to engage in maintenance and operation of compressed air systems for scuba diving. The student will learn to pack filters, maintenance, servicing and operation of a variety of compressors and air bank systems.
The TDI Nitrox Gas Blender course provides the training required to allow candidates to competently and safely blend Nitrox gas.
The objective of this course is to train candidates in the proper techniques, equipment requirements and hazards involved in blending Nitrox gases for recreational scuba.
In the TDI Nitrox Gas Blender Course, you will receive a foundation of skills and knowledge that is needed to blend enriched air nitrox for recreational divers. After covering academic subjects including, Responsibilities of the gas blender, Oxygen handling and Gas production equipment and oxygen analyzing You will demonstrate proficiency in blending enriched air nitrox and the proper labeling of nitrox cylinders.
Dennis and Pierre will use their certification right away as they head off to Khao Lak to work at our office there where our liveaboard has a continuous flow nitrox panel on board. Anthony is currently enrolled in a dive master internship course and will be able to gain extra work as a blender in our shop.
BSAC Instructor Course in Thailand
Girl power dominates the scuba diving instructor course with BSAC!
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Emma Millet and Jennifer Mathews from their BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) Instructor Course conducted over a week in the tropics of Thailand on Koh Tao Island. In accordance with standards the instructor course was conducted by BSAC National Instructor Les Skelton and Examined by BSAC Instructor Trainer James Thornton-Allan
The girls who are both from England joined the course for different reasons. Emma is a Lifeguard from Plymouth and already achieved her BSAC Assistant Instructor rating and joined the course to complete her open water instructor portion. Jen is the head of Big Blue Conservation and joined BSAC as her first instructor rating so she can start to develop the future of BSAC Ecological programs.
The first step in qualifying as a BSAC Diving Instructor, is to attend the two-day IFC, where the essential elements of instruction are taught. On completion of the course, students are awarded the BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor certificate, which allows them to teach under direct supervision of a BSAC Open Water Instructor. Following completion of the IFC members who are Dive Leaders can further build their teaching experience by attendance at an Open Water Instructor Course (OWIC). Members who have attained Dive Leader grade can complete the Theory Instructor Exam (TIE) at any stage after attendance on the IFC. Following OWIC attendance, and after further practice and experience at Branch level, those who have gained Dive Leader status can apply for the Practical Instructor Exam (PIE). Minimum grade to attend Sports Diver.
This one-day course, which combines both classroom and practical activities, is designed to develop the Assistant Instructor’s skills so they are better prepared to teach trainee Ocean and Sports Divers in open water. Following completion of this course, members will be recognized as an Assistant Open Water Instructor and be eligible to take the Practical Instructor Exam (PIE). Minimum entry requirements Dive Leader + IFC attendance.
The TIE is a half day duration. Performance in the presentation of a 10-minute classroom teaching lesson and theory knowledge (1 hour, 60 question paper) is assessed. Candidates will receive further instructions once their application has been accepted. Following successful completion of the TIE, students will be awarded the BSAC Theory Instructor certificate, which allows them to teach, unsupervised in the classroom.
Candidates will receive further instructions once their application has been accepted. Minimum entry requirements Dive Leader + IFC attendance.
The PIE is of half day duration. Performance in practical teaching in the Open Water is assessed by the presentation of a 45-minute practical lesson in the open water. Following successful completion of the PIE, if the student holds a pass in the Theory Knowledge examination paper, they will be awarded the BSAC Practical Instructor certificate that allows them to teach practical skills unsupervised.
Successful completion of all elements of the TIE & PIE will lead to the award of the BSAC Open Water Instructor grade.
Emma and Jen also received their BSAC Oxygen Provider instructor Rating after completing an additional day of training.
Well done girls, welcome to the club!
TechLab – From Rec to Tec: Tech Tools
TechLab delves into the ABCs of technical diving, then offers a sampling of some of the hottest tec gear on the market.
The tools tec divers take down with them are not just accessories but devices that might save a life. A reel can lead you safely out of a wreck or cave, and a sharp cutting tool can free you from lines or net.
Dive Rite Sidewinder Wreck Primary Reel
The Sidewinder’s side-handle-style reel makes it easy to switch from hand to hand and pay out line at high speeds when being propelled by a DPV. The frame is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, and the spool is corrosion-resistant, injection-molded polycarbonate. The wreck reel is loaded with 250 feet of #36 braid line with 350 pounds of breaking strength, plus an extra-large stainless bolt snap. Also available in a cave-diving version with #24 braided line and 220 pounds of breaking strength. $199 both versions www.diverite.com
OMS Primary Reel
This primary reel comes with 330 feet of nylon line touting a tensile strength of 300 pounds. The frame incorporates a removable anti-fouling nest that prevents line jams. The large winding knob is easy to use even with thick gloves. The spool is constructed from glass-reinforced nylon. $188 www.omsdive.com
OMS Titanium Knife
The OMS Titanium Knife is compact, lightweight and nearly bulletproof with a blade that will never rust. It has three inches of combined serrated and plain cutting edges plus a blunted tip to prevent punctures. The locking sheath allows easy one-handed access and the high-viz orange handle has a good grip. $61 www.omsdive.com
Dive Rite Z-Knife
The Z-Knife originated as a parachute-line cutter, but works just as well cutting through monofilament line underwater. Its razor-sharp blade is made of 440-grade stainless steel and comes in a protective pouch that can attach to any strap. A quick-release Velcro lanyard keeps the Z-knife firmly in place. $16 www.diverite.com
Dive Rite Titanium Shears
Made of 440-grade stainless steel, these titanium-plated shears are designed for cutting wire or fishing nets. The stowage pouch can be clipped to a strap or worn on a 2-inch webbed belt. A Velcro lanyard protects the shears against a case of the butterfingers. $30 www.diverite.com
Scuba Diving Compressor Operator and Nitrox Gas Blender Course
Scuba diving industry technician course related studies provide accelerated education in gas laws and safe handling of oxygen rich mixing techniques
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Ben Beesley from his BSAC Compressor Operator, BSAC Compressor Operator Instructor, BSAC Gas Blender and BSAC Gas Blender Instructor SDC courses conducted over the past two weeks at our technical diving facility on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand by BSAC SDC Instructor Trainer Ash Dunn and BSAC National Instructor Les Skelton.
BSAC, British Sub Aqua Club, began their own branch in Thailand last year and immediately brought courses to the region that dive centers had been waiting to teach for some time. Typically courses like compressor operator are not governed by any official agency and it has always been an unofficial level of education taught by others who know. However this can lead to liability especially if something wrong was ever to occur between the blending station and the diver. Previous cases of peoples dive shops exploding and divers suffering from poor gas handling techniques.
The BSAC Compressor Operator course teaches students in the proper handling, filling and filtration of scuba divers grade air. The focus made on producing quality air in a safe and controlled manner. After these skills had been harnessed and the students ability was tested during his instructor level where Ben taught the course to another student he moved on to the Gas Blender portion which built upon the previous course by learning the methods of partial pressure and continuous flow blending. This was great because we had about 30 tanks of nitrox to be filled so we had someone else to do it for us.
Ben finalized his training with a instructor workshop where he taught another student, in Japanese how gas blending works. We assessed his knowledge by guess what he was saying but more importantly watched him demonstrate safe and efficient blending techniques.
Ben no heads off through Thailand to work at various BSAC centers and surely his skills and instructor ratings will help him become more employable and future success in the diving industry.
Steve Lewis of Technical Diving International visits Thailand
Technical diving instructor trainer visits the gulf of thailand for some training, diving and fun diving.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech was proud to have Steve Lewis, Marketing and Product Development Director TDI, SDI and ERDI diving and training with us recently to help upgrade our instructors with TDI Technical Diving Instructor Ratings.
Steve Lewis, who joined TDI during it’s inception in 1994 has been a key member of the technical diving community and has contributed or authored to the vast library of TDI manuals and programs while also continually provide diver training and attending conferences like OzTek and EuroTek where he speaks to the technical diving community.
Steve’s travel through Thailand began with attending a TDI Pelagian CCR Instructor course in Koh Samui with Andy Fritz of Rebreather Lab before moving over to Koh Tao to conduct instructor trainer upgrades for James Thornton-Allan and Chris Haslam.
In addition to Steve’s diverse role in the diving community he’s also the author of a book soon to be released and blogger of decodoppler.wordpress.com and if you are involved in technical diving you have surely found his articles at one time or another.
Steve leaves Thailand and heads off to England before returning to his home in Ontario, Canada. Safe journey Steve, we look forward to diving with you again in the future!
Monsoon Season in Thailand for Technical Diving
Strong wind, big waves and ripping current prove perfect training conditions for some new technical divers.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech celebrate the graduation of Eric Vinik and Sebastian Froweiu from their TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures course conducted by TDI Instructor Chris Haslam and assisted by TDI Instructor Ash Dunn which was conducted over 5 days on Koh Tao Island in the Gulf of Thailand.
Typically Koh Tao has idyllic conditions, perfect visibility, flat seas with sun beating down on you turning your skin into that ever desirable golden brown. However recently the weather has changed to crap with storm clouds, wind, rain and terrible visibility. For those who dive in Europe they would feel right at home. This has put a damper on the mood of the recreational divers who are looking to see the cast and crew of “Finding Nemo” but for us technical divers who are seeking the next thrill or adrenaline in our beloved sport of diving then it’s perfect for a challenge. Our motto is “Train Hard, Dive Easy” and this course covered harsh diving conditions, well as harsh as it gets for Thailand. Both Erick and Sebastian who have a lot of recreational experience mentioned that this course gave them the challenge they had been seeking for their entire diving career. Except Erik who cried like a baby because he couldn’t kick through the current with four cylinders on, but we promised we wouldn’t mention that one. (don’t worry, he got there in the end)
The TDI Decompression Procedures course enables the diver to wear technical diving equipment and conduct dives that require staged decompression up to a depth of 45m. The course covers a variety of skills but focuses mostly on the art of scheduled stops and decompression using different mixes of gas including pure oxygen and nitrox.
Sebastian moves on to Sri Lanka for some sort of humanitarian diving role for the next few months and Erik goes back to the land of gogo bars and fast food in Koh Samui to continue his work as a recreational diving instructor, however he will be back to continue his training and get more experience in the next few weeks.
New technical Diving in Thailand Video
High Definition scuba diving video clip shows the best in technical diving.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Big Blue Tech are proud to release another video clip added to our collection which showcases the best of technical diving in the Similan Islands. Last year we were active with technical scuba diving in the Similans and around thailand and were lucky to have Dan from Oddysea Media Design who captured some footage from our expeditions of 2009 and early 2010.
The video represents the best the Similans Islands have to offer showcasing shipwrecks, marine life and beautiful scenery. This was all captured form our luxury vessel the Mv Pawara which is currently the only technical diving liveaboard in Thailand which has helium based mixing facilities and an oxygen booster for ccr.
Our liveaboard will start running 4 day 4 night trips to the Similan Islands in November through to April of this year. While the trips are open to divers from all experiences and backgrounds the footage found in this video was exclusive to divers in the 50-65m range.
Special thanks to Nate, Cav, Mark and James for letting us use them in this video. A longer video is in the works which represents the entire volume of footage from 2010 but that’s not planned for release until 2011.
CCR Cave Diving in Thailand
Exploring underwater caves and caverns using closed circuit rebreathers.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Big Blue Tech returns from a 5 day scuba diving expedition to Khao Sok National Park to explore the underwater caves, caverns and limestone walls using closed circuit rebreathers. The Expedition was joined by James Thornton-Allan, Ash Dunn, Thomas Halstrom, Nick Amidy, Simone Shultz, Chris Haslam and Ben Reymenants
Khao Sok national park (Thai: เขาสก) is located in Surat Thani province in Thailand. Its land area is 739 km², and it includes the Chiao Lan reservoir dammed by the Ratchaprapha dam. The park comprises the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand and is a remnant of rainforest which is older and more diverse than the Amazon Rainforest. The wild mammals include, Malayan Tapir, Asian Elephant, Tiger, Sambar Deer, Bear, Guar, Banteng, Serow, Wild Boar, Pig Tailed Macaque, Langur, White handed Gibbon, Squirrel, Muntjak and Mouse Deer.
The purpose of the trip had three goals. To complete further training on a ISC Megalodoon Rebreather from Mod 1 to Mod 2 and to continue into training in overhead environments with cave ccr courses. To also complete a full cave course which continues for an additional 5 days. and finally to explore the fresh water in search of new cave systems with the capacity of the ccr for extended diving.
Big Blue Tech conduct frequent trips to Khao Sok for a variety of reasons from open circuit cavern diver courses to week long technical diving expeditions in the sunken cities.
Changes to CCR Curriculum Target Diver Development
Approximately a year ago, Technical Diving International added an additional step to the line up of courses available to Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR) divers and blended the traditional Advanced Nitrox course into the first level of CCR training.
This resulted in four progressive steps in TDI CCR program:
* Air-Diluent to 30 metres/100 feet with no decompression
* Air-Diluent to 45 meters/150 feet with full decompression
* Mixed Gas-Diluent (trimix) to 60 metres/200 feet
* Advanced Mixed Gas-Diluent to 100 metres/330 feet
Breaking out the “entry-level” progression for CCR divers meant that there was time to include all the information contained in the old stand-alone advanced nitrox course. We feel his translates into a smoother transition for students and it seems popular with them because they neither have to “suffer through” the stand-alone course, nor do they have to pay for it!
The progression to level two (air-dil full deco) is gained with 30 hours of experience on the unit and six months diving it. This seems to be a popular change and was decided upon originally after meetings between TDI training staff and our senior ITs and CCR instructors.
But in the change, consideration was made for experienced OC decompression divers. They can if they wish move directly into level two course if they can show training and experience executing open-circuit staged decompression dives.
Some divers, moving into CCR diving for the first time, opt to take level one training regardless of their previous experience, and we accept that decision completely.
