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From: Dave Lund <dave@lu*.pr*.co*.uk*>
To: Robert Wolov <wolov@hi*.co*>, "'John Simenon'" <jsimenon@sc*.ch*>
Cc: TECHDIVER <techdiver@aquanaut.com>
Subject: RE: Buying Equipment for the Rookie:
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 1997 12:57:55 +0100
Hi

Some of the UK SBS seem to use latex boots on their drysuits, with =
canvas/plastic boots over those, and some kind of large fins to fit over =
all.=20

They can then take their fins off and run properly, in boots, without =
hindrance. Of course, they'd have to be fit to do the kind of swims they =
do with this gear. But of course, that's not in question.

Dave

----------
From:  John Simenon[SMTP:jsimenon@sc*.ch*]
Sent:  27 June 1997 08:49
To:  Robert Wolov
Cc:  TECHDIVER
Subject:  Re: Buying Equipment for the Rookie:

Rob Wolov wrote:
>=20
> Helen,
>=20
> I'm afraid I have to agree with Ken. The people we train to "break =
things
> for a living" (Navy SEALS) train at the Navy Special Warfare Center in
> Coronado, Calif. Regular dive training takes place in Panama City =
Florida.

> I know PADI trains the second year midshipmen at Annapolis in Basic OW
> (possibly AOW) but those folks are *FAR* from being spec-op forces at =
that npoint in their education. The reality is that the sorts of things =
that SEALS have to practice (like submarine lock-out drills) can only be =
done in a military environment. I'm afraid that you've probably run into =
the myriad of "SPEC-OP" (special
> operations)  wannabe's. When you think about the sorts of things that =
such folks have to do and practice, it makes no sense to involve the =
civilian agencies or shops.
>=20
> I can understand why some people would like to associate themselves =
with our SEALS. These guys are *GOOD*! The pity is that most of what =
they do, we do not and can not ever know about. (Believe it or not there =
have been medals awarded to these folks where the citation that spells =
out the circumstances how the medal was earned was classified!) You =
simply don't practice this stuff at the local quarry with the guys from =
the shop.
>=20
> Robb W
>=20
Rob,

I had the opportunity to dive with various Navy Seals in unusual
circumstances for them: training actors for motion picture action
sequences.

On the matter of fins, it appears that, just as for weapons, they have
the choice. Most stick to the standard issue undersized jetfin (for
maneuverability and storage reasons), but many also say they choose the
ForceFin.

On the matter of SEAL vs PADI training, as you say, they address totally
different needs. And both are VERY GOOD at what they do. PADI does not
purport to train anyone to do any kind of warfare diving. But seals do
sometimes wish to turn civilian, and there is indeed a crossover path
for SEALS wishing to obtain a civilian PADI (or any other agency)
certification and to dive in a civilian way. Further, a seal wishing to
become a civilian agency divemaster or instructor will have to train
with this agency, as it not so much his ability to dive as to teach the
civilian way which will have to be covered. So it is not unusual to meet
seals in regular shops or schools.

Kind regards

John Simenon
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