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Possible title for your article - "Misinformed, and Getting More Misinformed" So my phone begins to ring�my e-mail becomes congested, and fellow divers are muttering phrases like "dousing themselves with urine", and "charging unrelentingly into the enemy machine guns", and "license to kill". My associates were calling, wanting to know if I had seen an article about me, which was posted at TechDiver. (I commend Techdiver for their establishment of an outstanding communications network throughout the technical communities!) To address this recent posting, "Dumb and Getting Dumber", by Mr. Bill Mee, posted on Thursday, October 22, I provide the following information: Dear Mr. Mee: The course I solicited the Grateful Diver to run was not a "Deep Air" class; rather an Advanced/EANx Wreck Diver course. Maximum depth limitations and gas requirements were regulated by TDI and IANTD's standards and procedures, as well as the operational standards for the Grateful Diver. Background on equipment for that particular dive: I dove OMS 108's with an isolation manifold. For the BC, I dove an OMS double bladder single bag with 100 lbs. of buoyancy. I used a signature series CF-300 DUI dry suit with SI-5 wrist rings (which allows for in-the-field replacement in minutes for either gloves or wrist seals). The second stage from which I breathe is a 9-ft. hose, secured vertically to the right side of my backplate; it can be deployed quickly and easily. My DiveRite Neutralite 12 is a few years old, but has performed excellently, and I'm very comfortable with its butt mount. The manufacturer's silicon tubing on my wings has never failed to allow adequate buoyancy with my steel OMS stage bottles. Mr. Mee, with your relationship with another manufacturer of BC's and dive equipment, I understand how you may be opposed to the designs of OMS, DiveRite, Scuba Pro and others who use "bungee wings". I am pleased, however, to know that you are as happy with your wings as I am with mine. As far as improperly marked gas: it was suggested to me that I use large strips of duct tape down the length of my stages with the maximum operating depth listed thereon in large numbers. I am always looking for and evolving to accommodate better ideas. I know there is no absolute "right" way for every diver. (If you think there is, let's review "soldiers of strokism".) I like this particular idea, and will include it in my instruction programs, as well as my normal practice of labeling the percentage of the mixture and complying with all other training agencies' requirements. I already advocate the use of oxygen bags/mouth blocks, second stages identifiable by touch and sight, as well as bottle placement for gas recognition. As for being especially cautious due to the recent four diving fatalities in 1998, I believe every high-risk dive must be conducted with special caution. Apart from being cautious, there is being honest with oneself about one's diving abilities, and not allowing a lot of egotism to infect perception; thus, one must also look towards physical conditioning. (But everyone reading this article knows there's no egotism around here!) Physical conditioning is a daily requirement, and a way of life. My recommendation is for many divers to begin here. Regarding the boat captain: as always, I keep a high standard when conducting my courses. Therefore I solicited the Grateful Diver. The "willing" boat captain did a nice job, and the boat ran well. The three days of diving Trimix (which is the boat's requirement, and my gas of choice - not air) on the Lowrance and the R.B. Johnson were enjoyable...although I was unaware that the service included the publication of ill-informed, negative articles afterwards. As for my "unwitting students", their credentials upon arriving on my doorstep were: First candidate: Respiratory medical physician, PADI Open Water Instructor, Advanced EANx Instructor, Full-Cave and Trimix Diver, among others. Second candidate: Professional in aero-engineering, also a PADI Open Water Instructor, Advanced EANx Instructor, Full-Cave and Trimix Diver, among others. Both of these candidates lived up to expectations, and have moved on to continue their education at NOAA. The good doctor will proceed for further training at NASA upon approval of his final preselected application. Next in line is my "license to kill". How about license to educate? I have been diving for over eighteen years, and am president and owner of Hydra Explorations, Inc. The central focus of this organization is safe diving instruction up to and beyond 130 ft. on various mixtures of gas. In 1991 I earned EANx Instructor #76 by IAND. I am an Instructor Trainer and a Technical Instructor for IANTD and TDI, and am NSSCDS/IANTD Full-Cave Certified. In addition to my certification as Master Instructor with PADI, I have taught eleven specialties, as well as Medic First Aid/CPR. I have also earned recognition as an instructor with ANDI and DAN, and am trained in the latest knowledge of gas separation and mixing systems. I am certified to 100-tons as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain, with endorsement. I have taught EANx and EANx Instructor courses at Aqua Corps' Tek, presented lectures and taught at world trade shows such as DEMA, and at major trade shows such as the Boston Sea Rovers and Ocean Expo. I implement state of the art technologies, such as mixed-gas rebreathers, as part of Hydra's training services. Mr. Mee, I hope this clarifies for you the events as they actually occurred. Your rebuke was based on inaccurate information, and perhaps given a little hastily for that. But I would like to thank you, and all those working with you, for your efforts in furthering this small yet growing industry. God bless you for your concern for our lives. If anyone has any other comments, questions on this article or any courses offered by Hyrda Explorations, please visit my web site at: http://www.hydraexplorations.com -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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