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What would 2 full-cave certified, trimix certified, advanced EANx
instructors ('among others') learn from an Advanced EANx Wreck Diver course
?
Phi
> ----------
> From: Hydra Explorations Inc.[SMTP:hydra@hy*.co*]
> Sent: Monday, October 26, 1998 11:35 PM
> To: techdiver@aquanaut.com
> Subject: Re: Dumb and Getting Dumber
>
> 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
>
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