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David, How about defining tech diving as any dive where an out-of-air swimming ascent is not an option? ----------------------------------------- Replies to Michael scattered within. ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Brown <mbrown@le*.co*> To: 'David Applin' <David.Applin@ta*.co*>; <techdiver@aquanaut.com> Sent: 14 July, 2000 15:30 Subject: RE: Define Tech Diving mb> Hey Dave! You know what, I think the first mistake people make is trying to take a hostile activity like functioning UNDER WATER for longer than you can hold your breath; then divide it into beginner/advanced/professional/technical/cave/night/blah blah blah! I'll agree some of the dividing lines could use a little fine tuning, and certainly a reduction in the number of categories is in order. The aviation community seems to have a much better handle on this than we do. mb> The fact that commercial agencies like PADI, IANTD, TDI/SDI think in a linear fashion is ridiculous! Think about it like this. In order to get your drivers license, you first go to the DMV. They make you purchase the most expensive vehicle you can afford. My OW instuctor (SSI) did no such thing. Although I have seen some that work harder in sales than instruction, those are the exception. mb> Then, the instructor tells you that he is going to teach you to start the car, use the gas pedal, use the blinkers, brakes and trunk lid. BUT, He will not teach you to steer until you get your ADVANCED license!. What parallel to this exists in dive instruction? mb>Oh yeah, I will not teach you to drive on 4 lane roads until you get your Lane-Mix license. Driving instructors often keep students off busy streets for the first few months. Is it inappropriate for dive instructors to keep the a student out of strong currents, very cold water or deep dives for a while? mb>Parallel Parking? Forget it! That's only for those crazy PP Drivers! No one in their right mind would do that kind of driving. What parallel to this exists in dive instruction? mb>Seat Belts? Don't need them, not with a car like that! What parallel to this exists in dive instruction? mb> Diving does not have a linear progression to learning. I absolutely disagree. Were you ready for the Doria on your first dive? mb> There is not a formal start and stop to the process. I agree here. However the use of intermediate goals and milestones is not inconsistant with an ongoing process. mb>Therefore I do not think the continued sub-categories of diving should be condoned. I don't see where you are going. Does this mean a lesson at the Key West Dive Center sets you up for an ice dive? Does the DMV where you live give the same test for driving a VW beetle as for driving a truck with double semitrailers loaded with flammable liquid? mb> Diving is a potentially fatal activity. Absolutely mb>Like all activities of this nature; you should learn as much as possible and not constrain yourself to a specific category. I don't understand. Are you saying that you think people shouldn't dive at all until they are ready for one of those WKPP 15,000 foot scooter rides? Are you saying that a fresh OW graduate should head for the Billy Mitchell wrecks? You can't mean that. mb> Whaddya think? I think you're pretty dangerous if I'm reading this correctly. ____________NetZero Free Internet Access and Email_________ Download Now http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html Request a CDROM 1-800-333-3633 ___________________________________________________________ -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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