Brian, this is one of the stupidest , most misinformed, ridiculous things I
have ever read. Whoever wrote this is a criminal in my opinion. I really did
not realize that there were pockets of ignorance this bad still left in
diving. I am also amazed that somebody would lie to you and suggest you do
dangerous stupid things and try to get paid for it. Who the hell is this
moron?

There is nothing in what this idiot is telling you that is even close to
being true. I would love to get this guy out in the open where everyone can
see what is going on at the so called "training agencies". This person
clearly has no clue what he is talking about, and needs to be straightened
out before he misinforms anyone else.

 Notice the list of morons he claims helped "design" this stupidity. This is
really pathetic.

-----Original Message-----
From: STEVE MORTELL [mailto:STEVEM@pa*.co*]
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 5:47 PM
To: longhorne@pr*.ne*
Subject: DSAT Tec Deep course


Brian:

Thank you for your email of 28 February regarding The Tec Deep Diver course.
Regarding your comment on reevaluating our program, we based the program on
information / techniques used in the technical community from around the
world and not just Florida.   While helium is a useful tool, it has its' own
risks and logistical problems.

There is anecdotal evidence that helium is less forgiving with respect to
decompression due to the smaller molecule and that it is a very expansive
molecule.  It also can create a potential problem when switching from helium
to air or enriched air (counter diffusion) when decompressing.

From a logistical standpoint, helium is simply not available in many
countries (the U.S. is the largest producer in the world).  Telling entire
groups of divers you must use helium to dive below 130 (or even 100 feet)
typically gets the same response, disdain and disgust at our arrogance in
trying to dictate on how they should be diving.  This is especially true
when they have the statistics to back up their claims, ie, they have been
diving to 165 feet on air for many years with minimal incidents and
fatalities.    There are other countries that do have access helium, but it
is very cost prohibitive.  I don't mean $50.00 for a fill, it is more in the
ball park of $300.00 + for a fill.

You mention, "the WKPP is proving…"  We are not aware of any data,
statistics or reports that show air is a dangerous gas at 165 and it is
killing and injuring large numbers of tec divers.   The statistics we looked
at suggest the number one killer of tec divers is switching to the wrong gas
which happens at depths of less than 100 feet where narcosis is much less of
a factor.  This occurs due to a procedural error on the part of the diver
not narcosis.  It should be noted that WKPP is more specific to the cave
environment and not deep water ocean diving.

With respect to your question on using 100% O2, this is covered in the
course and is encouraged to improve the oxygen window.  If you have not read
/ reviewed the course materials you may want to take some time to look it
over.

The course was designed by a team of over 20 individuals, eight of these
individuals are trimix divers and instructors, eight individuals of the
group are cave divers  and instructors.  Names you may recognize are
Terrance Tysall, Paul Henierth, Jill Henierth and Bill Tuberville.  There
are many names of individuals from other regions of the world that do not
get much recognition from the U.S, for example Des Gorman who reviewed the
medical considerations of the program.  The names are listed on inside front
cover of the student manual.

The course and DSAT has been attacked by several individuals in the tec
community.  It is interesting that in some of these instances, they have
questioned the ability of the people who put the course together yet they
have never been in the water with any of the individuals in the group and no
nothing about their training and background.  In many instances, the
individuals critiquing the course had not even reviewed the course.  In
addition, the response from PADI members who hold certifications with other
organizations as well, as well as individuals, outside of PADI have praised
the course.

With respect to you comment on normoxic trimix, we are considering a course
for trimix.  However, it would not be a replacement for the Tec Deep
program.

I hope this answers your questions.  If there is any thing else we can do
for you, feel free to contact me by phone at 800 729 7234 or 949 858 7234
extension 445.  You can also reach me by email at stevem@pa*.co*.  Thanks
again for the email.

Best regards,



Steve Mortell
Supervisor
Training and Quality Management
Entrenamiento y Control de Calidad


--
Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.

Navigate by Author: [Previous] [Next] [Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject: [Previous] [Next] [Subject Search Index]

[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]

[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]