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Dear all.....
First of all let me say that my level of experience involving rebreathers
is limited to pool use, but like many others I see them as the coming
thing. The discussion regarding a safe training regime would seem to go
hand in hand with something that I was told by someone, somewhere or
other.
If these units are fitted with computers to run/manage the systems AND
give the user trouble should they try to fire it up after what the system
considers to be a considerable time since it was last used, as I belive
is the case, then why not extend this to a more formal training
arrangement. Whereby the potential user buys/rents the unit of their
choice, undergoes practical, theoretical and open water training for X
number of hours then goes away and logs say 40 hours within parameters
controlled by the system itself, setting maximum depths, times etc.
Having achieved these goals, the user recieves part two of his training
and a `new chip' that will allow them to procede to further practice
thus building on training gradually, with the units computers saying
`well, OK if you really want to go down there you can but I'm only with
you for the first 60', after that I'm gonna crash and you're gonna
be flying on manual'.
After a pre arranged number of hours or dive types the user gets the keys
for the whole system, and the fun begins.
I believe that a similar `dual key' approach is used in the Corvette,
The idea being that this thing could kill you so we'll let you get used
to it a little at a time.
If the novice doesn't make the conditions within a specified time then the
unit switches off and can only be re activated by the manufacturer.
If they aren't up to it, well they can always arrange a buy back!
Assuming the infrastructure exists, the novice user would be obliged to
do his first few hours at each stage in the company of a Rebreather IT,
not to recieve instruction, but to insure that there is someone present
who is familiar with rebreather diving, should things get out of hand.
This would allow a gradual increase in experience, whilst not involving
the user in 100 hours of intensive training. I suspect that after this
amount of diving has been compressed into a short space of time Joe diver
will go off with the idea that they've done it all and get into trouble
due to their own complacency.
You could have different levels, such as these
Level 1 qualifies you to do dives for which the training cost $200
Level 2 qualifies you to do dives for which the training cost $400
{:-> etc etc
For the absolute PLANK, completely unable to grasp basic principles
of gas laws, gas management, emergency procedures then we are back at
the point of asking why they were certified in the first instance and
feeling safe to a degree when it comes to a refusal to certify again
because the MANUFACTURERS criteria were not met. I guess it's up to
the cert agencies to get together with the makers and thrash out some
kind of agreed training routine. I have heard of this business of
students getting pissed because a instructor will not certify, I'll bet
driving instructors don't get this problem, because the instruction
and testing were not carried out by the same organisation.
So it's not seen as the instructors fault if the student doesn't come
up to scratch. Perhaps a way out would be to insist that students pass
a `test' set by the manufacturers, not by the ultimate cert agency.
As with driving, it's the training you pay for, not the qualification.
peter..........
<PETER.LOADER@BB*.AC*.UK*>
Willing to be given a rebreather if one of you guys wants it tested to
destruction. Just let me know when it'll be coming so I can be at
home. Just one thing that worries me....this `lifetime' warranty
thing. Failing that just send the purchase price in small bills.
My credits good.
Feel free to abuse me, if my views differ from REALITY in any way
what so ever.
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