Mailing List Archive

Mailing List: techdiver

Message Display

Several individuals have asked, privately and publicly, for amplification of
ANDI's position regarding level 1 (Limited SafeAir User) and level 2 (Complete
SafeAir User) certification dives.

ANDI's Part II activites include, but are not limited to, practicing gas
analysis, recording the results, predive planning, a final exam, and in-water
experience.  The term "Part II" is used specifically instead of "open water" to
emphasize that there is more happening than just "going diving".

There are many reasons why ANDI, from its inception, has included a dive day to
complete the LSU or CSU certification:

- Our certification states the diver is a "Limited SafeAir" or "Complete
SafeAir" *User*.  ANDI will not issue a certification without the cardholder
having ever used SafeAir.

- Our course requirements are extensive and require more time than similar
programs.  (One cannot become a certified ANDI diver in just two hours.)  Under
the direction of a certified divemaster or instructor, the Part II section gives
each student the individual opportunity to analyze gas several times, and to
also become familiar with and complete the signout procedure.

-   All students do not leave the classroom with the same comfort level.  Nor
are their theory foundations as strong as those of experienced divers.  Many
students still have apprehension regarding their first use of SafeAir.  Our
objective is to conduct a program under controlled conditions so *all* the
students can feel safe as they experience new things.  By conducting a dive day
under instructor supervision, we are more likely to create gas users of *all*
the participants.

- By creating a situation in which the student must prepare for and execute a
"real" dive, the instructor can evaluate the student's overall "diving demeanor"
and planning ability.  With very little creativity, one could imagine many types
of problems that could occur on a first EAN dive due to an incompelete basic
diving education or incorrect or improper basic skills.  (Consider basic dive
planning, buoyancy control, equipment rigging.)  It is very little to ask that
one demonstrate one's capability before ANDI should issue a new rating. 

Each certifying agency defines what its certification means.  ANDI's goal is not
to merely certify that a student sat in on a lecture, but that he was able to
apply what he heard to an actual diving experience.  If we didn't conduct a Part
II experience, the certification, by definition would not attest to the fact
that the student ever practically applied what was taught.  The ANDI
certification means more than that.  Whether one desires that level of
certification is a different issue.  A divemaster or dive operator has the
comfort in knowing the ANDI diver has personally performed gas analysis, has
adequately developed dive plans, and in fact has dived the gas.  

Finally, it is short-sighted to think an instructor has no in-field function
except to handle emergencies.  Further, it is absurd to think a student derives
no benefit from instructor supervision unless he has an emergency.

ANDI prefers to continue the tried and true protocol of having students apply,
and demonstrate their understanding of new concepts.  With regard to divers, a
logical way to do that is by diving.

---------------------------------------------
Stuart Masch, Chief Operating Officer
American Nitrox Divers International

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]