Drills that should be taught in the OW class

[lobstah]

DON'T PANIC.

Actually, that should probably be printed in big friendly letters somewhere, like on a book.

There's already a book like that.
http://henriquevianna.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/hitchhikers_guide_box_art.jpg

 

[Blackwood]

forward roll entry

That's what my buddy Chris is doing here, right?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Based on your diving experience or knowledge, what drills should be done in OW class that are not done?

Two that came to mind:

shoving the student back into the pool as he is climbing out to simulate trying to get back on the boat in rough conditions and falling back in the water.

ripping the student's primary regulator out of his mouth and breathing off of it with no notice and letting him find his octo to use.

... and right after one of your students gets injured whacking their head on the side of the pool, aspirating water or embolizing when they bolt for the surface, your agency informs you that your insurance won't cover the lawsuit because you violated standards.

Well, at least it'll eliminate the cowboys from the instructor ranks ... so I guess something good would come of it ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[diver_doug]

I think a bear-trap should be snapped onto an unaware student's leg to see how he/she would react during a shark attack. If you bleed to death, you have to retake the course.

 

[idocsteve]

I think a bear-trap should be snapped onto an unaware student's leg to see how he/she would react during a shark attack. If you bleed to death, you have to retake the course.

How could you even suggest such a thing?



It's not at all realistic. Most shark attacks result in amputations doug.

I say if you're going to do it, take the entire leg. Not sure how you'd rig a chainsaw so it could work underwater, maybe a large serrated dive knife would do the same thing only take a bit longer. And you'd probably require the assistance of at least two other divers to hold the student in one place.

 

[jbird71]

I think its a shame that there isn't more "stressful" situations in diver training. I understand that students need to get over the fear factor, but at some point in your diving career you'll face an emergency.

 

[idocsteve]

While the student is in the pool, have everyone else clear out and have paramedics standing by with CPR equipment charged at the ready, then pull the pool cover tight across the top and wait for the diver to exhaust all his air and drown. It may be necessary to have some sort of "club" device, perhaps an oar or paddle in case the diver tries to sneak out from under the cover.

Then rescusitate him and viola! He'll never have to worry about what it's like to panic when lost in a cave or wreck and run out of air because he's already been through it and come out alive.

This will also give students who are observing some great CPR practice. Perhaps combine this drill with the Rescue Diver certification.

 

[The Kraken]

While actions and training methods you suggest may make better divers, the legal aspects of an instructor establishing a condition in which a student can be injured is not the best of ideas.

Works great for SEAL candidates, but keep in mind this is recreational scuba.

the K

 

[diver_doug]

How could you even suggest such a thing?



It's not at all realistic. Most shark attacks result in amputations doug.

I say if you're going to do it, take the entire leg. Not sure how you'd rig a chainsaw so it could work underwater, maybe a large serrated dive knife would do the same thing only take a bit longer. And you'd probably require the assistance of at least two other divers to hold the student in one place.

hmmm...maybe a pair of titanium razor-sharp hedge-clippers would be the way to go. You know, the more I think about this idea of ours, the more unrealistic it becomes. I can already imagine the sorts of conversations that will take place:

Prospective student: "What's this thing here on the liability waiver? It seems to indicate that you will be intentionally severing one or more of my limbs?"
Instructor: "Look-are you gonna sign that form like a man and become a diver, or you gonna just stand there like a pus*y?"

 

[idocsteve]

hmmm...maybe a pair of titanium razor-sharp hedge-clippers would be the way to go. You know, the more I think about this idea of mine, the more unrealistic it becomes. I can already imagine the sorts of conversations that will take place:

Prospective student: "What's this thing here on the liability waiver? It seems to indicate that you will be intentionally severing one or more of my limbs?"
Instructor: "Look-are you gonna sign that form like a man and become a diver, or you gonna stand there and be a pus*y?"

LOL

I wouldn't even wait for them to sign the waiver or get any sort of "permission".

Heck they're the ones who signed up for the class, it's your job to teach them.

Throw them in the pool and start hacking away.

They've done amazing things with prosthetics lately, I doubt anyone will ever be able to tell the difference.