Becoming a PADI DM - The Blog!

[mmerriman]

@Birddog1911

I did note on some video's online candidates weren't wearing a snorkel. I guess to make the mask swap easier, but given you're supposed to wear it at all times....

While it is a requirement for all divers and assists to HAVE a snorkel, nowhere does it say it must be mounted to the mask. Mine is - always, but i know people that have fold up snorkels in their pocket which at least technically satisfies the writing of the standard.

 

[Birddog1911]

no - you don't -
Exercise 5 — Equipment Exchange
In confi ned water, demonstrate the ability to eff ectively
respond to an unusual circumstance underwater by
exchanging all scuba equipment (except exposure suits and
weights) with a buddy while sharing a single regulator
second stage earning a minimum score of 3.

I have read it, but thanks for posting it. However, my instructor is saying that if we wear a weight belt, we have to exchange it. Not sure if it'd be a good idea to argue it...?

 

[Neilwood]

I have read it, but thanks for posting it. However, my instructor is saying that if we wear a weight belt, we have to exchange it. Not sure if it'd be a good idea to argue it...?

If you can clearly point to it in the standards (and say it in the right way ie non confrontational and possibly away from the body of the group so they don't lose face over a mistake but something along the lines of "I was reading up on the standards and i'm sure it said weights didn't need to be exchanged"), then your instructor has nothing to argue again.

 

[mmerriman]

I have read it, but thanks for posting it. However, my instructor is saying that if we wear a weight belt, we have to exchange it. Not sure if it'd be a good idea to argue it...?

while I wouldn't "argue" I'd question it - particulary if I needed the points. its outside of the standard - specifically excluded, and your score should not be subject to that. Imagine if you a huge differnece in weighting and bouyancy - now someone is grossly overweighted and the other under. recipe for disaster. while you could figure out a way to do it - technically "Give buddy teams less than fi ve minutes to discuss the
exercise" works against planning for that.

 

[Birddog1911]

I'll ask again about it on Monday. Thanks for the suggestions.

Diving, I hope that I haven't hijacked the intent of your blog/thread. If I have, I do apologize!

 

[Diving Dubai]

I'll ask again about it on Monday. Thanks for the suggestions.

Diving, I hope that I haven't hijacked the intent of your blog/thread. If I have, I do apologize!

No, no. Not at all. This "thread' was just me giving my experiences, but I welcome others and their experience and input too. We're all divers and here to help each other and with the addition of other input makes it a better source of learning and information

 

[Diving Dubai]

While it is a requirement for all divers and assists to HAVE a snorkel, nowhere does it say it must be mounted to the mask. Mine is - always, but i know people that have fold up snorkels in their pocket which at least technically satisfies the writing of the standard.

Thanks for your input and clarification, always good to have someone with experience of the standards chime in.

I've learn't something myself.

 

[MikadoWu]

From the PADI instructor Manual 02/16 (As I still haven't' completed my DM I don't have this year's revision)
Stopping = Incomplete

Thank you for posting this information. I head down to Cozumel in 32 days to start my DM course. Like many of you, I am no longer 18yo and getting my 45yo body doing that kind of swimming again, has been challenge.

Someone committed on fin selection for there DM training. I dive with Atomic Splits, Blades and X1 fins. I had used my splits when I did my Rescue course last year, that was a mistake. Curious if anyone has used the Atomic Blades or the X1's for the course.

 

[mmerriman]

Thank you for posting this information. I head down to Cozumel in 32 days to start my DM course. Like many of you, I am no longer 18yo and getting my 45yo body doing that kind of swimming again, has been challenge.

Someone committed on fin selection for there DM training. I dive with Atomic Splits, Blades and X1 fins. I had used my splits when I did my Rescue course last year, that was a mistake. Curious if anyone has used the Atomic Blades or the X1's for the course.

just don't stop - if you need to slow down thats ok - but no stopping

 

[Diving Dubai]

I concur with Mike above. Don't stop. I did on the 400 the first time. I had to go away come back another day with my head in the right place, grit my teeth and get through it (with encouragement from the staff)

As I said above pick your strongest skills, and try to max them early, thus taking the pressure off you on your weaker swim tests. Play tactically with the numbers.

Regarding fin, as I said above, I chose the wrong fins. They were too stiff and fatigued me. It's all about pace so pick a fin that isn't going to break you.

The swim tests are mind over matter. Sure they are tough for us oldies, but you can do it.

If you don't get the full 15 marks, then pick which one's you want to improve on to get you to the magic 15.