Dive Master gear set up

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Josefson

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Messages
18
Reaction score
8
Location
Shanghai
# of dives
1000 - 2499
G´day

Of course I made alrdy my research in this forum ;-) But did not get a 100% clear answer.

In december I start my DM course for 3 month.
I have my own gear, but in a tech set up. Harness with Donut from Finnfly, main regulator with 2m hose, backup with neck wrist (all in black) beuchat iceberg.

According to my instructor, my gear/set up has to follow the padi standarts. So I tried to figure out what are the "padi standarts". Also wrote an email to padi itself. They answered me to ask the diveshop cuz they are no specific standarts.

So far I know, they most recommend a bcd jacket, not a harness. I know the differences, but don´t feel like buying a new jacket just for the course itself.

Can I do all tests with the harness? BC remove, exchange etc

Do I need to get a yellow hose for the backup regulator?

also heard from many DM to use rental gear when doing exercise in the pool. My instructor wont let me use the rental gear so far...

Someone can explain me what are the padi standard equip set ups? :)


Thanks anyway and best regards
David
 
G´day

Of course I made alrdy my research in this forum ;-) But did not get a 100% clear answer.

In december I start my DM course for 3 month.
I have my own gear, but in a tech set up. Harness with Donut from Finnfly, main regulator with 2m hose, backup with neck wrist (all in black) beuchat iceberg.

According to my instructor, my gear/set up has to follow the padi standarts. So I tried to figure out what are the "padi standarts". Also wrote an email to padi itself. They answered me to ask the diveshop cuz they are no specific standarts.

So far I know, they most recommend a bcd jacket, not a harness. I know the differences, but don´t feel like buying a new jacket just for the course itself.

Can I do all tests with the harness? BC remove, exchange etc

Do I need to get a yellow hose for the backup regulator?

also heard from many DM to use rental gear when doing exercise in the pool. My instructor wont let me use the rental gear so far...

Someone can explain me what are the padi standard equip set ups? :)


Thanks anyway and best regards
David
There is NO PADI standard. Your instructing dive shop MAY have certain requirements. If they tell you their requirements are actually a PADI requirement, find a different dive shop.

Some of the DM-class skills (like remove-replace) might be easier in a jacket BCD.
Demonstrating alternate air-source use is more difficult if you don't have one.
So there are some practical issues involved in using your tech setup, but your are not violating any PADI standards. If your dive shop insists they are PADI standards, then I'd question their knowledge of the standards, and therefore their teaching of the class.

Perhaps you should look at the issue from the point of view of the student with whom you would be DM'ing. Does it help them to see you remove/replace a BPW/harness, or to offer a long-hose from your mouth, when that is not what they will be wearing or doing?
 
Your instructor is just being a pain but it is his call on your gear setup some want you in the same setup as the students are in. He should at least let you use the shop gear maybe it’s time to find another instructor. My instructor let me use what I dive in which is a BP/W he felt it was good to expose the students to different gear so they could learn about different setups they may encounter with an insta- buddy not everybody does it the same way.
 
Different angle on DM gear: the shop you teach for will likely "ecourage" you to use the brands they carry. Students will often copy what the DMs use, but rarely buy BP/W or tech gear. Your shop may be able to give you a major discount or key man pricing.
 
I agree with those above, my shop wants me to be sporting their gear when I DM their classes, which makes sense - but it's not as PADI standards thing.

Edit: I've worn all kinds of gear while DMing, FFM, dry suit, donut BCD, pony, etc., that the students weren't wearing. (Didn't wear the FFM more than 1 class, because it's a PITA to talk with students on the surface!)
 
I would think the BP/Wing is fine. I might consider using standard length rec hoses and a weight belt for recreational training but otherwise I would use what you already have. Ask this instructor for PADI's "Standards". Seems they are his in this case.
 
As others have already noted. It’s not a standard

Like others have said, consider your students.

Although I choose to dive a bp/w with 40” hoses, I purchased a conventional bcd and use a conventional reg setup for teaching OW. For guiding or AoW I may introduce my wing.

The 24 skills are easier in a jacket.

If you were my candidate I’d allow you to use a rental BCD, if you were my CA on a course I’d expect you to use similar gear configuration to students.

If you were guiding or assisting rescue or AoW then I’d be happy with your BP/W and long hose
 
thanks so far for all the replies.
Yup, most important is the view of the student, thats right.

So, at the beginning I asked the shop what kind of gear they are using/selling. They do not sell any gear and have several kind of equipment for rental. So that wont be the point I guess.

So far it would be easier just to change my regulator set up, what wont be a big issue.

I love my BP/W, but also ok with jackets. But to carry two different bcd´s sounds a bit crazy. Thats why I was hoping to borrow a bcd for some exercises.
I might talk with the instructor again
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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