Maybe an update on my profile would help some...I'm no longer in Virginia, actually kind of homeless right now. I'm on the USS George Washington, we left Virginia last month and are on our way to Japan. Last week we were in the Straits of Magellan, you can google it for more details. Originally I'd hoped to get my friends certified in San Diego, but that didn't pan out (too short of stay and too much work). We have a couple of stays in Hawaii, so it shouldn't be an issue getting certified there. I also think we could form study groups onboard so people will be book smart when they show up. Eventually the ship will be stationed out of Japan, so getting certified in Hawaii will save some guys money vs. getting certified in Japan and offer the chance to dive in our port stops along the way.
As far as my own background, I have 50-99 (I think ~70) dives. Mostly warm water dives in Hawaii (I just moved away from there 18 months ago), but also some in Puget Sound, Virginia and Philippines. I don't want to go tech crazy while there, but if I can knock out an intro course to get a feel for doubles I'd like to. Plus it will save me money over taking the intro course in Japan. I have all the books for TDI courses, and I can study along the way if TDI is available.
As far as my own background, I have 50-99 (I think ~70) dives. Mostly warm water dives in Hawaii (I just moved away from there 18 months ago), but also some in Puget Sound, Virginia and Philippines. I don't want to go tech crazy while there, but if I can knock out an intro course to get a feel for doubles I'd like to. Plus it will save me money over taking the intro course in Japan. I have all the books for TDI courses, and I can study along the way if TDI is available.