Air or Nitrox for scuba instructor

[scuba4mary]

Hi!
I'm doing the IDC in Cozumel in Sept. Need to get new equip and pay for course, so I don't have a huge amount of money to spend.

Question:
This question goes out to INSTRUCTORS!
Do I need a nitrox computer?
When I worked as a Divemaster, we never used Nitrox for ourselves. (I always used the RDP wheel anyways with a mandatory 1 hr surface interval).
I really want to get a compouter as cheap as I can since I also need a reg.
ps... suggestions on that too?
Thanks!!
Mary

 

[Diver0001]

Hi!
I'm doing the IDC in Cozumel in Sept. Need to get new equip and pay for course, so I don't have a huge amount of money to spend.

Question:
This question goes out to INSTRUCTORS!
Do I need a nitrox computer?
When I worked as a Divemaster, we never used Nitrox for ourselves. (I always used the RDP wheel anyways with a mandatory 1 hr surface interval).
I really want to get a compouter as cheap as I can since I also need a reg.
ps... suggestions on that too?
Thanks!!
Mary

For the course, no. You'll probably want one when you start teaching. If you don't need a lot of bells and whistles then the Suunto Gekko is worth looking at.

On the second question I'm partial to Aqualung regulators.

R..

 

[ninjamuzo]

I agree with the above.

Note that for nitrox mixes higher than 21% if you dive withing the Air profile on a non nitorx dive com you will lose some bottom time but it will be well inside the safety margins. The Gekko is about the least expensive full function computer but it does lack a PC interface option if you ever feel you will need that.

I am partial to Mares regs myself, thought I use Posidon for tec diving.

 

[scubatoys]

Or for another few weeks, Aeris is running the special on the Atmos 2 Wrist Computer for 268 - and that has audibles, water activation, user changable batteries, and you can download it with the download cable (sold seperately).

Really if getting a package of stuff... the difference between getting a nitrox or air computer is normally $100... I'd spend the $100 now so I don't have to spend the $300 later.

 

[scubachris]

You won't need one for the IDC but you will need a timing device (that's required during the IDC and IE). In other words make sure you have a waterproof watch to wear.

Depending on where you are going to work you may be able to get a keyman discount or some sort of discount from the shop you go to work for. Something to think about.

My reco is the Suunto Mosquito. When I was teaching I'd wear it all the time, never forgot to have my computer on. It's also small enough you don't bump it changing tanks over (for guests) between the dives. It's also air and nitrox. Whatever you get I agree with the above spend the extra $ now for the nitrox. Although you may have a hard time finding air only as most now offer nitrox as standard.

Chris

 

[Mako Mark]

Most of the time you will be using air to teach, but it is nice to have a Nitrox computer if you can. Consider it part of your toolbox. The watch sized comps are great for the reason chris mentioned.

Mary, who are you doing your IDC with?? Eva or Jorge?

 

[scuba4mary]

Thanks for all the help! And Scubatoys does have some great bargains.

Mark, turns out I'm doing it in Playa Del Carmen with Scuba Caribe in July! Can't wait.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Depending on where you are going to work you may be able to get a keyman discount or some sort of discount from the shop you go to work for. Something to think about.

I can't agree more. Just prior to the IDC is not the time to be buying major pieces of gear.

You say you need a computer and a reg. There will doubtlessly be more kit over time. If you end up with access to a keyman program it can make a huge difference in how far your budget will stretch. Consider it part of your pay package as a dive professional.