Am I a candidate to pursue DIR?

[PerroneFord]

Remember that even the progentitors of DIR didn't learn DIR. And there were many before them that executed many safe dives. DIR is simply one way to accomplish safe diving. There are many. Some of the best divers on the planet do not follow the DIR mindset, though they are usually very safe and experienced divers.

 

[PerroneFord]

If you do not have the signatures from dive shops how credibly are your log books treated if they are almost exclusively co-signed by your spouse? Tech pre-reqs 100 dives, EANx and below 100'?

Chris

I've never had anyone ask to see my log book. I just finished cave and no one asked. I did the Oriskany and no one asked. I did Adv. Nitrox and no one asked. People did talk to me, watch me suit up, scrutinize my gear config, and dive with me in the water to determine my ability. Not that I'm a great diver or anything, but they all felt I was competent.

I think I've had my logbook signed by a buddy perhaps 3 times, and only because my buddy insisted as a matter of ritual. I log my dives on the computer then print them out for my own use.

 

[Data]

Wheww, Chris, you need to chill a little.
While I do have a DIR-F card, I choose not to go full DIR. It's just not necessary for the diving I do. I prefer my BC to a BP and like using my computer, nothing wrong with either, rather it‘s a matter of personal preference. I found a lot of things I really liked about GUE training and some things I did not care for. I have picked and chose the items that made sense to me and incorporated them into my diving style. I do think the name "doing it right" leaves something to be desired, doing it standard may be better. DIR is as much about being “standard” as anything. I will say the skills traing part of the DIR-F course is likely the best going and was the part of the class I found most useful. There is nothing "wrong" with a BC or not diving a long hose config, it's just different, in the right situations either are perfectly safe. Safe competent divers come geared in all sorts of ways. I would bet it’s rare a REAL DIR diver would refuse to dive with someone simply because they are not “DIR” as long as the dive did not dictate otherwise, internet wannabes are a different matter. Unsafe or careless divers are a totally different matter. Frankly, I would not dive with someone with that attitude, DIR or not, way to macho to be a safe diver.
Diving is not an absolute sport, many divers and locations do things differently, often dictated by local conditions. Your mention of no snorkels is a good example. Tech divers (and DIR trained divers) don’t normally carry snorkels for good reasons. I never dive with one unless required by the boat and then it’s stowed away and not on my mask. DM’s are another example, here in NC we never have DM’s in the water except for training dives. You hit the water with your buddy and go, we assume you are a real diver and know what you are doing. Oking on the surface waste time, with waves and currents we have you stand a lot better chance of getting swept away from the anchor line.
My honest opinion is, chill out some, find several good experienced buddies and spend some time diving and learn from them. Learn what works for you and then if you want to go full DIR, have at it.

To you last questions, why would you want or need a dry suit in the Caribbean? Enjoy the warm water and diving freedom of no exposure suits, just pee away.

Mr. herman, last time I checked this was the DIR forum and has certain rules where some of your statements would be considered being a TROLL

take a look at #6
Rules for posting in the DIR forum

 

[PerroneFord]

I don't think he was trolling. I also don't see DIR as an all or nothing proposition. You can carry the mindset and skills with you no matter the gear config. If you're away on vacation, you may not be able to get a BP/W or a 7ft hose. You just do the best you can right?

I guess I need to go read the posting rules...

 

[herman]

Mr. herman, last time I checked this was the DIR forum and has certain rules where some of your statements would be considered being a TROLL

take a look at #6
Rules for posting in the DIR forum

It was not my intent to troll or violate the TOC. Considering the question asked I don't feel I did but if the MODs don't agree, my bad, no harm was intended. How bout it Pete??

 

[Vie]

Ironically when I was doing research to buy our BCDs I was going to buy BP/W and at last minute decided against it since they weren't as easy to obtain locally in Chicago.

If you are located in the Chicago area, you should get in touch with these guys...

http://www.chicagoexplorers.com/

But in my opinion... everyone is a candidate for DIR. Start with Fundies and see from there......

I absolutely agree with Meng_Tze. If you are interested in GUE training, get in touch with an instructor. You can search the list of instructors here:

http://www.gue.com/Training/Instructors/index.html

Are there any DIR, GUE shops in the Caribbean?

Yes.

http://www.oceanfrontiers.com/

http://www.caribbeangastraining.com/

 

[Dawktah]

Wow! Shore diving in Bonaire with doubles. I can see were physical fitness is very important. Thanks for the info. I will have to look into which one is easier to get to.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

You don't need doubles to be DIR ... and they're overkill in Bonaire (unless you're planning to dive the clipper ship).

FWIW - I was just there last week, and the only people on the boat diving BP/W were me and my dive buddy. Nobody else remarked, or even noticed that I could tell. One person back at the place we were staying asked me about the metal plate attached to my BCD, and I explained what a BP/W was and why I dived with it. All I got for a response was "that's very interesting", and the conversation quickly turned to other topics.

Don't get too hung up on the gear ... DIR is much more than that ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[John_B]

I was going to put in my original post about the DIR and no snorkel, but PADI OW states you need one. I like following rules, sorry for the confusion.

This is a common misconception. PADI OW training requires a snorkel but after your four checkout dives are done you are free to configure your gear however you like, including no snorkel or a foldup model stowed in a thigh pocket. Personally I find snorkels useless unless I'm actually snorkeling (a totally separate activity from scuba diving).

John

 

[Meng_Tze]

I have actually seen a trend in the last two years or so..... the operators dont demand a snorkel anymore.... before I could not get on a boat without one....

But DIR is as some have said before, it is a combination of rig, midset and skill... thats about all there is to it. Go for it and see... I promise that fundies will not disappoint.