Does this mean you also wouldn't accept back-up on necklace/primary donate with long hose? (Just looking into gear, so wondering what opinions are out there. I'm probably going to stick with rental for awhile, but this seems to be the set up all the DMs and Instructors at our shop dive)
Actually that would be the preferred configuration. My advanced classes are not for everyone. I do not market them as being so. They are for those who will not be the average vacation diver.
Gear configurations that are optimal for the dives that I require and skills are spelled out before someone is allowed to sign up. As are the required skill sets and I may even conduct evaluation dives to see if the student is even ready for advanced level training of the type I offer.
They can use an integrated inflator once they have proved to me they are competent with it under all conditions of the course. But there are still required drills where a standard octo is going to need to be on their rig. Such as the 100 ft side by side air share swims with no mask. And the air share swims and ascents with no mask and simulated deco stops. And no mask swims and ascents where the buddy controls the buoyancy for both divers while on a divers octo. I don't want them to have to remove a persons reg from their mouth to do that. There are lots of stuff hits the fan drills in the class.
Optimal gear configurations are a part of the classroom and why they are preferred is covered. I also reserve the right to refuse those that I and other class participants are not comfortable with. Same with the redundant air supply requirements. Spare airs are absolutely forbidden.
And all will have an analog spg. No exception to that. And back up depth and timing devices since we do plan all dives with tables and back up plans are included where the diver falls back on them when the computer "dies".
The St Lawrence example is a good one of why a direct ascent may not be possible. And why you might want to have things a certain way.
One thing that is done is to go over a persons gear, and like an intro to tech class modify, change, and accept or reject items. As I said my class is not for everyone. Those who insist on using gear that is not ok for my class are free to use another instructor.
People seek me out for this class. I don't market it as being for everyone. Because it is not.
So my class, my rules for skills, gear, entry into it, and graduation from it. They are clearly stated and agreed before any money is exchanged.
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