As a CMAS 1 diver, should I go for SSI Deep diver+Nitrox?

[zixzax]

CMAS** was a good class that avanced skills in a whole lot of areas from navigation to finning techniques as well as gas management and dive planning. I would happily have taken CMAS** even after having done a deep diving course.

Hi FinnMom,
It is exactly what my instructor of CMAS said. I will get better prepared through CMAS 2. He would rather think that the SSI offer was a good marketing approach. Well, there is a competition here of course ...
Thanks for advice.

 

[Bob DBF]

For your objective the SSI course will get you the certification. To be a better overall diver CMAS 2 would be a better route, they are not mutually exclusive.

I'm not a fan of new divers at 130', just because it is no place to have your first incident. Narcosis and a CO2 hit can cause a diver to make some poor choices. The fact one is certified to 130' does not mean one is experienced enough to be there.


Dive Safe

Bob

 

[aviator8]

Hi Storker. Thanks for your prompt reply.
The DM said deep diver specialty is highly recommended because there is much more to see at a deeper level.
I am also thinking about an option of upgrading my CMAS to level 2, which allows 40m depth. But it does not include Nitrox... But from what you have proposed, CMAS 2 seems to be not necessary for a recreational diver, as it just makes it deeper and I can dive independently with buddy.

I don’t really agree with that deep statement. If it is reefs and aquatic life you won’t get more deep. In fact Imho reefs are better in the first 50 ft. Now if you want wrecks many are deeper and the reasoning would apply.

 

[rongoodman]

If you're really interested in deeper dives, why not consider something like the IANTD recreational trimix classes, so you'll be able to remember more of what you saw? Less problems with gas density too.

 

[scubadada]

Hi @zixzax

Your local diving appears to have some good, deeper sites. I don't know if you have travel plans. Aside from advancing your skills, additional training is sometimes required by operators to do some sites. This is commonly AOW or equivalent. I don't know if Deep Diver would satisfy this requirement, I've never been asked for any specialty certification. Nitrox certification is very valuable, I would obtain it with or soon after OW

 

[Bob DBF]

Aside from advancing your skills, additional training is sometimes required by operators to do some sites. This is commonly AOW or equivalent. I don't know if Deep Diver would satisfy this requirement, I've never been asked for any specialty certification.

One reason for the AOW requirement is the training to a depth greater than 60'. The only other required dive is Navagation, and three other dives, I don't know if that would be an issue.

Of course, if the requirement is AOW, you could be excluded from the dive regardless of your certifications, if the dive op is literal. Best check.


Bob

 

[Storker]

if the requirement is AOW, you could be excluded from the dive regardless of your certifications, if the dive op is literal.

This is commonly AOW or equivalent.

Last time I checked, PADI allowed a CMAS 2* diver to cross over and enroll DM. So they apparently consider CMAS 2* equivalent to PADI RD.

Personally, I'd rate 2* slightly below RD on pure rescue training, but above AOW on diver skills.

Whether a specific op is aware of what a 2* cert entails is quite another can of worms.

 

[Bob DBF]

Last time I checked, PADI allowed a CMAS 2* diver to cross over and enroll DM. So they apparently consider CMAS 2* equivalent to PADI RD

Since the OP is CMAS 1, and is making an end run around AOW or CMAS 2 by getting deep training, he may find that it might not work the way he intends. It depends on the operators requirement of AOW certification for a dive, since Deep and Nitrox are neither AOW nor CMAS 2.


Bob

 

[zixzax]

Hi guys,
I decided to take CMAS 2. Ten courses will surely help make much more progress. And I might go for a nitrox as well. Will see.
Thank you all for the advice. I like this forum. Great friends!
Happy diving!

 

[60plus]

I had only done 12 dives when I did SSI deep diver and nitrox combined. I had 1 to 1 instruction and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having done the course I agree with what BobDBF says in #12 about the risks of new divers being deep. It is a long way back to the surface. I did the deep course to look at wrecks, I enjoy being able to go deep when needed but the problem is you run out of gas too quickly. If your eventual aim is to spend a decent amount of time deeper than 35m you should probable choose the course that best leads to trimix / technical diving or CCR.