DIR- GUE CCR Fundamentals

[Nick_Radov]

It looks like GUE has completely reworked their training pipeline. CCR Fundamentals is now the prerequisite for CCR 1. In other words it looks like students no longer go from Tech 1 to CCR 1; there's a separate upgrade path from Tech 1 instead which also requires CCR-F. But those who want to get into tech diving can now go straight to the CCR pipeline without having to do a bunch of open-circuit trimix dives first, which was probably necessary given the current helium shortage.

One issue is that CCR-F and the CCR-T1 upgrade require "GUE Rescue Primer or equivalent from a recognized training agency". Is Tech 1 considered equivalent? I'll have to ask about that.

 

[whynot]

I don't understand - isn't the OW/AOW/Master Diver just rec1/2/3 renamed and rebranded?

Yes. But, Rec 3 is a stupid, ridiculous course - I know, I took it. Calling it “Master Diver” is almost a capital crime and that’s saying A LOT.

**(Chants @PfcAJ into the mirror 13 times)**

 

[L2m]

Yes. But, Rec 3 is a stupid, ridiculous course - I know, I took it. Calling it “Master Diver” is almost a capital crime and that’s saying A LOT.

**(Chants @PfcAJ into the mirror 13 times)**

well it does look a little weird. But I expect anyone with a real interest in GUE courses would spend time reading the course material and make a sound decision themselves.

May I additionally ask if you ever took rec 1/2? I wonder how they compare with the OW/AOW on the market especially for people don't mind paying more for a course with quality (or better if it doesn't cost too much)

 

[Dex~]

well it does look a little weird. But I expect anyone with a real interest in GUE courses would spend time reading the course material and make a sound decision themselves.

May I additionally ask if you ever took rec 1/2? I wonder how they compare with the OW/AOW on the market especially for people don't mind paying more for a course with quality (or better if it doesn't cost too much)

Rec 1, or Open Water Diver now, is distinct from standard OW courses offered by other agencies. This 5- to 6-day class covers the GUE philosophy, GUE equipment configurations with a balanced rig, nitrox usage and analysis, gas planning and management, propulsion techniques, valve operations, and SMB deployments—topics typically absent from casual OW courses. It's essentially a combination of three classes, making it, in my opinion, the best option for those pursuing open water training.

 

[justinthedeeps]

True minimum weight checks, nitrox, SMB with trim all good selling points

Will the GUE Rec 1 card work at a PADI shop/boat for nitrox/advanced dives? For example I've seen a very good GUE rec diver join a random opportune 'advanced' boat charter while traveling [not sure which card(s) he showed or who checked them]

5 to 6 days still seems like a bare minimum to cover open water diving at even a PADI 'advanced' equivalency

The PADI OW/Adv worksheets actually specify heaps of good skills, it's just seldom all drilled properly. Hence DAN articles about people out of air (and 'quarter turn bad') because we didn't look at the SPG on a pre-breathe, etc etc

I was surprised to learn that single-tank GUE divers are practicing in-water valve drills on their single back-mounted cylinders, or that they can all even manage to reach it (?)

 

[justinthedeeps]

Cool to see the CCR skills can be developed from an earlier stage, building more familiarity with it over time from a slightly less consequential position.

I guess that was supposed to happen in the T1/T2 > CCR1 track as well, but when you put a CCR onto an existing 60(+) metre diver, I could see the temptation to push it too far too quickly. An already 'elite'/deep diver might have less patience for those 100+ hours of recommended shallower/normoxic time getting to know peculiarities, procedures and instincts.

 

[whynot]

well it does look a little weird. But I expect anyone with a real interest in GUE courses would spend time reading the course material and make a sound decision themselves.

Oh, my sweet summer child, how much you have left to learn.

May I additionally ask if you ever took rec 1/2? I wonder how they compare with the OW/AOW on the market especially for people don't mind paying more for a course with quality (or better if it doesn't cost too much)

No, I have not.

I was surprised to learn that single-tank GUE divers are practicing in-water valve drills on their single back-mounted cylinders, or that they can all even manage to reach it (?)

A singles valve drill is just the diver showing that they can reach back and manipulate the valve if needed (e.g., an accidental jump off the boat with a closed valve) - no valves are shut down during a singles valve drill.

 

[justinthedeeps]

A singles valve drill is just the diver showing that they can reach back and manipulate the valve if needed (e.g., an accidental jump off the boat with a closed valve) - no valves are shut down during a singles valve drill.

Ok makes sense, I do it too--and I still find the quarter-turn back useful (in disagreement with DAN/PADI etc on their new view)

Simply removing the gear to work the valve is probably not condoned or practiced..
But it can be done gracefully in mid-water to open or feather a valve etc without creating a disaster (the 'divemaster' way )

 

[ChrisMBC]

So, most of the details of CCR Fundamentals seem to be out, but there's still some unclear pieces:
- 30m max, MDL dives only (although - is that OC MDL or CC MDL? You could do a much longer dive @ 24m or 21m with a CCR than on 32)
- Approved gases - GUE site says "Standard gas mixes in Fundamentals, helium introduced in Tech 1." But the current CCR standard DIL chart shows a MOD of 15m for 32%, and 21/35 is the approved DIL for 15-30m dives.

 

[whynot]

- 30m max, MDL dives only (although - is that OC MDL or CC MDL? You could do a much longer dive @ 24m or 21m with a CCR than on 32)

Hopefully, a current CCR1 diver will chime in and answer, as the details should be the same as they apply to the (now legacy) post-ccr1 25 recreational (within MDL) dive requirement (before doing tech dives).

- Approved gases - GUE site says "Standard gas mixes in Fundamentals, helium introduced in Tech 1." But the current CCR standard DIL chart shows a MOD of 15m for 32%, and 21/35 is the approved DIL for 15-30m dives.

I **think*** that the diluent will be 21% (air), then the 02 will take care of the rest; though I will update if I learn anything more concrete.

Note that I am not a CCR diver and it's very likely that I have no clue what I'm talking about; I OC; etc.