DIR-F July 1-4

[jj_freelord]

From the little I've read I like the principles behind DIR-F, well DIR period. The safe, skilled, knowledgeable part parallel every important requirement for my job. I've also read about other divers' experience with it and as TSandM said, non-optimal stuff was pointed out.

But (as was posted earlier) if I were to argue for 20 mins w/ someone regarding color...

No 2 DIR-F will be held the same way from operator-to-operator, that's a given. In the meantime, I'll pass on this round and try to get myself into the water more and learn all I can w/ what gear is available to me now. After all, attaining any degree of proficiency and safety is not entirely dependent on any single aspect, be it training, equipment or attitude. It is a combination of these 3 and then some.

So, I wish Halthron and the others the best with their training and would encourage others to do it. I will gladly offer whatever help I can give if anyone needs it for the swim requirements.

 

[midwestdvr]

Hmmm, I wish I could take fundies but will have to wait until I'm in better shape. I'll have to make do with essentials for now (if I can ever get the schedule that fit my schedule). Have fun with the class, Erik, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Ben_ca]

From the little I've read I like the principles behind DIR-F, well DIR period. The safe, skilled, knowledgeable part parallel every important requirement for my job. I've also read about other divers' experience with it and as TSandM said, non-optimal stuff was pointed out.

But (as was posted earlier) if I were to argue for 20 mins w/ someone regarding color...

No 2 DIR-F will be held the same way from operator-to-operator, that's a given. In the meantime, I'll pass on this round and try to get myself into the water more and learn all I can w/ what gear is available to me now. After all, attaining any degree of proficiency and safety is not entirely dependent on any single aspect, be it training, equipment or attitude. It is a combination of these 3 and then some.

So, I wish Halthron and the others the best with their training and would encourage others to do it. I will gladly offer whatever help I can give if anyone needs it for the swim requirements.

Standardization: Myself and several buddies work in the aviation industry just like you so the issue of standardized response to emergencies and a baseline level of proficiency appeals to me alot. When it comes to EP's (Emergency Procedures) they are spelled out and practiced frequently. There is a predive checklist and it is emphasized both during and after... You have it on you might as well use it. Doing an air share drill every dive makes it almost second nature.

The instructor cadre may have some slight differences but I believe that it probably has the least amount of deviations from all the other agencies.... there are only a few DIR-F instructors so the serial distortion should be minimal

I would recommend the class to everyone sadly though the price is often the limiting factor.

 

[jj_freelord]

Standardization is nice Yes, the price would be a major limiting factor. Still important though not as major would be the differences between instructors.

 

[Halthron]

The 20 minute discussion was about the harness itself, not just the color and it wasn't with someone who's DIR.

The best thing for anyone, IMO, is to start slowly. Learn about the process (more than equipment) and see what you like and don't like. I've gone back and forth whether I wanted to take the class but the whole time I kept learning more about the entire process, integrating the pieces I felt would compliment my diving and trying to get better. In all, there's an incredible attraction for anyone who already works in an environment that encourages conformity in the way things are done

 

[paolov]

brand any of it is as long as it meets criteria for function

YEAH ! FUNCTION before FORM !


whatever the course if it is properly executed the student should benefit as long as it is taken with the intent of improving.




.

 

[paolov]

In all, there's an incredible attraction for anyone who already works in an environment that encourages conformity in the way things are done

thats the summary of Carl Marx and the red book of Mao Tse Tung ......




.

 

[jj_freelord]

The 20 minute discussion was about the harness itself, not just the color and it wasn't with someone who's DIR.

That is good to hear. I agree to the rest of what everyone says about it too.

Including paolov. I don't look like much when I'm in the drink or out of it since I'm pretty much working from the function angle. Do plan to add more function slowly Including a suitable DIR course eventually. So, I would definitely like to hear and see what it's like and what it's about. Hearing about it from someone who went through the training, or better yet seeing it happen, in addition to reading about DIR would really make any decision easier.

 

[chip104]

Have fun eric - all the best! Did my summary email help at all?

 

[Halthron]

The DIR section of SB has a number of good write-ups from the DIR-F course. While instructor differences no doubt exist, there are about as many PADI instructors in the PI as there are GUE instructors throughout the world. And, ,to the best of my knowledge, there's only one site to actually become an instructor so you don't have the standards creep that you do with PADI.

Here's a list of class reports. It's actually a mix of the GUE version and the 5thDX version since the topics will be pretty similar and will give more info on what's covered.

1/24/06

12/09/05

12/06/05

11/19/05 Double Report

Double Report Follow On

10/17/05

08/19/05

Link to more reports Pre-July 05

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