DIR setup for DM certification??

[bcsean]

I'm just about to do my DM course, and I plan to be using a jacket style bc for the course. The big worry I had was swapping gear underwater. Didn't figure this would be idea having a totally different setup then everyone else there, and it's not exactly the easiest thing to get on and off underwater.

I'm just in the midst of getting my bp/wing setup and havent dove it yet, but I really don't see it helping in the course itself. I've already cleared it with the shop that I can dive this setup when working with them, even though they don't sell it, as long as I know the "selling features, benefits" to the equipment they sell.

 

[jagfish]

You know I hate to say it, but when I did my DM course, I felt the BC harness helped me a great deal in doffig and doffing underwater.

Also, in another traiing I undewent, I had to doff and donn my BC a number of times underwater. Now that I am pretty close to making teh switch to BP/W, I am wondering if I would be able to doff and don BP/W as easily.

JAG

 

[japan-diver]

I can remove and replace my BP/W u/w no problem just takes a little practice. Have done this in a wetsuit realy easy and a drysuit-slightly more difficult w/o a weightbelt but can be done.

as with anything practice.

Never dive anything else but a BP/W doesn't matter if I'm teaching O/W or an ITC or on a fun dive. But the shop I work for sells BP/W's from a few different companies.

If they won't let you wear the gear you dive and believe is the best and safest set-up time to find new instructors.

 

[Catt]

I am a PADI instructor and would not mind what equipment my DM decided to wear provided it did not break any safey standards and did not stop him/her from doing the job i required of them.

 

[divad]

Now that I am pretty close to making teh switch to BP/W, I am wondering if I would be able to doff and don BP/W as easily. JAG

Its easier, by virtue of being less convoluted and "noodley",
assuming you're getting the simpler harness.

 

[bwerb]

I've already cleared it with the shop that I can dive this setup when working with them, even though they don't sell it, as long as I know the "selling features, benefits" to the equipment they sell.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the part of the DM course which covers sales techniques for diveshop equipment. I guess just being a virtual dive shop indentured servant as a requirement for the course isn't enough, now you have to make sure that you are also fully versed in sales and marketing techniques for the shop's gear...

yeah...that sounds like it has a great deal to do with teaching others to dive.

 

[AZ_Zoner]

Another note is to take into consideration what students you work with will be using. They look to DM's and Instructors for technique in performing skills. If your equipment differs much from theirs your skill demos really don't show them how to perform the skill.

CB

 

[The Kraken]

BWERB,
I think you just opened Pandora's Box. Your post will, no doubt, launch some very animated responses . . .

Pax Vobiscum . . .

 

[DennisS]

Are we alowed to use an backplate/ wing for the Divemasters certification???

Isn't that a question you should be asking the people that you are doing your training with? Communication with them would answer your question. Do you intend to show up with DIR gear and a printout of the scubaboard responses?

Just ask them.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I used a hog rig (not DIR, as my harness is a TransPlate, which is not DIR) for my NAUI DM training. Several of the DM's I've worked with over the past year are DIR, and our instructors (YMCA, PADI, NAUI, and SSI) all encouraged us to wear our rigs during our OW classes so they could introduce the students to a "different" configuration.

The only reason I can think of that your instructor might not want you to wear a DIR rig is if you are expected to demo skills to students who are not wearing one ... you need to do so in a manner that they can emulate.

I am planning to use my hog rig for OW classes ... except in the pool, where I will need to demonstrate the skills ... in OW, the students demonstrate them for me, and I see value in showing new divers the alternative configuration. NAUI does require instructors to carry a snorkel ... but I plan to carry it in my pocket.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)