DIR Training

[Firebrand]

Can anyone tell me where/how I can take some DIR training? Are there any pre-requisites (minimum logged dives, specialty training) required? Any information on the cost of the training would also be appreciated. UP seems to have a bit of knowledge surrounding this, so please feel free to comment. Also, I like to use a custom mouthpiece for my regulator, how would that work with the long hose configuration?

 

[jonnythan]

http://www.gue.com/classroom/dirfund.shtml

Pre-reqs are an OW cert and a certain level of physical fitness. You must show up with certain equipment, as well.. you need a bp/wing, a long hose primary with a bungeed backup, etc.

http://www.gue.com/cgi-bin/webcal/webcal.cgi?function=webmonth&cal=GUE+Course+Schedule

That should bring you to a class schedule.. and generally, if you have specific questions, the best thing to do is simply email or call the instructor you were looking at taking the class with. For example, Cody Gardner is teaching a class in Miami the weekend of April 23, so just email Cody. There are also a few instructors that hang out on this forum that will be happy to email you... just read through the guidelines on the main class page, and post any specific questions.

AFAIK, the custom mouthpeices are not very welcomed because you *will* be giving the regulator to other divers many times through the class. I don't know if they're specifically disallowed for the class, though.

 

[JimC]

http://www.gue.com/classroom/dirfund.shtml

There are lots of GUE instructors in Florida, info@gue.com should be able to hook you up with one.

No, but some in water comfort is a good thing, talk to the instructor about your situation and listen to his recomendations. All you need is OW training.

Costs are $300-$400 for the class last I looked.

Seacures or other custom mouthpiece's don't work very well with a long hose, as the diver you are donating to may not be able to use it or it will drasticaly increase the stress of the situation.

 

[OE2X]

Good for you wanting to take the course. Looking at the # of logged dives in your profile I would say that this is a perfect time to take the class. Best to start out new, unlike me where I had to overcome a bunch of bad habits.

 

[jonnythan]

One thing to keep in mind is that DIR-F is nominally a qualification class for GUE technical training. This isn't at all to say that it's only appropriate to take the class if you plan on taking GUE tech classes.. quite the opposite. However, understand that *passing* the class means that the instructor feels your skills are ready for Tech 1 or Cave 1.

Don't go into the class expecting to get a "DIR-F card." You will be shown where your skills are, but, more importantly, what they *should* be and *how to get there*.

 

[Firebrand]

Unfortunately, my time in Florida is coming close to an end, and I will be heading back to Huntsville, AL. Does anyone know of a course near there? (It will also take some convincing to my wife to let me get new gear and pay for the course!)

 

[JimC]

info@gue.com

 

[boomx5]

(It will also take some convincing to my wife to let me get new gear and pay for the course!)

Just buy the gear for her and ask to borrow it for the class.

 

[jonnythan]

It's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

 

[StSomewhere]

There is a DIR forum just for questions like this.