Dive Computer Suggestions

[BDSC]

Review of PADI Computer Course

Last week I participated in PADI's new certification for Dive Computers. It was a good intro for first time computer users. The course began with an overview of the various types of computers (console, wrist, AI, wireless, etc). The course focused on Suunto dive computers (Cobra 1 & 2, D4, D6, D9), which might be a result of the attendees' request rather than the course design. There was an general overview of the dive computer's features and hierarchy for selecting functions. This course would have been extremely helpful the day I purchased my computer providing a general understanding of all the featrures and critical information presented by the computer.

Having spent some time with my computer, I learned a couple of tricks that most likely I would have picked up upon further reviewing the owners manual. THere were a number of seasoned divers in the course and based on their questions and comments, I think that they would have gotten the same benefit by spending a 5-10 minutes discussion at their LDS.

The downside to the course is that you can't simulate a dive on the computer in the classroom so most of the review is static. Perhaps more slides showing the display at different points in a real dive would have been helpful. My general comment on the structure of most of the PADI courses that I have participated in is that they are a bit general and do not focus as much on the detail or repetitive practice/exercises. Granted this comment is more a personal preference / personality...plan and practice as if it is the real event and not simply a drill so that when things go bad you instinctively know the steps and routine.

OK. I want to make sure my thinking is right on this. Are you saying that PADI is now teaching a course on dive computers and you can get "certified" on this course or am I mistaken?

 

[Ursus]

OK. I want to make sure my thinking is right on this. Are you saying that PADI is now teaching a course on dive computers and you can get "certified" on this course or am I mistaken?

Yes...that was my initial thought as well. I was a participant in first class here in Houston. It is my understanding the nstructor wrote the course req for PADI. It counts as a cert. toward master diver. I took the class for the topic, and not the credit. My thoughts are that this course's qualification as a certification is about the same as getting the "boat diver" certification. I plan on taking some extra credits that are more applicable for advanced underwater skills. By default knowing how to use your gear seems to be an essential skill rather than an advanced skill requiring additional recognition/merit. Tnen again...underwater photography or digital photography count as well. so I guess the criteria extends beyond critical skills.

 

[ScubaMarc]

One point I do not see in this long thread. Gauges are less accurate than AI computers. A gauge can more easily be off by a few hundred psi than a AI as the years go by.

Both could be off, but AI are less prone.

 

[BDSC]

Yes...that was my initial thought as well. I was a participant in first class here in Houston. It is my understanding the nstructor wrote the course req for PADI. It counts as a cert. toward master diver. I took the class for the topic, and not the credit. My thoughts are that this course's qualification as a certification is about the same as getting the "boat diver" certification. I plan on taking some extra credits that are more applicable for advanced underwater skills. By default knowing how to use your gear seems to be an essential skill rather than an advanced skill requiring additional recognition/merit. Tnen again...underwater photography or digital photography count as well. so I guess the criteria extends beyond critical skills.

I couldn't help but laugh when I read this. The first thing I thought of when I saw you could get certified on computers was just what you thought. It's right there with boat diver. I mean just how much training and teaching can you do about boat diving that you won't pick up the first time you get on a boat. I'm PADI certified but sometimes they go a little to far for the sake of a new "certification".

 

[NudeDiver]

It counts as a cert. toward master diver.

I wonder if they are going to offer some other equipment related specialties:

HydroOptix Double-Dome Diver (this one is for real)
Split Fin Diver
Dry Snorkel Diver
Elevator BC Diver

Boom - there you go - 5 specialties and a master diver cert.

 

[Rhone Man]

To be honest, I am still hugely cynical about "Peak Performance Bouyancy".

There was a thread a while ago about most ludicrous PADI distincitive specialties (my favourite was "Golf Ball Diver"), but PPB is mainstream...

 

[BDSC]

And of course it all leads down that path of getting that ever coveted "Master Scuba Diver" rating. Of course that can open up another whole can of worms. Speaking of opening up a can of worms, I once refered to it as a "Master Diver" rating and I was quickly informed that only people in the Navy could have that title. It was like the Navy owned the rights to the term "Master Diver".

 

[Ursus]

I gave the LDS some constructive feedback on the course and direction that they could improve it to focus on new owners and practical application (ie simulated dive scenario from a real dive download with slides of the computer display at different points throughout the dive so new diver/computer owner can have sense of what they will data they will see and what it means throughout a dive). Hopefully they run with it.

I teased the LDS about it being captured as a cert. THey agreed that much like underwater photography it didn't make much sense as a "master" skill. They pointed out that with the exception of you aow dives and rescue diver you can obtain all the required 5 certs needed for Master status without touching the water....

I suggested writing a specialty cert. for PADI..."Advanced Shell Collection". Included in you $75 purchase of the video and training manual is a complimentary 10" mesh collection bag. We can do all the training shoreside if weather permits or simulate a real dive by tossing some shells in the bottom of the pool. Key criteria is being able to determine the difference between a empty shell from an occupied shell, shell vs nonshell (brick, tire, beer can, anchor, etc)....

 

[BDSC]

I gave the LDS some constructive feedback on the course and direction that they could improve it to focus on new owners and practical application (ie simulated dive scenario from a real dive download with slides of the computer display at different points throughout the dive so new diver/computer owner can have sense of what they will data they will see and what it means throughout a dive). Hopefully they run with it.

I teased the LDS about it being captured as a cert. THey agreed that much like underwater photography it didn't make much sense as a "master" skill. They pointed out that with the exception of you aow dives and rescue diver you can obtain all the required 5 certs needed for Master status without touching the water....

I suggested writing a specialty cert. for PADI..."Advanced Shell Collection". Included in you $75 purchase of the video and training manual is a complimentary 10" mesh collection bag. We can do all the training shoreside if weather permits or simulate a real dive by tossing some shells in the bottom of the pool. Key criteria is being able to determine the difference between a empty shell from an occupied shell, shell vs nonshell (brick, tire, beer can, anchor, etc)....

Hell of an idea!

 

[Rhone Man]

And of course it all leads down that path of getting that ever coveted "Master Scuba Diver" rating. Of course that can open up another whole can of worms. Speaking of opening up a can of worms, I once refered to it as a "Master Diver" rating and I was quickly informed that only people in the Navy could have that title. It was like the Navy owned the rights to the term "Master Diver".

I think SSI and NAUI both call it a "Master Diver", although I suspect that does offend US Naval Types - I gather the Navy ranking is quite prestigious. IANTD call their equivalent "Elite Diver".