Doubles and Certifications

[bwetter]

Ok group here is my question of the day -
My goal is to get Cave certified and I know my abilities with single tanks but I would like to practice for bouyancy and feel with doubles, I went to my LDS and asked to rent a pair of doubles to try them out in my personnal pool (10') depth - just to try and gain experience and practice, but to my surprise they would not rent without proper certifications.

So on to my question ...... What are some of the Certifications I can achieve in order to rent doubles and will also aid with gaining experience?

Thank you

 

[BabyDuck]

hmm, i've never tried to rent doubles, so i can't answer that specific part, but i'd look into an intro to tech class or gue fundies. alternatively, buddy up with a mentor who's doing the type of diving you want to do & borrow their gear for several quarry-type dives. where in nova are you?

 

[Scott L]

Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures is far and away the most popular entry certification into technical diving/extended range...

 

[TSandM]

There is no specific certification for using doubles. A couple of agencies teach doubles "minis", which are basically coaching sessions. There are classes which are typically taken IN doubles, like AN/DP or some of the Intro to Tech classes. This is definitely a shop policy, and if you weren't talking to the owner or manager, I'd discuss it with him.

I'm surprised you HAVE a local shop that rents doubles!

 

[bwetter]

Thank you for the responses - I just found out it is due to "insurance" - an appropriate certification that would require the use of doubles and as they are an LDS that does rent doubles - I thought this would be a good way to find out if doubles on your back or single sidemounts was the way to go without having to purchase double tanks. I guess i have some decisions to make. TS and M - I see that you often post on the Cave forums - did you find it helpful to have more "tec" background prior to getting cave certified or ??

 

[stdiver]

Yeah, a LDS willing to rent doubles is very rare. I have had not such luck. I have significant experience diving doubles and wanted to practice before taking cave training and not a chance. I guess if it is due to insurance reasons, it makes sense...

 

[Broct]

I am currently taking the GUE Doubles Primer class, and I really have enjoyed the experience so far. My LDS let us use their doubles durning the classes, and I ended up getting a set after the 2nd night of class. If you can afford to take a similar class I think it is worth your time to learn for what they have to teach/share. Perhaps they will do the same for you at your LDS...

 

[ScubaFeenD]

Intro to tech is a good place to start. Fundamentals is probbly not the place to get the most out of doubles education, the GUE Doubles primer would be the most appropriate place for that. Also, PSAI and UTD I know teach specific doubles classes that will give you a "certification" to dive doubles.

 

[ianr33]

Thank you for the responses - I just found out it is due to "insurance" - an appropriate certification that would require the use of doubles and as they are an LDS that does rent doubles - I thought this would be a good way to find out if doubles on your back or single sidemounts was the way to go without having to purchase double tanks. I guess i have some decisions to make. TS and M - I see that you often post on the Cave forums - did you find it helpful to have more "tec" background prior to getting cave certified or ??

"Insurance" is the standard CYA excuse. Ask them what certification is required by their insurance carrier!
There is no cert for diving doubles. Just because a diver has advanced nitrox does not mean he has ever dived doubles. (That course can be done in a single with H valve.Not saying that's a good idea,just that it can be done)

Having a "tec" background prior to cave certification is a great idea IMHO. Being used to the gear,and being used to the mindset that the surface is not an option is a great advantage.

 

[Jaydubya]

I think from the shop's persepective they don't want to be responsible for you killing yourself. The longer bottom time increases the risk of getting into decompression trouble that you won't be equipped to handle given a lack of tech experience. Not to mention that there are weight and gear config issues you need be aware of. You also need to be knowledgable and adept at working the valves to dive doubles safely.

You might find a buddy who dives doubles (many have more than one set) who is willing to let you use his doubles and give you a few pointers (Since you are in VA perhaps do this at Lake Rawlings- I don't recommend your first experience with them be jumping off a boat) . As for classes, Intro to Tech might be a decent class for trying doubles under the supervision of an instructor. Since you think you are interested in Caves I would recommend holding off on Cavern/Intro and Adv Nitrox/Deco until you have mastered either back mounted or side mounted doubles.