Sharky,
We have trained a lot of techs and here is the order of events (in my opinion):
1. Be sure you know how to use tools correctly. You would be amazed how many people really don't understand the correct use of tools and how their mis-use can do damage and even injury. I have had people shove screwdrivers through their hands, break off o-ring picks while prying with them etc.
2. Get with a seasoned professional service technician - someone that has been working on gear for at least 10 years. There is a lot of "technique" in working on scuba gear and there are a host of " tricks" to make the job easier, quicker or more accurate.
3. Get a thorough grounding in regulator theory. Most problems with regulators can be thought out before you ever put a wrench to them.
4. Serve an internship with one or more really experienced technicians. This is where you will really learn what it takes to make money doing service and repair.
5. Get yourself sponsored into the seminars that are true service technician seminars offered, usually at DEMA. The seminars offered by the manufacturer's representative at your LDS are usuall very narrow in scope and are designed to give the instructors the credentials the need tgo be able to offer an Equipment Specialty Course. These are not what you need.
Even some of the factory courses are less that one might want. Some of them are just going thorough the motions while others are quite involved. A rule of thumb is that the name brands will be doing the best job at this.
After that it is a matter of doing it. Be ready to be surprised on a regular basis. You will see equipment that will make your hair stand up to realize that somebody actually dives with it. You will see equipment that you think you know what you are going to find inside - until you open it up. You will be surprised at how satisfying it is to do a good job and know it.
Good Luck!
Mudturtle
We have trained a lot of techs and here is the order of events (in my opinion):
1. Be sure you know how to use tools correctly. You would be amazed how many people really don't understand the correct use of tools and how their mis-use can do damage and even injury. I have had people shove screwdrivers through their hands, break off o-ring picks while prying with them etc.
2. Get with a seasoned professional service technician - someone that has been working on gear for at least 10 years. There is a lot of "technique" in working on scuba gear and there are a host of " tricks" to make the job easier, quicker or more accurate.
3. Get a thorough grounding in regulator theory. Most problems with regulators can be thought out before you ever put a wrench to them.
4. Serve an internship with one or more really experienced technicians. This is where you will really learn what it takes to make money doing service and repair.
5. Get yourself sponsored into the seminars that are true service technician seminars offered, usually at DEMA. The seminars offered by the manufacturer's representative at your LDS are usuall very narrow in scope and are designed to give the instructors the credentials the need tgo be able to offer an Equipment Specialty Course. These are not what you need.
Even some of the factory courses are less that one might want. Some of them are just going thorough the motions while others are quite involved. A rule of thumb is that the name brands will be doing the best job at this.
After that it is a matter of doing it. Be ready to be surprised on a regular basis. You will see equipment that will make your hair stand up to realize that somebody actually dives with it. You will see equipment that you think you know what you are going to find inside - until you open it up. You will be surprised at how satisfying it is to do a good job and know it.
Good Luck!
Mudturtle
