DIR- GUE GUE DPV class: Experiences? Worth it? What do you learn?

[steinbil]

Background:
I don't currently own a DPV, and I'm currently saving up for Tech 1, but I can rent decent SUEX scooters from my local dive club where I do most of my diving these days. I've only tried a DPV once, on a shallow 20 min try-dive, and while it felt OK I was definitely aware of much higher task loading and wanting a third hand. Buoyancy was not too bad, as I was expecting that to be a challenge, but communicating with my buddy and doing simple things like checking my SPG was harder, as moving my primary light to the temporary hold was hard when I was already holding the DPV handle. I realize I could have let go of the DPV more than I did, but having to stop to check my SPG and not lose sight of my buddy etc. was taxing me mentally. All this to say, I'm inexperienced with DPVs and I realize there is much I could learn to get comfortable handling extra equipment like a DPV...

Questions:
- Has anybody here taken a GUE DPV class? If so, how was it? Do you recommend taking it?
- What do you learn in the GUE DPV class? What topics are covered?
- I heard GUE has taken some flack for offering this class, is it really not a necessary class? Should I just dive in and learn as I go?

My motivation for taking the class is getting more comfortable and confident using a DPV, so I can still enjoy the dives and be a good buddy and not just task fixating. Also, I like taking classes, and while I'm preparing for a Tech 1 class next year (hopefully), I wouldn't mind taking a class and learning something new and fun.

I'd love to hear from GUE divers with experience taking the class, or experienced GUE divers that learned DPV on their own, and also instructors teaching this class.
@AnnikaPersson @mer @johnkendall @kierentec

 

[Ouvea]

- Setting up DPV (tow cords, carry handle, trim/buoyancy)
- Handling the DPV on the trigger & off trigger.
- Planning your dive with consideration to your trigger time as well as your gas & deco obligations.
- Emergency cases (Out of gas, dead DPV, run-away DPV)
- Maintaining team formation, straight lines, turning, obstacles, speed matching, etc.
- Some DPV maintenance, concerns regarding the pitch adjustment propellers (easily broken if not disassembled/reassembled with care).
- How to enter/exit water with DPVs.
- Narrowed focus and reduced situational awareness (Grey whale swam in front of me & I didn't even see it).

Course took 3 days if I recall correctly. Can someone get you up to speed w/o the course, I'm sure. However the entire point of the course is to learn new skills but also to practice those skills & have someone assess. I'm certain I can add to the bullet point above. Post completion, I knew how to handle the DPV but it remained a far cry from proficiency.

If you require a DPV to perform tech dives in your area, I would get lots of trigger time under your belt before taking Tech 1.

 

[AJ]

Questions:
- Has anybody here taken a GUE DPV class? If so, how was it? Do you recommend taking it?
Yep, I did. Never used a DPV on forehand and that made it quite interesting to say the least Struggled a lot during those 4 days, but also learned a lot.

- What do you learn in the GUE DPV class? What topics are covered?
The bulk of the class is about stress management as with all GUE classes. A DPV makes a lot of things more difficult. What we learned was: dive planning incl. gas, setup of the DPV, maneuvering, buoyancy management, towing and air sharing, team formation, etc.

- I heard GUE has taken some flack for offering this class, is it really not a necessary class? Should I just dive in and learn as I go?
Necessary, maybe not but it provides a solid base to plan and undertake longer DPV trips. I recommend it.

 

[Dallas Edwards]

What are the DPV requirements for the class?

 

[Alekseolsen]

I can't reply on your questions, but I'd recommend that you do 5-6 dives with a scooter before committing too much - task loading is gonna feel way better after a few dives!
I've been with divers that didn't like diving with a DPV after dive 1 but were looking to purchase after dive 4

 

[whynot]

- I heard GUE has taken some flack for offering this class, is it really not a necessary class? Should I just dive in and learn as I go?

I’ve never heard of any flack related to DPV 1; though, I’ve definitely observed flack for things like Rec 3 (summoning @PfcAJ ).

I’m potentially taking DPV 1 in Jan and am happy to report back after the class.

 

[PfcAJ]

I’ve never heard of any flack related to DPV 1; though, I’ve definitely observed flack for things like Rec 3 (summoning @PfcAJ ).

I’m potentially taking DPV 1 in Jan and am happy to report back after the class.

*closes eyes, breathes deeply, chooses peace*

 

[rjack321]

*closes eyes, breathes deeply, chooses peace*

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

 

[DiveDay]

I took the class, it was my first time using a DPV and I struggled a lot.

I found it quite useful, the gas / battery burn planning is pretty straightforward, but the towing exercises were the highlight for me. I've since been introduced to all kinds of weird towing techniques non-GUE DPV divers use and they made little sense to me, so it was good to see it done properly.

For what it's worth I ended up with a provisional rating and never went back to finish the class. The instructors offering the class exclusively use Suex scooters and expect you to buy or rent an XK from them. I now own a Blacktip which they would not allow for the class so it doesn't make sense to go back, but I still enjoyed the class.

 

[whynot]

*closes eyes, breathes deeply, chooses peace*

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

In fairness, I did tell @PfcAJ that I’m takin’ Rec 3, subsequently went on a dive with the dude when he visited, and I’m still here. . But I digress.