How indepth is PADI equipment specialist?

[Goodtime Adventures]

Scoobydrew +1! As with any specialty course, it depends on the enthusiasm of your instructor to exceed the minimum performance requirements of the course. Could be basic, could be awesome if taught by the right person.

The equipment spec will not teach you to service equipment though, you need a technician course for that, and most of them are brand specific.

 

[Searcaigh]

I did this course a few years ago during one of my holiday trips basically to fill in a non-diving day as well as increase my knowledge. I already knew the majority of the course through experience and a lot of it was more refresher than new information.

I did strip down the instructor's regulator (he had some special tools for that) under his supervision, clean it, replace the HP seat, and reassemble it with reasonable precision that it did not kill him when he dived the following day, however I would not be doing that with my own gear which is a different make plus I don't have the tools required.

As others have mentioned, it is as good as the instructor who is doing the course, like all courses really.

 

[miketsp]

It most certainly depends on the shop/instructor. The course I did a few years back included stripping down, cleaning, rebuilding and adjusting tank valves and various types of regulators and you were welcome to bring your own regulator to learn how to work on it.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I learned equipment maintenance and repair hanging out at the service dept. of my local diveshop. A lot. As long as you are not a pest, and will be helpful on occasion fetching a part or tool, it's a great way to learn about equipment and gain knowledge to keep your own serviced and properly tuned. And its free.
DivemasterDennis

 

[agilis]

The basic course requirements are outlined below (quotes from the instructor manual). Some instructors might supplement this training with more in-depth workshops on equipment maintenance. Note, however, that regardless of what is added, this course does not qualify you to service or repair scuba equipment.

The goals of PADI Equipment Specialist training are to:
A. Develop the student’s practical knowledge of the theory, principles and operation of diving equipment.
B. Enable the student to perform routine, recommended care and maintenance procedures.
C. Enable the student to store equipment properly.
D. Provide students with simple suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations.
E. Introduce students to new equipment.

You will see the following demonstrations of the basic steps involved in:
• Proper care and maintenance of diving equipment
• Filling a scuba cylinder
• Conducting a scuba cylinder inspection
• Scuba regulator overhaul

Several practical workshops are also conducted during the course:
• Assembling a personalized spare parts or tool kit
• Minor repairs to exposure suits
• Checking a BCD for leaks
• Packing a dive bag

Most of this is, or should be, basic introduction to scuba level stuff. I can't imagine any scuba certification course without everything in A through E. If this fundamental material is not included in basic scuba certification you are being ripped off.

How to pack a dive bag? God help us all. And remember to brush your teeth, kids.

 

[Alex@nder]

Totally agree to this statement: the PADI system creates courses from which some are mind-blowing high-profile marketing but nonsense. One would invest the time better in starting thinking matters through and inform oneself with appropriate sources, e.g. maintenance handbooks and manufacture manuals.


Regards
Alex@nder

 

[Farback]

I took the course through a dive shop that was providing training for my fire department. The company and instructor, the owner, were very good and put on a good course. I learned a lot, and since have had training in fire service SCBA pack maintenance. I would ONLY service the specific SCBA packs I'm trained and tooled to maintain. I still get my regs serviced at a shop I trust.

 

[Sevenrider860]

The TDI HOG Regulator Service Clinic is the only course I am aware of sanctioned by the manufacturer for regulator overhaul and servicing. At one time I think there was a requirement that you have some type of technical diving certification...not sure if that still exists. The PADI Equipment Specialist course is not sanctioned by any manufacturer I am aware of for self servicing of regulators or valves.

The course does allow one to get one step closer to PADI "Master Diver" status without getting in the water...

 

[Dive-aholic]

Yes, you must have a technical certification. This includes pretty much any certification from TDI or a cavern/cave certification.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Ice will work as well as it's considered an overhead like cavern.