how to dive with non-DIR divers?

[WeekendDiver]

I'm 95% DIR, and though initially I preached I've stopped that. Initially people give me the hairy eyeball when they see my rig in a tropical location, after a couple of dives they tend to come up to me and ask all kinds of questions. I'll explain elaborately and gives lots of examples of why certain things make sense. ("when is the last time you tried your octo at depth"? etc). Combine that with an extensive (but small) save a dive kit and people's interest increases exponentially. All that being said I keep dropping my knees while frogkicking..

 

[jeckyll]

So, I have to ask, what does being 95% DIR mean to you?

 

[WeekendDiver]

I'm not DIR in that I don't mind diving (tropically) with rec divers, and that my only redundant inflation is my SMB (no dry suit). I do sling a tank when I'm on an AL80 (which probably is also not DIR (the AL80 rental I mean - no clue about it's internal condition, when the last valve overhaul was done etc)). I have a mask with a clear skirt, not a black one (though my backup mask is black). I use the same knot for all boltsnaps, etc etc....
However, I have simple regs (zeagles), long hose, bp/w, bungeed backup, even in tropical diving will stick to the rule of thirds, try to have as good of a buddy protocol as possible (given the circumstances), 99% of the time in trim, situational awareness etc etc..

 

[PerroneFord]

So DIR means you can't dive with rec divers? And that you must have redundant inflation? No clear masks?

 

[jeckyll]

So DIR means you can't dive with rec divers? And that you must have redundant inflation? No clear masks?

Perrone: I have a clear mask, but only as a backup

Weekend Diver: I would suggest holding off commenting on how DIR you are until you've taken at least fundies. I think so much more is about working as a team and approaching problems with the mentality that the team will solve them using resource not just of the single diver, but of the group; and less so about what you've got for a mask. I think you are on the wrong track.

Even then, I would say that there are people who've never been all that interested in taking DIR courses, but who are tremendously interested in being good and safe divers and working with their buddy, who are able to display an awareness and ability underwater that would make me want to dive with them, rather than someone who's taken fundies, got their gear "DIR compliant" but on some level just doesn't get it.

Please note, I am by no means any kind of expert. Just a guy who's taken fundies and still looks forward to diving with his non-DIR buddies (who may or may not have a "leaning towards the dark side"). Because at the end of the day, these buddies _get it_! Even if they haven't taken the course(s) or have an extra dangly bit somewhere.

Maybe now they won't send me my fundies card...

 

[JeffG]

Weekend Diver: I would suggest holding off commenting on how DIR you are until you've taken at least fundies.

or until he has some understanding of what DIR is.

 

[PerroneFord]

Exactly. It's not the card. It's the atitude toward safe diving, team orientation, and optimal solutions.

 

[amascuba]

or until he has some understanding of what DIR is.

what is this!?!?!?!? JeffG is posting in the DIR Forum. Who did you bribe?

 

[JeffG]

what is this!?!?!?!? JeffG is posting in the DIR Forum. Who did you bribe?

Shhhhhhh!!!! Its a secret.

 

[jeckyll]

or until he has some understanding of what DIR is.

Work with me Jeff. Of course my point was (is) that he should have a better understanding of what DIR is after the course

BTW, welcome back ... and "there goes the neighborhood"