Independent Instructors in Mid Atlantic Region

[offthewall1]

In preparation of the opening of our Brand New State of the Art Aquatics facility in 2010, Off the Wall Scuba is inviting the opinions of Independent PADI, NAUI, PSAI, IANTD and other Instructors to have a say in the design of the pool and overall facility.

Currently our (pool) plan is a standard 3 lane lap pool with a slope from 3.5 ft to a deep end of 10 feet. From the main pool there will be an overhead swim-through channel leading to a deep well of 15 feet. This deep well will have removable doors to accomodate overhead environment (but also allow for safe opening in an emergency)and cave training via entry through the swimthrough channel.

While space is limited, we're seeking input for other ideas that may enhance your interest in using our faclity for training your students. Our location is centrally reached and just minutes off of 95. It will be reachable within 1 hour from both Northern Virginia and Philadelphia and is just 20 minutes from Downtown Baltimore.

This is a preliminary input request. Design is underway. We will be looking for input through the end of May with an expected construction and build out mid to late 2010.

Your input is appreciated... Thank you.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Calling it "cave training" is a bit much. I have yet to see a cave with a roof that opens for emergencies. The use of opening doors really defeats the purpose of overhead training as it is quite simply an environment that demands that a diver not even consider surfacing as a valid response to any emergency.

You'd get a more effective simulation from a regular pool and tin foil over masks for simulated lights out drills. Save the money on the swim through and deep well and invest in some climbing wall "rocks" all around the deep end of the regular pool to allow potential cave students to learn rudimentary ties offs, line placements, reel operation, line following and touch contact skills. But even then, those are skills that are much more effectively taught in a cavern, or even a quarry where you at least have real rocks to work with.

 

[offthewall1]

Calling it "cave training" is a bit much. I have yet to see a cave with a roof that opens for emergencies. The use of opening doors really defeats the purpose of overhead training as it is quite simply an environment that demands that a diver not even consider surfacing as a valid response to any emergency.

You'd get a more effective simulation from a regular pool and tin foil over masks for simulated lights out drills. Save the money on the swim through and deep well and invest in some climbing wall "rocks" all around the deep end of the regular pool to allow potential cave students to learn rudimentary ties offs, line placements, reel operation, line following and touch contact skills. But even then, those are skills that are much more effectively taught in a cavern, or even a quarry where you at least have real rocks to work with.

DA... the purpose of training is to be forgiving with mistakes. We hope that a person doing cave training won't make any... but if they do, we prefer they do it in training where mistakes can be forgiven. In the real world they may die. In our world, the insurance company wouldn't like that so much. From a training standpoint, the idea is valid and makes sense. It also allows us to do overhead environment training where mistakes can be forgiven.

Of course anyone making such a mistake may fail the course or be required to complete remedial training... but at least they'll be alive.

I like the live rocks idea... and perhaps we can incorporate them somehow into the design.

Cheers