Is 65' an acceptable Depth for Deep Diving Specialty

[doghouse]

I am in the process of taking my deep diving specialty. I have passed the written exam, and am awaiting my check out dives. The location slated for the check out dive has a maximum depth of about 65'. (I have been there at that point a couple of times already.)

I was expecting that my deep diving specialty would open me to the experience of going deeper than that. I discussed this with some other people, and we seem to agree that it meets the minimum criteria, but in no way prepares me for deep diving.

SO how do I approach the instructor/owner to explain my concern. I already paid $85 for the specialty, and it is the last one I need for my SSI AOW requirements. I already have the number of dives needed. There are other options near here in the 80' fresh water and 120+ salt water.

All Input appreciated.

 

[Steve50]

unless you are the only one in the class, see if others agree and petition the instructor to give you what you paid for Deep Diver Specialty.

Sounds more like open water with a dangling guage.

 

[The Kraken]

To conform to PADI standards, the minimum depth is 60' and the maximum depth is 130'.

Now, having said that, it is my OPINION that 65' is not sufficiently deep enough to understand, thoroughly, the aspects of the gas planning required to make dives to 130'.

the K

 

[jscott099]

I am an SSI instructor. You are required to make two dives for this specialty (but it may be combined with another specialty dive). The first dive is primarily about planning and there is no specific depth requirement.

The second dive should be enough to impart the feeling of having gone deep. This is accepted as 60 to 100 feet. This could be modified based on conditions of the dive site.

So, technically, yes, he could set the dive depth at 65 ft. I personally don't think it highly realistic since the likelihood of having nitrogen narcosis symptoms are much less at that depth. In the classes I teach off the NC coast, many wreck dives are 90 to 130 feet and I prefer a deeper dive for the students so that we can evaluate their capabilities at deeper depths under possible narcosis situations.

Given that though, many of the skills are about planning, equipment, and how you manage your self at depth and 65 ft is sufficient. If you can though, try to get something deeper if you believe that in the future you will be diving deeper dives in salt water for instance.

 

[Hoosier]

Gee.. It will be tough at least 65ft is within the range by standard. Talk with them honestly. You are a customer, not a beggar. Many LDS owners and instructors used to be confused in their position, service provider.

 

[DivingPrincessE]

My AOW "deep dive" went down to 65 feet...we looked at our gauges and then the instructor gave us the thumbs up signal and we headed back to the surface. That was my "deep dive" and needless to say I was very dissapointed.

 

[Blackwood]

That's ridiculous, on par with taking a nitrox course in which you are only introduced to EAN22.

Then again, there is probably a difference between an AOW deep dive and a Deep Diver specialty.

Now, having said that, it is my OPINION that 65' is not sufficiently deep enough to understand, thoroughly, the aspects of the gas planning required to make dives to 130'.
the K

Nor will it likely introduce one to narcosis, temperature changes, buoyancy changes (assuming wetsuit), darkness, etc., in nearly as substantial a way.

 

[oly5050user]

it could be that 65' is the deepest in the geographic area that a safe "deep " dive can be done..what is the conditions at the site at 65'?Is it dark and cold? A 65' dive in cold ,dark water can be much more unnerving/demanding than a 100' warm clear water dive.
It does meet standards. It would be nice if there was a deeper dive but if cost is a factor( inexpensive quarry dive to 65' versus a boat dive to 100') that may be the reason .If it is cost would you want to pay another $100. for the dive because you have to go on a boat?

 

[spectrum]

One local instructor is rumored to take you down to 35 feet twice. I have to believe it is said in jest.

Pete

 

[Web Monkey]

I am in the process of taking my deep diving specialty. I have passed the written exam, and am awaiting my check out dives. The location slated for the check out dive has a maximum depth of about 65'. (I have been there at that point a couple of times already.)

I'm not PADI, but believe that 65' meets their requirements. However, the real question is does it meet yours.

I wouldn't accept a deep diving class that didn't at least come close (100+) to the 130' recreational limits, as well as cover avoiding and handling emergencies with methods other than bolting to the surface (fully redundant air source, much better buddy skills, etc.)

Edit: He should also be covering deep stops and very slow, controlled ascents.

Terry