Mark of the Tech Diver!

[MXGratefulDiver]

I know "technical" divers like to separate themselves from regular "recreational" divers to elevate themselves out of mediocrity, but face it you're just recreational divers like everyone else, just at a higher level.

How do you know this? Most folks I know who dive beyond what are commonly considered recreational limits don't much care what other people call them.

"Mark of the Tech Diver" ???

Who cares ... labels are meaningless ... you either got the chops to do the dive, or you don't ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The old school mentality is counter productive. In the near past was to push divers to "live the dream and go pro". Nurturing the wannabe and the noobie tech divers seems a lot more lucrative for the average shop.

Tell that to the dive shops where I live. You'd probably get thrown out!

... or blank stares ...

The biggest dive shops in our area don't offer "tech" classes, or sell tech gear. Most will go to great lengths to tell you why you don't want it, in fact ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Well, I guess if they are doing it all on their own and for their own enjoyment then it would be considered recreational, right?
Even thought their level of training is the most elitist in the world it's still a recreation.

I doubt they could be considered commercial or military?
Maybe they could be considered professional if somebody is paying them to do it? I don't know, maybe somebody else has the answer to that.

Hmmm ... most ichthyologists are neither commercial nor military. Those who engage in underwater science are rarely doing it for entertainment ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[DCBC]

The Mark Of The Tech Diver (MOTT) can sometimes be a broad one though, for the purposed of argument and keeping the Status Quo a true 'Tekkie' should be considered in the 7- 10 range.

...I've personally planned, conducted, and completed several tech dives myself to be a level 8 MOTT.

Oh and in the UK to actually use a re-breather you need to either be a tech-diver or have a very good understanding of partial pressures and be an experienced diver. They don't get handed out to anybody and the waters are colder plus more challenging here.

What does it take to be considered a TRUE Tekkie? In the 7-10 range? BOLLUCKS.

It reminds me of a group of 5th graders wondering who qualifies to be considered tough. Really...

You use the equipment you need to complete the dive you've chosen to do. That's all. If you want to dive the Doria, penetrate a cave, do heliox, or simply dress up in cool equipment to boost your ego, you're just doing it for recreation. It's all about having fun!

If it makes you feel better to think you're a level 8 MOTT, good for you; but you're still just playing.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

If you have first hand knowledge of any RB instructor not providing adequate training please pm me with that information. It has not been my observation

I believe she is thinking about a certain mentally-handicapped individual who received some local training on a rebreather ... despite lacking the fundamental diving skills you will find in most AOW grads with 50 dives.

I remember trying to talk to this guy in the parking lot at one of our local sites, and coming away wondering who in hell would certify such an obviously deficient person to use a rebreather ... or even as an OW diver for that matter. When I saw him underwater, I was truly worried.

The dude ended up killing himself on his rebreather ... in a swimming pool ... because he lacked the mental capacity to remember to turn on his oxygen supply.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

as I know Scuba Board is about diving and freedom of speech.

You are half correct ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I believe she is thinking about a certain mentally-handicapped individual who received some local training on a rebreather ... despite lacking the fundamental diving skills you will find in most AOW grads with 50 dives.

I remember trying to talk to this guy in the parking lot at one of our local sites, and coming away wondering who in hell would certify such an obviously deficient person to use a rebreather ... or even as an OW diver for that matter. When I saw him underwater, I was truly worried.

The dude ended up killing himself on his rebreather ... in a swimming pool ... because he lacked the mental capacity to remember to turn on his oxygen supply.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

That's tragic, and one of the worst things I've ever heard.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Hmmm ... most ichthyologists are neither commercial nor military. Those who engage in underwater science are rarely doing it for entertainment ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Those doing underwater science that are not getting paid must be doing it for some sort of self satisfaction or personal reward, which in some form could be considered a recreation or an activity that is enjoyable.
It it wasn't fun or enjoyable and just plain miserable what would be the point?

 

[Scott L]

Those doing underwater science that are not getting paid must be doing it for some sort of self satisfaction or personal reward, which in some form could be considered a recreation or an activity that is enjoyable.
It it wasn't fun or enjoyable and just plain miserable what would be the point?

So they can become Dr. Bill chick magnets.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

How do you know this? Most folks I know who dive beyond what are commonly considered recreational limits don't much care what other people call them.

"Mark of the Tech Diver" ???

Who cares ... labels are meaningless ... you either got the chops to do the dive, or you don't ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

How do I know? Because I know tech divers with this mentality. I did some tech training myself years back and was in the mix.

I agree labals are meaningless and pointless.
I think *some* , not all, people in the so called tech world need a reality check and an ice cold bucket of water thrown on their egos once in a while.