New Reg Or Rescue Course

[TMHeimer]

I think almost all will agree. If your reg is working, maintained and therefore "safe", take the Rescue course as soon as you're comfortable with diving in general (good buoyancy, ease of working equipment, etc.), and have the required prerequisites. When I was an active DM I agreed with all the instructors in recommending Rescue for everyone.

 

[kelemvor]

I agree with awap, just go diving. Put the money towards a dive trip!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

A properly taught Rescue class is as much about learning how to keep yourself out of trouble as it is about helping someone else who's in trouble. It's the one class outside of OW that I think every diver should take.

The Titan's a good reg ... unless there's a compelling reason I wouldn't put replacing it very high on any priority list.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[uncfnp]

Rescue or have you considered a Solo course.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I recommend the Rescue course as the first course a diver should take after Open Water. Especially if they did not have rescue skills in the OW class. In my new book I'm recommending divers not take AOW until they have taken a rescue class unless the advanced class includes rescue skills or they have taken a workshop to get them. You don't give someone a card that gives them access to higher risk dives without the knowledge and skills to deal with what could happen on those dives. As Bob already said, a good rescue course will improve your situational awareness and help to head off problems before they start. A new reg is useless if you come across a diver in trouble and don't know how to help them.

 

[SeaHorse81]

The Rescue course, without question, unless your reg fails in some non-repairable way. Plus, you can buy a reg any day on a moment's notice, whereas courses are only available as scheduled. I'd jump on it as soon as possible.

 

[guruboy]

I guess it depends on the agency and even the instructor, but I would suggest getting the AOW skills, like navigation, buoyancy/trim, and just more diving experience, before rescue. My rescue class was a beating. It was one where you definitely don't want to be worrying about your buoyancy still.

Besides, I very rarely see a lack of an AOW card keeping people out of dives while on vacation.

But to the OP, take a course instead of a new reg. Nothing wrong with your current reg. You'll know when you need/want a second one.

 

[DLEGARE]

If you had to choose? What would you go with.

I have 100+ dives, AOW/Nitrox.

Diving aqualung titan regs since I started.

Thanks team!

Definitely training. I'm not sure if I'm unique but I've been using the same regulator since I certified in 1990. 26 years this April 30th.

 

[Pao]

Rescue. it is one of the more fulfilling courses you can take. When I finished the course, someone told me that I have just transitioned from being a liability to being an asset to the diving community and I never forgot those words. I say that if you were challenged by the course and not just breezed through then it was properly conducted. I compared my experience with others who took the course and I know that I got my money's worth. You should ask around first. As in any course, the instructor is more important than what agency he/she carries.

 

[TMHeimer]

I've always considered myself a super conservative diver, and have rarely gotten myself into even moderately uncomfortable situations, knock wood. It is nice to know I have the self rescue knowledge nevertheless, as well as what to do with a buddy in trouble.