Nitrox Experience Dives

[Rick Murchison]

Lots of opinions out there on whether Nitrox experience dives should or should not be required for Nitrox certification. Though I generally don't think much of polls, in this case I'm curious as to where the opinions originate...
Rick
(I require the dives)

 

[MikeFerrara]

I voted yes and I am a nitrox instructor and an advanced nitrox instructor.

 

[Big-t-2538]

Obviously, this is a spin off of another question, but I still think that making the dives is important. It might not seem like much of a reason, but I think that planning a dive and diving that plan is a skill that should be required for almost any course. Next, there is the addition of the gas equations to work out, which is trivial for people with high school math skills, but not everyone has those. Last there is the instructor who is there to observe the student (hopefully helping w/ all the diving skills, not just the Nitrox part) and help resolve any problems that might arise. This is an added safety layer for a first experience, and possibly a comfort blanket and confidence builder for the student. For those reasons, I think the dives shold be made.

My 2 cents....but not sure if they're woth that much

-TT

 

[TCDiver1]

I agree Rick, i don't see how one can go wrong with training dives, no matter what the topic or skill. In this case, two more occasions one can emphasize key EAN topics such as recommended ppO2 limits, total oxygen loading, fill procedures, etc.

 

[The Chairman]

are part of another specialty. There is no need to see them dive with NitrOx. Now should I see them measure it and mark the tanks? Oh yes! But to look and be able to say that they can blow NitrOx bubbles seems a waste of effort. This is a semi-moot point for me, as I seem to teach NitrOx to AOW students anyway.

 

[TCDiver1]

that which does not harm you, does not harm you? .... or something like that! Besides the added cost, i see no downside.

Just think, two more chances to display that pithy attitude!

 

[ScubaScott]

Have not had the training - yet. Availabilty is the main issue around here.......

SS

 

[Spectre]

I didn't vote, as whatever I vote doesn't actually voice my true opinion.

There are folks that take Nitrox right at the start, before they have a good sense of bouyancy control, before they have an awareness of where they are in the water column.

Those folks should have the OW dives.

Those that are experienced divers, but want to move to Nitrox, probably don't need the dives. Expecially if the instructor already knows the student/has dove with the student before.

I have yet to hear about anyone that has failed a nitrox student when they've passed the written coursework. If there is nothing you can 'fail' with the dives, then there is nothing being 'tested' in the dives, and therefore the dives aren't necessary.

 

[scuberd]

The best way to learn a new skill is to use it. I think that dives are mandatory

 

[MSilvia]

You don't learn to dive Nitrox by breathing it, do you?

What do you learn by diving with it that you don't learn by practicing in the classroom?

I haven't taken it yet (it'll be my reward for 6 months without a cigarette), but it seems to me like the dive requirement mostly just pads the pockets of the LDS and boat operators.

scuberd once bubbled...
The best way to learn a new skill is to use it. I think that dives are mandatory