PADI Deep Diver Standards

[Thalassamania]

What I'd like to know is what depth ranges are required for the four dives? I've run into instructors who I think may skirt the standards in terms of depth due to the fact that we don't have too many deep quarries close to central Indiana. The only places I know of "close by" where you can truly do a deep diver course are Gilboa (3.5 hours away) and Mermet (6+ hours away).

Anyway, what do PADI standards require in terms of depth for the four dives?

If one does not have the proper environment one should not run the course. After all, do you teach a reef ecology specialty course in a midwest quarry?

 

[tstormdiver]

From what I remember when I went through it last year, the depths & limits mentioned are correct. I was able to do it at a quarry that reaches depths of 120'. The course consists of 4 dives with one each of the dives focusing on the effects of narcosis (through a simple timed test vs. the time it took to do on the surface), the effects of depth on color, the effects of pressure at depth (for us, it was done using a raw egg) & simple navigation at depth.

 

[h90]

PADI's only depth requirement is deeper than 60 feet. The other depths are recommendations. Here there are:

Dive 1: 80-100 feet
Dive 2: 60-80 feet
Dive 3: 100-130 feet
Dive 4: 60-100 feet

I have done deep classes in our local quarry with a max depth of 85 feet. However, the focus on deep diving shouldn't be how deep can you go, but rather on how well you plan out the dive and how good/bad your diving skills are.

yes but to go there once is also important else you could do the skills in the 5 meter pool and than half a year later you go with your buddy to 40 meter and be scared. The real experience is worth something.
I personal, when I remember my first dive deeper than 18.5 meter, was very impressed at 35 meter. I didn't feel any difference than 5 meter beside less light less colors, but the long way down and up. Specialy going down in the dark and what you see when you look up from 35 meter. That feeling that if there is a problem I can surface easily is not here anymore.
So definitly good to have it seem once. I would even tell that 4 dives are not enough

 

[hlsooner]

Just a question: When I did the Deep course, one of the things we did was do a narcosis check at depth. Is a narcosis check above 100' actually useful?

 

[ppo2_diver]

To experience the limits of recreational depth while under the watchful eye of an instructor who can see signs of narcosis that the diver themselves could easily miss?

Even good instructors get narced.

You are right Jim. There should be an experience portion of the class. However, I do feel that taking students to the maximum depth of the cert on a training dive is not a good idea. Most tech training standards will not allow the instructor to take a student to the maximum depth. TDI Trimix course for example says the maximum depth for class isn't to exceed 180 feet, but it certifies the student to 200 feet.

 

[h90]

Just a question: When I did the Deep course, one of the things we did was do a narcosis check at depth. Is a narcosis check above 100' actually useful?

Another question is: making a narcosis check on the surface without mask in the air and than at deep, does that make sense? I can do all skills better on the land. If than the narcosis check should be at 5 meter versus 30 meter and not surface versus 30 meter.

 

[vel525]

how is this course different from the deep dive in the AOW class? or i guess how does this course build on the lessons learned in the AOW class deep dive?

 

[Thalassamania]

If you want a reality check concerning narcosis you really need to make a chamber run. Whenever I do that with students they are amazed at how impaired they are, even at 100 ft.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Even good instructors get narced.

What?! You really need to put that notice on your business card or website or something!

 

[Steve R]

how is this course different from the deep dive in the AOW class? or i guess how does this course build on the lessons learned in the AOW class deep dive?

Just my opinion of course, but my answer is "More bullets in the chamber".

This course is damn scary the way it is allowed to be run, (which is to say the way it is typically run).

To bring a newer diver (Got certified last week) with less than 12 lifetime dives to their name down to these depths is to me assisted suicide.

You assume there was anything really taught on the adventure deep dive. I doubt it, but it is possible. Most of the folks that I see who hold this prestigeous piece of plastic basically did a couple more dives deep, chatted a bit about the main topics, and that was that.

Padi doesn't seem to have an issue with it judging by my conversations with them about this.

They didn't seem to me to have a basic clue of what Duane states as what we would like to see as primary information and basic skills. It just wasn't taught, and like the balance of the AOW course, was simply more guided dives that amounted to a lost opportunity to actually learn something worthwhile.

very sad.