PADI Equipment Specialist Reco in the LA Area

[rembonjaski]

I was hoping to get a recommendation for an instructor offering the PADI Equipment Specialist course in the LA/OC area. I realize some view this as one of the "throw-away" courses and would direct me to the Vance Harlow book, but I would prefer a hands-on course (and I am admittedly becoming a c-card collector). The few places I've called seem to offer little more than a rudimentary overview of equipment.

I'm not looking to service my own gear, but I would like to have confidence in being able to troubleshoot problems and doing basic tasks like changing hoses and replacing o-rings without fearing damage to my equipment.

 

[Dive the World]

Keep diving and you will pick up on it.

Unless you just want to collect C-cards.

Lesson #1 - wash everything down with fresh water after a day out diving.

good luck

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Unfortunately that is really all the course is. An overview with some rudimemtary basic repair skills. Most will not show you more than how to swap hoses, rinse your BC, or inspect your gear for wear. A few instructors do go above the standards and show you how to vis a tank or maybe adjust your cracking pressure or IP. That is if they even know how themselves. I have fixed SPG couplings on site for instructors that didn't even have spare orings for it in their save a dive kit. I have also met those who had no idea how to set the IP or cracking pressure on their own regs. And these are the ones who can teach an equipment course. SEI only allows instructors who hold factory authoirized tech certs to teach our equipment specialty course. You'd be better off finding a tech for your brand of gear and getting knowledge from him/her.

 

[Max Speed]

I was hoping for a course like Mr. Lapenta describes but I ended up with something less. "These are the blue fins..."

Sent from my SPH-P100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[RonFrank]

Very few manufactures allow individuals to service their own gear. You may be best off finding a gear head and learning from them. Start off by buying a good service manual, and you can hookup with someone..... hmm...... where oh where to hook up with a gear head diver....... HERE! I would not waste your money on a PADI equipment class. You would likely learn about Soap, water, and a good rinse!

 

[rembonjaski]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll definitely seek out a tech for my specific equipment - although I'm pretty surprised that with all the scuba shops in LA there aren't more Edge dealers.

By the way, Jim, I ordered your book last week - excellent read!

 

[Cap335]

Padi also requires either an equipment manufacturre's repair clinic or written equipment repair authorization from a manufacturer.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll definitely seek out a tech for my specific equipment - although I'm pretty surprised that with all the scuba shops in LA there aren't more Edge dealers.

By the way, Jim, I ordered your book last week - excellent read!

Thanks! Would appreciate a review from your POV.