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Great post, Rick ... gotta save that one ...Rick Murchison:Walter's probably much wiser than I, but I do use the term so I suppose it demands definition.
In its simplest form I call diving with an overhead (be that physical or physiological) "technical."
But recreational divers make "sort of" technical dives all the time - I'd put single stop deco-on-backgas and cavern dives in this "grey" area. And dives that don't involve great depth, overheads or decompression can be highly technical indeed... so... to my mind "real" technical diving is considerably more than just making the dive.
- Planning. The technical diver has pretty much done the dive several times with many contingencies and scenarios before ever hitting the water. Where, when, how, who, goals, depth, time, navigation, gas plan, contingencies, emergencies... all have been thoroughly thought through and discussed within the team before the dive. The "envelope" for the dive has clear boundaries; decisions are made on the surface to the maximum extent possible so that whatever happens on the dive, the team's actions are planned and automatic. Plans are kept as simple as possible; fat is meticulously trimmed. "Do we need to do that? Is there a great advantage in doing it? If not, don't. Is there an easier way? If so, use it." KISS applies. Plans may take only a few minutes for familiar sites and teams that dive together routinely or they may take months to develop and finalize.
- Equipment. The equipment works. It is high quality and well maintained. If it isn't needed it isn't carried; if it's needed for life support it is covered with a redundant backup that works.
- Discipline. Team members know the plan cold and follow the plan. If an abort situation occurs they call the dive. The thumb trumps all; no argument. Stick to the plan; don't get fancy.
- Skill. Buoyancy control, trim, body control is natural and impeccable; anti silting technique too. Normal, contingency and emergency procedures are executed smoothly, quickly and effectively. Overlearning skills is the norm. Handling equipment is familiar - a place for everything, everything in its place - and in easy reach.
- Knowledge. Both background fundamentals like physics, physiology and equipment mechanics to normal and emergency procedures to site specifics like visibility, temperature, weather, currents, hazards etc.
- Attitude. Respect reality. No dive is perfect; learn from every dive how to make the next one better. Learn something new on every dive - pay attention to life, the earth, the water... Respect the site; touch only when necessary, then to minimize impact. When harvesting, take the care to kill efficiently and swiftly or don't take the shot at all - there's always McDonalds in a pinch. Respect the team; be a team player alert to not only developing stress or dangerous situations but also ways to facilitate others' enjoyment. Take the time to see as well as look. Respect other divers you may encounter. Don't be snooty - share the wonder with enthusiasm; be as captivated with the newbie's narrative (that you've heard a hundred times from a hundred newbies) as the old timer's sea story. Always remember that the laws of physics have no respect for money, rank, social status, qualifications or experience... not even for a big expensive camera or scooter
Rick
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
