recreational trimix

[MechDiver]

MHK once bubbled...
I'm not exactly sure what the specific question and/or concern is, however that being said Andrew G and I co-wrote the recreational Triox program, with JJ and George Irvine providing their invaluable editorial perspective, so I feel very comfortable answering ANY question you have as it relates to the GUE Triox program, but it just seems that your question is very generic in nature rather then specific so if you can modify your question I'll be happy to respond privately or publicly..

Thanks for your interest...

Michael Kane

Ahh, I'm not sure if this is directed toward my question or not Mike.

If so, I'll try to rephrase my question.

I guess bottom line is: will shops that are not familiar/aware of GUE or the triox class, give trimix fills to someone who does not have a "recognized" (read, well known) trimix card? This in no way implies anything about the course or GUE, as the course sounds pretty good, just "name recognization" more than anything.

Phil

 

[MechDiver]

Uncle Pug once bubbled...
that is a good question Phil. Certainly here in the Puget Sound area fills will be obtainable in Kent through 5th D... but I wouldn't be surprised if they were not available elsewhere around here.

We had so much difficulty getting Nitrox(!) fills here in a timely manner that we went to blending our own.

And argon, and mix, and...well, you already know.

I was floored by the unavailability of trimix in the PNW, at least from what I have found, only 5thD and HSD in Hoodsport have it and argon. I can see this as a real problem with a "rec" triox diver as I presume they would not have the experience/money/ability to mix their own. And with a smaller name recognition level for GUE outside of the core areas, would be a bummer to take the class and not get anyone to fill your tanks.

Phil

 

[MHK]

MechDiver once bubbled...


Ahh, I'm not sure if this is directed toward my question or not Mike.

If so, I'll try to rephrase my question.

I guess bottom line is: will shops that are not familiar/aware of GUE or the triox class, give trimix fills to someone who does not have a "recognized" (read, well known) trimix card? This in no way implies anything about the course or GUE, as the course sounds pretty good, just "name recognization" more than anything.

Phil

I was trying to answer a wide variety of general question in this thread, so in part I was addressing you, but in part I was adressing others. I have been teaching classes and out of town so it's somewhat difficult to answer on a specific basis all of the questions on all of the lists that I'm on when I get backed up, so I try to be generic, rather then specific.. Sorry if that wasn't clear..

As to your question about *shops* recognizing "well-known" cards I can only speak to my experiences.. It seems to me that the vast majority of shops that blend trimix are aware [ ie; "well known] to the GUE agency and thus should accept the card. That being said, I am personally VERY well aware of first hand knowledge of a few shops that are very well aware [ you can read that as I'v been commisioned by those shops to teach classes for them] of GUE but refuse to accept the GUE c-card for political purposes. I will quickly add that this is the excpetion rather then the rule, but in all fairness there are shops that have a vested interest in hoping that we fail. In fact, I have had shops and boats that have issued written e-mails to their members that erroneously have stated that GUE does NOT have insurance so therefor they should NOT allow us to teach in their shop and/or boat. TDI has issues written memorandum, that we have copies of, that specifically tells their members that they should NOT allow GUE instructors in thier shop and/or on their boat because we don't carry insurance.

I have in the past publicly disclosed that our insurance carrier is GALE SMITH & Company, their phone number is 1-800-327-2802. We have previously disclosed our entire policy on our website but that notwithstanding certain agencies have a vested interest in circulating unsubstantiated rumors that we lack coverage in an attempt to stiffle competition..

So as I am able to answer yor question, the answer is, short of an ulterior motive, our card is *well-known* and given that we are recognized worldwide I can't imagine having a problem getting fills short of someone that is fixed on seeing GUE fail..

Please let me know if that hellps..

Later

 

[Scubaroo]

Found this on the TDI website:

http://www.tdisdi.com/insur/CInsuranceQuestions.pdf

Basically TDI will insure any instructor with any agency, except GUE. Now there's an inventive way to stifle competition.

 

[Genesis]

NOT!

 

[MikeFerrara]

As a shop owner and the only trimix blender around here I'll except the card. However we may decide not to except cards from agencies that don't require dives though.

 

[nradov]

MechDiver once bubbled...
IOW, once someone has the card, will they will able to get mix at a facility other than GUE?

Presuming of course that the facility asked for a trimix card.

The card is no big deal, you are taking the class to improve your skills, not to get a card. I never had a problem getting trimix fills from the local shop even before I had the card. Conversely, a shop that is going to "card" you is not the type of business you would generally want to deal with anyway.

And before someone misses the point and jumps all over me, no, I am not encouraging people to do deep dives without proper training.

-Nick

 

[MikeFerrara]

nradov once bubbled...

The card is no big deal, you are taking the class to improve your skills, not to get a card. I never had a problem getting trimix fills from the local shop even before I had the card. Conversely, a shop that is going to "card" you is not the type of business you would generally want to deal with anyway.

And before someone misses the point and jumps all over me, no, I am not encouraging people to do deep dives without proper training.

-Nick

Actually I'n not comfortable doing business with a shop that doesn't keep a log or check cards.

 

[MechDiver]

nradov once bubbled...

The card is no big deal, you are taking the class to improve your skills, not to get a card. I never had a problem getting trimix fills from the local shop even before I had the card. Conversely, a shop that is going to "card" you is not the type of business you would generally want to deal with anyway.

And before someone misses the point and jumps all over me, no, I am not encouraging people to do deep dives without proper training.

-Nick

You missed my point entirely.

I am not planning on taking the class as I already HAVE a trimix card. And I disagree with you. The card IS important because it signifies that the training has been given and completed and shows the bearer is qualified (hopefully) to use the gas he/she is requesting. Contrary to you, I would not support a business that did not check if I had a mix card before filling my tanks.

Phil

 

[MechDiver]

MikeFerrara once bubbled...
As a shop owner and the only trimix blender around here I'll except the card. However we may decide not to except cards from agencies that don't require dives though.

Is there an agency that gives trimix cert without dives??? Or do you mean EAN?

Phil