Rescue referrals

[Damselfish]

Are there Rescue referrals, and will anyplace that does Rescue typically do them? Probably PADI. Hear about OW referrals all the time, but never Rescue. (I did the OW part of Rescue on a trip, but it was on a trip with the same shop so not really a referral.) I have some friends that have talked about doing it but they're more likely to get it done that way.

 

[knotical]

From PADI’s Rescue Diver Instructor Guide:

“A PADI Rescue Diver student may be referred to another PADI Instructor after completing any entire knowledge development session, rescue training session or rescue scenario.”

 

[wreckchick]

... provided the instructor accepts the referral.

I think I'd rather do the whole thing with someone so I knew his/her weaknesses and we could work on them together.

Rachel

 

[Dive-aholic]

There are, but the receiving instructor is supposed to do a preassessment of skills before doing the OW part of the course. This can be a hassle to schedule.

 

[J75]

I think that most places are funny about rescue referrals because it's generally preferred that a diver is trained and certified in an environment similar to what they normally dive in, and not while on vacation.

If a person only ever dives in the tropics, then doing the rescue course in the tropics is fine. However, I have seen many people who get certified in the tropics and then come back to Jersey and flounder when they have to dive in full gear in 50 degree water with very little viz. They are in no way prepared for it. It's like getting a moped license and expecting it to prepare you to drive a fire engine.

 

[Damselfish]

They were certified and used to dive in New England (just like us) but now dive only in the tropics. But since those trips don't come that often for them, they won't want to spend a lot of it in class/pool. And since they don't dive here anymore plus have crazy schedules, I don't see them doing the whole thing here. I can see that it's more desirable to do all in one place, I actually think the same of OW. But I figure doing it at all is better than not.

 

[ScubaMike05]

Pretty much all my dive experience is in the tropics and I did my Rescue locally with bad viz. I think the key is to get it done in an environment that is harsher than you're used to to prepare yourself.

I'm used to the vis of Coz and then I had to readjust for my AOW and Rescue to the viz of like 5 to 15ft. So, for me, doing Rescue in Texas was great because I feel more confident about my skills.

No matter where someone does their Rescue course, the key and underlying fact a Rescue Diver must consider is if they are qualified to do the rescue and how can they do it without entering the water. Entering the water is the last resort.

 

[Damselfish]

Pretty much all my dive experience is in the tropics and I did my Rescue locally with bad viz. I think the key is to get it done in an environment that is harsher than you're used to to prepare yourself.

I'm used to the vis of Coz and then I had to readjust for my AOW and Rescue to the viz of like 5 to 15ft. So, for me, doing Rescue in Texas was great because I feel more confident about my skills.

No matter where someone does their Rescue course, the key and underlying fact a Rescue Diver must consider is if they are qualified to do the rescue and how can they do it without entering the water. Entering the water is the last resort.

All this is true, but if it's a choice between doing it in warm water and not doing it at all, I still think it's better to do it. (Especially since there is a great deal in the class that has little to do with water temp. Anyway being in the tropics doesn't neccesarily mean good viz, when we did it our instructor took special pains to find us a place with current, chop and pretty much no viz. )

But this gets away from my original question, which is whether it is even possible to do a referral. Sounds like it is technically possible according to the rules, and it would be best to just contact whereever they're going and see if it can be arranged.

 

[ScubaMike05]

Good luck!

 

[J75]

I totally agree. I am always stunned to hear divers at the local quary say things like "I'm planning on doing my leadership courses in (insert one here: Bahamas, Jamaica, BVI, Cozumel, etc.) because "it's easier"!!

Sorry about that, I think I've strayed far enough off of the topic for now.