Sea Quest Balance BC and DIR Requirements

[Zhenqing]

I've been trying to find out if I can use my Sea Quest Balance BC for taking the DIR Fundamentals course. I sent an e-mail to Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) and call them on the phone and left a message last week but so far I have received no reply (BTW this has raised concerns about their customer service). According to DRI's Equipment Requirements [Section 2.1.2.10 (4)], Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE's equipment requirements remains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives.

Are any of you DRI guys associated with GUE or knowledgeable enough to answer this question? Thanks for your input!

 

[Grajan]

I was told last year that I could not.

Graham

I've been trying to find out if I can use my Sea Quest Balance BC for taking the DIR Fundamentals course. I sent an e-mail to Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) and call them on the phone and left a message last week but so far I have received no reply (BTW this has raised concerns about their customer service). According to DRI's Equipment Requirements [Section 2.1.2.10 (4)], Whether or not a piece of equipment fulfills GUE's equipment requirements remains at the discretion of GUE and its instructor representatives.

Are any of you DRI guys associated with GUE or knowledgeable enough to answer this question? Thanks for your input!

 

[jonnythan]

You cannot. I think that you used to be able to, but since DIRF turned into a "certification" class, the gear requirements are more stringent. You need an actual DIR gear configuration to take the class.

 

[Zhenqing]

Thanks! ...so much for that. I do believe that gear is important, but most important of all is common sense, the ability to think for oneself, and have the freedom to make informed choices. To me that's what diving is all about. Again, thanks for answering the questions GEU did not.

 

[jonnythan]

Well, they have on their website the gear requirements for DIRF, and it clearly states a backplate with a hog rig is required.

 

[boomx5]

One of our local GUE instructors has full sets of gear he rents for the DIR-F classes. You may want to check with the instructor who's doing your class and see if he/she does the same.

 

[Zhenqing]

Scott, it doesn't make sense to rent a BC when I own one. Also, as stated on my posting, according to the regs (see referenced section) the decision is "left to the discretion of GUE and its instructor representative". Since the Balance inflates on the back, almost identical to a "backplate and wings" setup, I failed to see any valid reason for disqualifying it. That's just my humble opinion. In any case, I think that we are all fed up with people trying to dictate common sense so I've decided not to take this class. Thank you very much for your input, I really appreciate it.

 

[Dryglove]

Although i have yet to take a DIRF class, if i remember reading right, at one time you could take DIRF in a poodle jacket if you insisted. But as stated since turning into a certification course the gear requirements are much more stringent.

Your best bet is to contact MHK from this board and Scott(boomx5) is a great resource for information on DIRF class.

 

[jonnythan]

What made you think about taking DIRF?

 

[Zhenqing]

Jon, in answer to your question, I adhere to the principles of DIR, in other words, to the concept behind it. However, I'm not interested in credentials, proving myself to anyone nor impressing others. Also, I think that most divers are free-spirited, adventorous and like to think and act based on what they feel is right for them (not what others may think) My goal is to enjoy diving safely, that simple. In this regard I think I echo the sentiment of most members of this Board. Thanks for asking and sharing your valuable experience here; I sincerely appreciate it!