T Ladder @ Dutch

[DawgPaddle]

I'm curious, would ya'll find a T Ladder setup up at Dutch useful for training? I realize we wouldn't get the rocking & rolling like that on a boat, but do you think it would be a good idea to request one?

I've no idea if the good folks up at Dutch would even entertain this idea, but still, I wanted to get ya'lls thoughts.

Thanks,

 

[BILLB]

There is a "boat boarding" experience at Dutch. It is an above the water platform just for teaching boat diving and boarding. I have never used it but from a distance, it appears to be a regular ladder. If you have never use the fins on T-LADDER, it is a skill that needs practice. Maybe we could position 3-4 divers to rock the platform while newbies practice boarding?

 

[DawgPaddle]

I'm ready to rock & roll. I remember when we were exciting off the outer banks and watching the T Ladder come spiking into the water as the boat rocked. WOW...

Perhaps we can take the new divers graduating in April over there?

 

[cornfed]

If you have never use the fins on T-LADDER, it is a skill that needs practice.

You really need to give people more credit than that. It's a ladder for crying out loud!

 

[BILLB]

You really need to give people more credit than that. It's a ladder for crying out loud!

I am guilty! observing the obvious is my cross to bear! But, in my defense, I am on the road with virtually nothing to do at night except to monitor the SB! I have seen divers (my wife for one) tossed back into the sea like a kid's toy when boarding a ladder. Since the T-Ladder was being used it probably saved all of us a lot of grief since she still had on her fins on and the regulator was in her mouth.

 

[cornfed]

I think T-ladder's are great. I just don't think they need any special training.

If you want to do you students a favor find a boat with a t-ladder and charter it for some newbie dives. Don't make it a "Boat Diving Specialty" course or anything like that just plan some dives geared towards new divers and get them out of the quarry!

It seems to me that a lot of newer divers are very comfortable in the psuedo-OW of quarries, lakes, etc but have reservations about going offshore. The best thing an instructor or shop can do for them is provide an atmosphere which well help them gain confidence and I don't people rocking a platform at quarry will do that. By taking a group of less experienced divers offshore together you give them a chance to experience things without being afraid to ask "stupid" questions.

 

[grouchyturtle]

I've been on boats before, just not up here yet.

What is a T-ladder?

 

[cornfed]

Basically and open beam ladder.

http://members.aol.com/mrdeco/page/index3.htm

Notice how the diver is able to climb with his fins on.