Technical training

[MXGratefulDiver]

Well Jeff and I have both seen something different from our different instrcutors..so there's what you should be looking at my friend.

It's exactly as we said, all over the map.

Again I appreciated you want to tie GUE in with my views, but I never said I was a GUE diver, you really should get over that part though.

Actually, I have no idea what sort of diver you are ... nor am I trying to tie you to such.

I AM saying that the manner in which you recommend GUE classes does reflect (to the uninitiated, such as the OP) on the agency you're recommending. It's a hurdle I've had to deal with in the past ... and continue having to deal with when it comes to discussing with my students where I think they can benefit from taking additional classes. GUE classes are just one good option here ... and one that's increasingly difficult to sell to people who view those promoting GUE in a negative manner.

In fact I am an instructor for those other ABC agencies, lest you think I don't have a fair amount of viewing pleasure on how these things are typically run.

Yes, well ... I've been informed that you are a TDI instructor ... and that you are currently promoting a class called "TDI Fundamentals". Would you care to tell us more about that class? Perhaps it's something that the OP could benefit from learning about ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Steve R]

Yes, well ... I've been informed that you are a TDI instructor ... and that you are currently promoting a class called "TDI Fundamentals"...... Perhaps it's something that the OP could benefit from learning about ...

Now there's something we can agree with, I was beginning to wonder.

So there ya have it my friend, even though I am an 'alternative' to GUE, I am more than willing to speak to what I have witnessed, be it good or bad, from any agency. What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong. Its the agencies decision as to what they will allow, and if they decide to knowingly allow such nonsensical training, it's their problem not ours.

Can't get much clearer than that.

 

[Steve R]

I AM saying that the manner in which you recommend GUE classes does reflect (to the uninitiated, such as the OP) on the agency you're recommending. It's a hurdle I've had to deal with in the past ... and continue having to deal with when it comes to discussing with my students where I think they can benefit from taking additional classes. GUE classes are just one good option here ... and one that's increasingly difficult to sell to people who view those promoting GUE in a negative manner.

Here's what my initial post was, until dim-wits decide to wade in with inaccurate info and lumpings.

I would highly recommend GUE.

When you're throwing the dart at the board I can't imagine you making a better choice. Consistent top shelf individuals, without a doubt.

I've done a fair amount of diving with tech divers from all levels and agencies, and there's no doubt that GUE trained divers as a whole are a far tighter lot.

We've shown this already to be entirely accurate.

 

[JeffG]

Here's what my initial post was, until dim-wits decide to wade in with inaccurate info and lumpings.

It was my fault. I brought in the "blithering idiot" term to descibe a TDI Instructor. (In all fairness, I also said there were some great ones)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Here's what my initial post was, until dim-wits decide to wade in with inaccurate info and lumpings.

We've shown this already to be entirely accurate.

I had no issue with your initial post ... in fact, I agree with it.

This is the response that started us down this rat-hole ...

Blithering idiot? lol, yup. Too many of those

... actually, at that point you were simply following the lead rat (JeffG) ... which typically provides entertainment, but rarely leads to useful conversation ... (but I love ya anyway Jeff) ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Steve R]

It was my fault. I brought in the "blithering idiot" term to descibe a TDI Instructor. (In all fairness, I also said there were some great ones)

lol. OK, but I agreed with you, because it's true.

In all fairness, the one guy was also IANTD.

Oh, and you're no dim-wit

Bob:

Thanks for that Bob, but let's get serious.

If an agency wants ME to take them seriously, they have to get serious on what they allow from their instructors. What I have seen many many times is BS beyond the pale, and it's condoned by the ABC agencies.

Other than that it's nothing more than a plastic card that allows equal access. Not worth the ink IMO, and certainly not worth anything I will endorse personally, which is why I did and will continue to recommend GUE training as the top-shelf deal it is.

 

[JeffG]

... actually, at that point you were simply following the lead rat (JeffG) ... which typically provides entertainment, but rarely leads to useful conversation ...

Hey......Them's fight'n words. LOL

My post was almost the same as Steve's, but just with a bit more "graphic" description.

So there.....

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

According to your profile, you have somewhere between 50 and 100 dives and have been diving less than a year.
If that's the case, then I'd recommend that you not spend too much time wondering about which technical agency to use at this point, but rather get some more basic stuff under your belt - just go diving. With a little more experience you can better define what you want. "Technical diving" isn't a goal... it is a collection of equipment and skills tailored to safely accomplish something underwater. Until you know what you want to accomplish, you can't really drill down to what "technical diving" means for you, and you're setting yourself up for a lot of wasted time and money.
A couple of courses I highly recommend for every diver are Rescue and Cavern. Those go a long way towards making you a "good diver" and will help open your eyes & focus on which direction you might want to go. And of course I recommend my own Technical Foundations (SSI) course as the very best "jumping off" point... but even then I like for my students to have some idea of why they're wanting to learn the skills, so I can tailor the class in that direction
Rick

This is exactly why I have met people from many different areas of diving, and am being mentored also. I am trying to figure out what to do and want, if anything, to be a competent diver and good team member. That is why I am in no rush to get that next card! Becoming competent has nothing to do with the card you get, it comes with experience and good education of the diver themselves. I have learned alot from the forums here and from books that I have been given or picked up in my travels. But diving and practicing skills is the only way to become better. I have been laughed at by LDS for practicing so much in the pool so sometimes it's hard to find good support. (I am looking for another LDS)

I have met some incredible people here on the boards and down in High Springs FL. I have been given the opportunity to train with many different groups and to dive with very experienced divers. That is the best way to learn then decide where to go next!

HAPPY DIVING Y'ALL!
Carolyn:sharks:

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Hey......Them's fight'n words. LOL

Uh oh ... beware the cat ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Icarusflies]

Thank you guys for all the feedback

To answer some of you guys, I have 64 dive logged in warm water in 10 month. I am NITROX and AOW certified from PADI. My experience in the certification was good, a lot of fun however I did feel that I didn't gained anything from going form OP to AOW. So for my next level I wanted to get involved in something more in depth and for what I saw GUE was a good alternative. The only class I can take so far is Fundamental and in 10 more dives I ll be able to do recreational triox and then continue. The DIR method sounds like a good idea to me so I have no problem with it.