The "Official" SB Scuba Course?

[Kingpatzer]

Basic/OW Swim Test:
1. 16 lengths any style or styles of stroke on front - no time limit;
2. 8 additional lengths on back any style or styles of stroke;
3. 20 minute drown proofing (localized area)
4. Tread water:
2 minutes hands and feet,
2 minutes feet only (hands out of water),
2 minutes arms only (feet crossed)
5. Underwater swim: 75 feet (no aids)
6. Pick-up a 10 lbs weight belt from the deep end, handing it to the instructor 24" from the surface (no aids)
Test continuous without rest.

Now the deletions or additions.... What do you think?

Course Standards - Wiki

 

[DCBC]

I'd like to see a course that includes some basic overview of different gear configurations along with pro/cons of each. Preferably, done in the first classroom session, allowing people to choose gear based on the information provided before their first pool session.

Straightforward factual presentation that allows for informed decisions without having a dive shop bias based on the brands they carry.

That's a good point. How about doing this in an orientation session where you distribute paperwork, medicals, etc. They could come back 2 weeks later with everything completed and ready to begin. Optionally, you could also include the swim test in the orientation session.

 

[DCBC]

This would be nice but more often than not I think you would find shops pushing the "flavor of the week" in their shop rather than everything that may or may not be of interest to the user.

For indepenent instructors, I think your approach could be implemented easily enough (cost aside fo course)

I suppose you're right. So would we design two courses; one for the LDS and one for the Instructor; or are we getting too detailed? Standards are a different matter.

 

[Cave Diver]

This would be nice but more often than not I think you would find shops pushing the "flavor of the week" in their shop rather than everything that may or may not be of interest to the user.

For independant instructors, I think your approach could be implemented easily enough (cost aside fo course)

All the more reason to include basic gear info. It will help people determine whether or not they like the "flavor."

 

[DCBC]

All the more reason to include basic gear info. It will help people determine whether or not they like the "flavor."

An educated consumer....

 

[ScubaSteve]

All the more reason to include basic gear info. It will help people determine whether or not they like the "flavor."

I wish it had been included in my course so I am definitely all for it but I believe that before it could be included you would need to have a way of ensuring all gear is covered and objectively covered at that.

 

[Kingpatzer]

I suppose you're right. So would we design two courses; one for the LDS and one for the Instructor; or are we getting too detailed? Standards are a different matter.

Both are possible

(and see how we're getting multiple sub-threads going already? social media please please please )


As to the swim test -- I see that as too stringent a requirement. Both from a pragmatic viewpoint of not seeing recreational accidents resulting from a lack of swimming skills and from a standpoint that recreational scuba (unlike commercial diving) is a sport that today attracts a largely older population. A long tread is a good idea, as is the ability to lift some amount of weight out of the water. But 75 yards under water on a single breath hold has little reason in such a course. A CESA provides for expanding existing air in the lung and gradual return of air flow from the cylinder. And when else is a recreational diver going to be swimming for anywhere close to such a distance under water?

 

[Kingpatzer]

Added a section of scuba equipment

 

[DCBC]

As to the swim test -- I see that as too stringent a requirement. Both from a pragmatic viewpoint of not seeing recreational accidents resulting from a lack of swimming skills and from a standpoint that recreational scuba (unlike commercial diving) is a sport that today attracts a largely older population. A long tread is a good idea, as is the ability to lift some amount of weight out of the water. But 75 yards under water on a single breath hold has little reason in such a course. A CESA provides for expanding existing air in the lung and gradual return of air flow from the cylinder. And when else is a recreational diver going to be swimming for anywhere close to such a distance under water?

I had suggested 75 feet; I've noted this in your wiki.

 

[Cave Diver]

Under buoyancy control, I'd add something about trim.