Looking forward to a post-training report...
:zen:
Sorry if parts of this old thread re-open some wounds but i was asked to update:
June, 2012 Update:
Can now check off Rescue Diver!!!!!!
Had an absolutely outstanding (stressful, physical, emotionally draining, intense) weekend completing a NAUI Rescue Diver Course. As is always the case, the instructor, and the students make it. Four of us with a great teacher put it all together through some "interesting" diving. I wish my fellow classmates well. They showed they have what it takes! And kudos to the instructor for bring it out of us!!!
Day 1 of skills: rain, 64 degree air and water, and, due to an open water class there, vis was knocked down to about 5 feet. Lots of exercises, refining things learned years back (YMCA certified from the late 80's), and putting the book work into action items. All good! Ended that day with a simulated lost diver (get the facts from a "foggy buddy" that showed up at the shore, ascess, assemble, action!). Find an unresponsive diver at depth after a search grid, bring them up, bring them to shore, get them out, etc. good stuff, good teamwork! Very tired at the end of the day - about 4 hours of water work.
Day 2 - sunny and HOT! - a day of practical - Watched and mingled with OW and AOW classes at a site pre-dive - many dynamics there. Dive is a drift in a significant current - The Niagara River (3-4 kt). Instructor says "we are going on a fun dive today to unwind from yesterday". Yeah, right..... The next 40-45 minutes was just nerve wracking as all heck, as he pulled as many "noob' stunts, or created scenarios as we washed along.... I have never had a dive cause me to be so focused only on being ready vs. just gliding along, blowing bubbles and looking around... WOW! Finished up, and getting out... Bam! Simulated medical emergency - here we go (just when you though it was over)! Handled it all well, and got him out. Now we are back with the two other groups again, watching their debriefing. Wham, diver on the outskirts having "issues". Again into ACTION! (ended up getting "bitched" at by the leader of the OW group for doing our thing - too funny)!
Anyhow, was an outstanding, demanding couple days, much appreciated, much reinforced, and much learned. Nothing Better!!!!
Oh, and the BP/W and "long hose" was awesome!!! The instructor is also a caver and Tech Instructor, and when I showed up with my kit, his eyes sparkled. He took some time to go over it with the class to show some of the merits of it in the recreational diving arena, and then proceeded to break out his BP/W for the afternoon. My buddy also was quite impressed through some of the air share scenarios when we actually put it to use after our pre-dive planning and briefing. Yep, loving it!
