Thinking about submitting some specialties to PADI...

[RJP]

Based on a number of recent threads about gear puchasing and configuration I've decided to write up a new specialty for submission to PADI...

UNAWARE Diver (Usually a Newbie Absent-mindedly Wearing a Retractor on Everything)

There are several potential related specialties and certifications as well:

If the required skills for UNAWARE Diver are demonstrated within 1 year of receiving the Gear Acquisition Specialist certification, credit may also be given towards the requirements for Discover Entanglement and/or Advanced Silting Techniques, at the discretion of the instructor.

Credit for Gear Acquisition Specialty dives may be applied towards either Master LDS Loyalist or to Dedicated Internet Shopper, but not to both. (The Master LDS Loyalist and Dedicated Internet Shopper certifications are equivalent, however the fee for Master LDS Loyalist will be about 50% higher than the fee for Dedicated Internet Shopper.)

For divers not yet ready to become a Gear Acquisition Specialist there is an excellent program called Discover Gear Acquisition. This "academics only" program allows potential buyers of scuba gear to spend several hours with a knowledgeable local dive shop owner becoming familiar with a wide range of gear, trying it on, and having all their questions answered. There is no charge for this program and the academic sessions may be applied towards the Dedicated Internet Shopper certification. (Divers who go this route may find the DIY Annual Maintenance Specialist to be a particularly rewarding program.)

Special recognition is awarded to divers who complete Advanced Master Gear Acquisition Specialist. This program is especially well suited to new divers with free time, an internet connection, and more money than good sense. The program can be completed over a surprisingly short period of time. Few, if any dives are required. The recommended sequence is as follows:

- Discover Gear Acquisition (No dives required)
- Dedicated Internet Shopper, Master LDS Loyalist, or equivalent (No dives required)
- UNAWARE Diver (OW Dives 1-4 required)
- Discover Task Loading (May requires as little as 1 additional dive beyond OW)
- Discover BP/W (Only 1 dive required)
- BP/W Convert* (Dive #1 of Discover BP/W usually fulfills this requirement)
- BP/W Zealot (No additional dives required, but student must demonstrate the ability to incorporate "just go straight to a BP/W" in answer to any question about gear posted on SB)

* divers who have purchased all their own gear prior to taking Discover BP/W may wish to complete eBay Equipment Sales Specialist prior to becoming a certified BP/W Convert

 

[bmcsteve]

I say this because of my own gear buying experience.... if I had it to do over again, maybe I'd have listened to my LDS owners recommendations a little better.

Over all I am happy with my gear with the following exceptions:

My computer: I am happy with the function of my Suunto Cobra, and really have yet to use it to its full potential. However; when I bought it I was enamored by the whole console idea that I had previously seen on my AOW instructors set up.... The owner of my LDS tried to tell me that I would be happier with a wrist mounted computer/ compass, but I didnt listen.... and as such, I cant hear the alarms on my computer, and I have discovered that it is a P.I.T.A. to always have to reach down and pull the console up to check my status or navigate.... My next computer and compass will be a wrist mount set up with vibrating alarms.

My BC: I did a lot of research online and looked at several BC's before I decided that I had to have the Seasoft Pro. I like it because it has dual tank bands, so I never have tank slippage problems. It is a very comfortable BC that stays where it is supposed to.... the problem I have is that there are no pockets on it, so I have no place to store my safety sausage or any other spare gear. I have also lost wieghts on two occasions due to dump coming open on the integrated weight pocket. (This may simply be operator error)

I suppose that this is all part of the learning experience.... I am the type of guy that has to try things for awhile before I figure out if I like it or not....