Training paths

[shark.byte.usa]

So what are some of the training paths (I know there are more than one) someone (me) should consider and investigate if my longterm goal is wreck penetration, presumably I would build up to beyond rec limits and deco to explore deeper wrecks.

-Garrett

 

[NJMike]

Hey, shark.byte. I went looking for threads on your exact question...can't believe you just posted this!

I'm looking for the same answer - what do I need to do in order to "qualify" to penetrate wrecks?

I thought a good first step would be to take the PADI wreck diver course, but I don't know if that's enough to penetrate a wreck.

And here's my biggest question - is there a "qualification" or "certification" to penetrate wrecks, other than courses like PADI offers? Do you have to present some type of "certification card" before a dive charter will take you out? Or is just some type of community based guidelines?

 

[Hoyden]

Hey, shark.byte. I went looking for threads on your exact question...can't believe you just posted this!

I'm looking for the same answer - what do I need to do in order to "qualify" to penetrate wrecks?

I thought a good first step would be to take the PADI wreck diver course, but I don't know if that's enough to penetrate a wreck.

And here's my biggest question - is there a "qualification" or "certification" to penetrate wrecks, other than courses like PADI offers? Do you have to present some type of "certification card" before a dive charter will take you out? Or is just some type of community based guidelines?

Both TDI (Advanced Wreck Diver) and IANTD (Technical Wreck Diver) offer courses that teach wreck penetration. Both are generally taught after advanced nitox/deco procedures.

 

[Jasonmh]

there are some good wreck penetration classes here:
http://www.breakthrudiving.com/
They teach NAUI wreck 1 and 2.

 

[shark.byte.usa]

there are some good wreck penetration classes here:
http://www.breakthrudiving.com/
They teach NAUI wreck 1 and 2.

Thanks, I'm not really looking for specific instructors or providers right now, just what suggested training paths I should look into and investigate. Monterey is a bit of a drive for me too!

Once I've identified some paths and agencies to look into further, I can evaluate my options as far as training options and instructors locally (Arizona) and semi-locally (SoCal).

As a point of reference, by the time I am ready to take these classes (next year sometime). I will be PADI Rescue/ANDI LSU Nitrox with about 150-200 dives.
So what's the suggested next steps?

I'm in no hurry, but it doens't hurt to start evaluating my options now and making contact with some potential instructors.

-Garrett

 

[Tavi]

I've been very happy with NAUI's Technical Training
I've taken Technical Nitrox, Deco Procedures and Helitrox.
Next will be, Trimix and Technical Wreck Penetration.

Where abouts do you live Garrett??

 

[shark.byte.usa]

Peoria, AZ; a suburb of Phoenix, orginally from So. California, I generally get out there about once a month.

-Garrett

 

[rawls]

I have been doing wreck penetrations for quite awhile. I started out with very easy stuff where you could always see your way out as well as getting used to being inside a wreck...hazards...light...silt...I progressed from there and am still "progressing." Each and every step along the way I have been with someone who knows the wreck and when it comes to going deeper inside, I take alot of time...progressing little by little until I know every nook and cranny. I support progressive penetration because penetration lines can break on wrecks. If you don't know the wreck and one breaks...you may well be ****d. As far as the training path...I don't think there is any one class that does anything but "introduce" you to techniques....You may or may not need additional technical training. That all depends on the wreck and how deeply you are going to penetrate it. If you are planning on deep penetrations or deep wrecks, then you need technical training. If you want to do shallow penetrations keeping your exit always in sight and the wreck is within recreational limits, then you don't really need technical training. My humble view is you gain experience with someone who is experienced and practices safety and conservatism to the letter when diving...wreck or otherwise.

 

[texdiveguy]

I pers. think anyone getting into the tec side of recreational diving is well advised to at least complete a rec. Rescue level diver program prior to starting the tec classes such as Adv. Nitrox,,,Deco,,,Adv. Wreck and so on. Also DAN courses are well worth it for the tec diver.

 

[NJMike]

At this point in my game, I am only interested in the recreational wreck diver info...a course that I will learn something in that I can apply to non-tech wreck diving. Sounds like any of the standard intro courses would be good, especially if the instructor was into wreck diving.