Happy to be corrected, my understanding is that before AG and GUE parted ways, AG was responsible for drawing up the syllabi for the rec programs and their implementation, so GUE did not model after UTD, but the same person had a hand in the development of both programs.Bit of thread drift, but let's just make sure that information is accurate. GUE Announced their Recreational Class in 2005, though it took a couple of years to become fully formed. IIRC UTD didn't exist until 2008, after AG had spent some time with Naui. AG was removed from GUE for unprofessional behaviour, and I'm sure that if you can be bothered, you could even find the notice regarding this out there on the internet. This happened in around September 2005.
It's not true therefore to suggest that GUE have modelled their Recreational Training on that offered by UTD, as a) GUE offered if before UTD existed, and b) no-one involved in the creation of GUE's recreational offerings have had anything to do with UTD.
Thanks
John
the UDT class is 3 days, and it is taught on air.
Recreational 1 | UTD Scuba Diving
Theres been a restructuring of the UTD course lineup. Rec 1 is 5-6 days and includes nitrox, OW is a new course which is air and 3-4 days. I have never seen a Rec 1 course conducted without nitrox, though it seems like it COULD be done as per standards, I imagine that is to cater for places with limited O2 facilities but that's me just guessing, I have been out of UTD for a few years now.