Categories
Scuba & Training

Wreck Diver – a deeper analysis of the training options & market

The wrecks represent a point of attraction for many divers, a peak of their professional training, and a unique diving experience. Once full of life, the wrecks have a sad history, most of them being the result of either navigational errors, dirty sabotage decisions, or ugly military conflicts. In recent years, some countries have begun to sink ships intentionally, creating artificial reefs and thus attractions for diving tourists. Of course, the ships are “greened” first and then sunk as planned.

The wrecks have an attraction that can be fatal. Treated disrespectfully or arrogantly, wrecks can be real deadly traps.

Often, you have seen on specialized forums or in various materials published on the net, discussions, and comments on the topic: who is better: “the wreck diver or the cave diver” (Cave vs Advanced Wreck; Caves vs Mines; note: caverns would be the equivalent of a basic wreck) or “which dives are more dangerous/heavy: those in caves or those in wrecks” etc.

A pool started in July 2019 on Wreck Divers Awareness & Exploration Club® group on Facebook, revealed the following:

as of today, out of 73 votes, 12% voted for Caves while only 4% voted for Wrecks. A vast majority of 63% agreed that all (cave, wreck, mine) are dangerous.

ps: dangerous, is the term used in the general marketing concept, otherwise, we, as divers, talk about difficult & complex overhead environments!

Wreck Divers Awareness & Exploration Club®

The truth is that just as every recreational dive has its peculiarity and no two dives are alike, diving in caves and wrecks has its peculiarities with its “pros” and “cons” points.

Unfortunately, cave marketing works much more efficiently, which makes cave diving have average supremacy over wreck diving. Probably many of those who paved the way for (overhead) technical diving many years ago had the opportunity to dive mostly in caves (those in Florida and Mexico being the most famous) and therefore did not bother too much with the wrecks.

Often, the logistics for diving at wrecks are much more complex, especially if the wrecks are deep and the distance from the nearest port (safe heaven) is big. Also, the weather conditions are more difficult to control (even if the weather forecasts have fairly high accuracy and real-time monitoring).

And, let’s not forget… the seasickness… a pretty solid reason to keep in mind too!

Caves are always classified in “closed spaces – overhead” with independent courses (TDI, GUE, ANDI, UTD) while diving at/in wrecks has the status of “specialization” (PADI, SDI, RAID) and less dedicated “overhead course”. But there are agencies (ANDI, TDI, IANTD, SSI, NAUI, UTD) where there are dedicated overhead courses for “cave” & “wreck”. In some agencies, the definition of “wreck” does not appear at all (GUE). Instead, the courses of other agencies (BSAC, CMAS) must be followed with caution because the standards are somewhat outdated or far too simplistic. PSAI goes directly to the level of advanced wreck diver (with Sport Wreck Diving non-penetration level as pre-requisites!).

Some levels of certification can be confusing: for example, SSI Wreck Diver has as course enrollment requirements – Open Water Diver, only 2-course dives are performed in real conditions (and an optional dive in the pool), and the guide wire is optional. Even if is listed in “Advanced”. Anyway, there is Extended Range & Technical Wreck for proper advanced levels.

Instead, SDI Basic Wreck vs TDI Advanced Wreck Diver is clearly delineated in training and competence. Despite that, SDI is stating: “This course may be taught as a non-penetration, 2 dives required, or as a limited-penetration course, requiring 3 dives” but no clear notification is made on the CC to identify the training level. Therefore, is up to the diver to acknowledge and admit their own training and skills before planning & approaching a wreck!

ANDI Wreck Diver moves to the next level and classifies wreck diver certifications based on the Open Water (depth, gas(es), equipment configuration) and depth of penetration into the wreck (related to the guidewire and deviations from the guidewire – jumps) in L2 to L5.

ANDI Exploration Trimix Wreck diver

ANDI diversifies the specializations for penetrations in wrecks, including in various combinations: OC, CCR, Sidemount, etc. On large and/or deep wrecks, DPV is also utilized for more efficient dive time.

Obviously, an advanced penetration into a wreck at -55m (TDI Advanced Wreck) is not the same as one into a wreck at -25m depth. But even in this case, there are lots of other factors (visibility, thermocline, off-even keel, state of degradation, type of cargo, type of construction, access areas, etc) which may “upgrade” the difficulty of the -25m wreck to/or even above, the level of -55m.

Each combination of equipment and penetration involves risk assessments, configuration and penetration techniques, swimming techniques, and buoyancy that must be controlled to perfection! Basic knowledge solidification courses – Fundamentals / Intro to Tech – offered by GUE, TDI, are highly recommended.

Tek a Rec®

T101TDO® created Tek a Rec® – a customized concept for introduction to the tech world, which combines personal experience and the basic principles of other agencies, offering flexibility and dynamism in equipment, approach, training & attitude.

However, final certifications differ from agency to agency, even if they refer, at least in theory to (relatively) the same level of wreck dive execution. Therefore, in general, it is very difficult to make a table of equivalences between courses on different agencies, because each agency has its pluses and minuses at depth limits and diving/decompression times, gases used, standards, academic teaching methodologies, etc. …

Let’s not forget that the final “flavor” of the course and training is given by the experience and ability of the instructor to provide the necessary information and to push the limits of the diving student to progress.

The Advanced Wreck Diving handbook

Coming back to our wrecks, on Andy Davis’ blog – Scuba tech Philippines, a well-documented material – The anatomy of an effective wreck diving course – was recently published, which I recommend you to read.

Also, Gary Gentile’s book – “The Advanced Wreck Diving Handbook” can be useful, even if you are an experienced wreck diver.

The six skills and other discussions
Staying alive

Steve Lewis’s books – “The Six Skills and Other Discussions” & “Staying Alive” will help you a lot in consolidating some very useful general technical information in sports and technical diving.

Any theoretical material is very welcome for enriching your baggage of knowledge. But, before you venture to dive “at” and “in” the wrecks, take a proper course! Only in this way will you fully understand the beauty and hardness of a wreck. Don’t let your ego and ignorance dominate you.

And stay within the limits for which you have been certified and trained. Even if the temptation is great, life has priority.

If you are certified/qualified for an advanced level (OC / CCR, wrecks/caves/mines), don’t let routine dominate you. Challenge yourself from time to time to other courses, in other environments, with other teams so as not to be overwhelmed by the feeling of superiority acquired.

And a few more pieces of advice before enrolling in an (overhead) wreck diving course:

  • “spy” your intended instructor (you have social media as a good tool, but not always an entirely accurate tool!). Check his wreck diving activities, protocols, and behavior. Is he diving wrecks for his own fun/exploration too or rather is doing it just for business?
  • verify under which agency your intended instructor is training. Is true, that the personal “flavor” of each instructor is very important, but the backup academic materials are important too. Out there are lots of training agencies, with ISO & EUF certifications but with copy-paste standards, written by individuals with close to zero or purely, no experience whatsoever in what standards they “create”!
  • make sure you, as a diver trainee, are up-to-date in your training & skills (as per your latest certification level before enrolling in the overhead activity), diving gear, fitness, medical, diving insurance, etc.

The wreck diver courses and training that I offer under the standards of the ANDI & TDI agencies are the following:

  • ANDI SafeAir Wreck Diver L2: -40m, light zone; NSR, RBS as BO.
  • ANDI Exploration Wreck Diver L4: -40m, No limit, gases: SafeAir®, Deco RT as required.
  • ANDI Technical TriMix Wreck Diver L3: -50m, 45min deco, minimum of 16% He.

For additional information, on planning and diving at the wrecks, do not hesitate to contact me.

The above text does not intend to be an ultimate and final description of the wreck divers training options. Is just a general guideline & overview. Over time, agencies are modifying their web pages, standards, and protocols. Therefore, please check with your instructor and/or desired training agency for the latest updates.

T101-Technical & Diving Ops®
ScubaTech.eu

this is the updated (August 2022) and English language version of

https://www.t101.ro/blog/scafandru-de-epave-wreck-diver/

Categories
SCUBA gear - review

ScubaForce PowerLight 1 – the mini for maxi underwater exploration

PowerLight 1 is a high-end underwater diving light, based Cree high-intensity XP-L HI LED chip.

Over the past years, diving lights technology improved a lot. From bulky canisters with limited energy storage and incandescent bulbs to small size, ultra-portable, hours of running time, and impressively bright and efficient LEDs… we live a technological revolution.

I am not a big super-fan of canisters & floating cords. For certain dives and activities – works.

I am an explorer wreck diver. Therefore, the KISS principle should apply at all times.

For my diving activities (wreck diving), I’ll rather take something small but efficient. I keep the front chest clear, I have enough power and run time, and I can use my left hand (holding the light) to do whatever I need to do with stages, bailout, CCR cylinders, etc.

The tested light comes from Scubaforce – a german manufacturer, focused mostly on technical diving equipment (rebreathers – backmount & sidemount, dry suits, wings & sidemount, regs, and more).

ScubaForce PowerLight 1

Its name: PowerLight 1

With 3 levels of power 20%-50%-100% out of 1200lumens (at 6000K – 6500K), you can use it easily outside an overhead environment, for signaling, as well as for darkest places deep inside a wreck. If the backscattering is disturbing you at full 1200lumens, you can reduce it to 240lumens from just an easy-to-operate back button.

Autonomy?

  • 90 – 120min (battery type 18650)
  • 180 – 240min (battery type 26650)

4 hours… should be more than enough for the vast majority of our dives. In case of extensive explorations, you may have easily taken another one as a backup in your pocket (… you should have at least one backup light in any case at any given time).

Maximum depth? IPX8 200m/600ft. Unless you are planning to break some World Records… should work in almost any situation.

It comes with a soft handle. Good for tropical gloves. Or you can easily attach the light to any goodman handle.

It comes with nice packing and everything you need to run it right away (soft handle, battery, charger with USB cable, etc).

Overall, ScubaForce PowerLight 1 is a good & solid option, from sport to technical diving. You will like it 🙂

Dive strong, and stay safe!

Costa

ANDI Technical Instructor Trainer

TDI Technical Instructor (Trimix, Advanced Wreck, Gas Blender, etc)

T101.ro | ScubaTech.eu

Categories
SCUBA gear - review

Garmin Mk2i… a weak beast.

Garmin is no doubt about it, one of the best (sports watch) brands in the World. They cover a wide range of products, from marine to aviation professional equipment, from “terrestrial” sports to scuba diving.

Being the owner of a few “terrestrial” watches (Forerunner 945, Fenix 6 Saphire), I decided a few months ago to move further and purchase their latest beast, Mk2i.

I did not choose “i” version for the Air Integration function (I am not a big fan of this system in general) but for the blue color of the buttons. I know… weird, right? 🙂

As a sports watch, it covers almost everything a user can dream and do. Same as 6 & 7 versions. The extra functions are related to SCUBA diving. Single Gas (Sport OC), Multi-Gases OC (Technical), CCR, Apnea… lots of functions and alarms, Gradient Factor flexibility in settings. Not bad at all. Usable as a sports & office watch (with super fast replaceable QuickFit bands), it sounds like a good option overall when you have to look into the vast options of diving computers.

So, I did a couple of good dives, in CCR mode. Fully geared, with my 2 beasts: JJ-CCR & SF2eCCR (with a Shearwater Petrel 2 as the main dive computer controller on my left hand) and a Shearwater Predator (oldies but goodies mo-fo) as a backup computer. Plus an underwater navigational compass, and a self-check mirror. All on my right hand.

This makes me look like I am going to Mars. Or something like that.

Despite the good overall functions, my first impression… is not positive. Not at all! With multiple devices in my hand, the computer’s buttons are easily pressed and self-changing the displayed options.

  • Very unpleasant to find yourself during a CCR dive that your mode was switched to OC. Or the setpoint changed from 0.7 to 1.3 or vice-versa… Had this issue not just a single time but repeatedly! Really bad!

Returning to my main “scuba” display, I found it not easy, sometimes really annoying. Navigating into the diving menu while diving… not so intuitive. Buttons are a bit too small for dry gloves (or thick wet gloves). If your age is requiring some eye aid to see smaller characters… you are in trouble… Though the alarms were responding well and screen visibility quite well (despite my low-intensity setup).

Despite the sapphire crystal glass and Dimond-like Carbon bezel… is getting scratched quite easily on both. If you plan some heavy technical dives, look for some extra protection to extend its beauty.

Overall impression?

As a sports dive computer (Single Gas, Apnea, Gauge)… I will give it a “go”.

As a technical dive computer – so far, “no go”. Still need to test it and find the best option to integrate it into a complex diving configuration. Later update: NO. End of story!

It is expensive (top range of the prices), but mainly due to the sports option. If you are planning to not use it extensively as a sports watch and you buy it just (or mainly) for diving… then you have much better options (in price and operational way). You have dive computers from Cressi, Mares, Aqualung, Scubapro, etc. And of course, Shearwater Research is the top quality option.

Again, look for and understand the algorithm used. Not only the price and fancy functions!

If you want a small size “office style” dive computer but to still integrate it into technical diving, Shearwater Teric.

Be safe, dive safe and have fun!

Costa

ANDI Technical Instructor Trainer, TDI Trimix/CCR/Adv. Wreck/Adv. Gas Blending Instructor, DIRrebreather Instructor

Categories
General Scuba & Training

Fitness for SCUBA Diving

Diving is an activity with a high level of physical & mental stress. Sport (recreational) is stressful, technical diving is even more! That’s why we need to be in an appropriate status all the time in order to enjoy diving in a safe manner, return to our family and friends and plan further adventurous activities and explorations trips.

Signing the 2020 medical screening self-declaration form is a good practice but does not really protect you as a diver but the professional (Dive Center, Instructor, or Divemaster).

Depending on the country and local legislation, the validity of your medical form can be of 1 or 2 years. Anyway, keep in mind that, as with any medical check, your medical fitness level is certified as “good” at that present moment and it may alternate in the future. Therefore, is your responsibility to stay up to date physically & mentally by regularly practicing exercises and following an adequate diet.

As I always say, SCUBA diving insurance is highly recommended but does not make miracles, and maintaining a good fitness level IS in your hands only. Knowing first response procedures is very useful but again, a good fitness level will be always a bonus for the provider (and especially, from Rescue Diver level up).

Consult with your physician and keep him updated with your medical status in order to get best medical advises and treatments.

Maintaining a good physical & mental level is at the end, a moral obligation. Is for you (and your family and friends) and is for your diving team or dive buddy. If you are in troubles in-water/underwater due to your poor medical fitness, you will affect the entire dive team and even the entire dive operation.

Performing a medical check (diving and non-diving related) is not just for the signed paper. Being proactive, you may discover in advance some hidden or not-yet developed medical issues and you may have a good time in advance to correct and even improve the situation!

Diving is fun but is in our hands to make it, and fitness level is one of the cards from the overall puzzle (ANDI’s ATKEE principles).

T101-Technical & Diving Ops® provides customized fitness training & nutritional coaching thru its dedicated DeepFit® concept.

Categories
General

T101® in Social Media

Facebook – Tweeter – LinkedIN – Instagram – YouTube

T101 – Technical & Diving Ops® – Facebook page – main page of T101®

T101 TecRec Dive Shop – Facebook Page – online shop

T101 ANDI Romania – Facebook page – ANDI Training Facility AERO 001

T101 – TDI SDI FRTI – Facebook page – SDI TDI Dive Center 1004957

T101 – TDI SDI FRTI – Facebook group of SDI TDI Dive Center 1004957

DAN Europe – Romania – Facebook page – Divers Alert Network news & info

Wreck Divers Awareness and Exploration Club® – Facebook page

Wreck Divers Awareness and Exploration Club® – Facebook group

Wreck Diving Training – Facebook page

YachtDiver – Facebook page – for superyachts & expedition cruise ships – Consultancy – Training – Support

SUEX Romania – Facebook page – underwater scooters/DPVs – authorized dealer in Romania

OMSdive Romania – Facebook page – Ocean Management System professional diving equipment – authorized distributor in Romania

Dive Light Romania – Facebook page – underwater diving lights

DeepFit – UFMT – Facebook page

DeepFit Underwater Fitness & Mental Training – Facebook group

Cursuri Prim Ajutor – Facebook page – first response, AED, O2 etc

Scufundari pentru persoane cu dizabilitati – Facebook page – disability diving

Rebreathers Romania CCR – Facebook page

Scufundari Tehnice Constanta – Romania – Marea Neagra – Facebook page

Technical Diving – Constanta – Romania – Black Sea – Facebook page

Shearwater Romania – Facebook page – one of the best dive computers on the market – authorized dealer in Romania

Nautilus LifeLine Romania – Facebook page – AIS/DSC survival radios – authorized dealer in Romania

T101TekRec® – Facebook page – T101® project

Analizoare Gaze Romania – Facebook page – gas analyzers

LiveAboards Trips Expeditions Romania – Facebook page

ANDI in Romania – Facebook group – ANDI International news & info

D-star DMR – Fusion – Yo4FRF – Facebook group – ham radio

YO4KRB & YO4KCA – Radioclubul Radu Bratu – Facebook group – ham radio

Diving professionals on Yachts & Cruise Ships – Facebook group

OmnisMares – Facebook group – the main group of T101®

mv Clipper Odyssey (Silver Discoverer,La Belle Des Oceans) – Facebook group

YachtDiverEU – Twitter – for superyachts & expedition cruise ships – Consultancy – Training – Support

YachtDiver – Consultant – Training – Support by T101® – LinkedIN

YachtDiverEU – group LinkedIN – for superyachts & expedition cruise ships – Consultancy – Training – Support

Constantin “Costa” Benedic – profile LinkedIN

Constantin Benedic – Instagram

OmnisMares – Youtube channel – OmnisMares®/T101® video channel

Categories
General Scuba & Training

SCUBA diving books to “kill” COVID-19 downtime.

T101 – Technical & Diving Ops® Dive Training Center

Now that the #COVID19 is shutting down the entire diving Planet, here are a list of few books recommended to extend your theoretical knowledge:

Staying Alive by Steve Lewis

The Six Skills and Other Discussions: Creative Solutions for Technical Divers by Steve Lewis

Advanced Wreck Diving Handbook By Gary Gentile

Under pressure – Diving deeper with Human Factors by Gareth Lock

For any diving technical training done together, you’ll get a free “Human Factors Skills in Diving – Micro-class“, compulsory to be completed before ending the theory and practical skills.

Deep Into Deco by Asser Salama

Ocean Gladiator by Mark Ellyatt

Death in number two shaft by Steve Lewis

A compiling of various scuba diving materials can be found here:

T101 Vault Library.

Other internet sources: Blue PO2 Diving (scuba & technical), PADI Blog, Good Reads, Dipndive etc.

Categories
Adventures & Expeditions YachtDiver®

Remote expedition “must have” for SuperYachts & Expedition-Cruise Ships

  1. Portable Hyperbaric Chamber: if your vessel is performing remote diving operations, then this is a number one “must have” onboard, for emergency medical hyperbaric treatments, sport recovery or wellness. To be used by approved & qualified Staff!

T101-Technical & Diving Ops® / YachtDiver.EU / ScubaTech.EU recommendation: AHA-Hyperbarics.

Designed and manufactured in Europe, AHA-Hyperbarics is holding CE certificate according to full quality assurance system directive 93/42/EEC on medical devices (MDD) for the new models of AHA Flex hyperbaric systems & EN ISO 13485:2016 for design and development, manufacture, distribution and service of hyperbaric chambers for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The company is partnering with ANDI International in training and expo shows. ANDI International is one of the oldest diving training agency in the World, dedicated mostly to technical (rebreathers, wrecks, caves, mines), technicians and medical / HBOT training sectors, with lots of “firsts” innovative steps. ANDI is member of International Hyperbaric Medical Foundation.

AHA-Hyperbarics is providing qualified training & support for all provided equipment, either at their facility or onsite (onboard your vessel).

For extended information, please contact PROMO Agent: YachtDiver.EU represented by Constantin “Costa” Benedic.

Next, coming soon…

2. Crew training!

YachtDiver® is a dedicated department part of SC OmnisMares SRL (Romanian private registered company), owner of T101-Technical & Diving Ops® Dive Training Center. We are holding real inside experience onboard expedition-cruise ships and very large superyachts therefore we are able to provide premium training and services for your selected Guests, Owners and VVIPs!

YachtDiver.EU