Quote:
| Originally Posted by String Although it can be done is there actually any real point in this as you'd have to redo bits of it again to "qualify" to go further? |
Depends what you want to do. If you just want to improve your skills then why not do the course in a single tank.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by String Are any types of suit specifically banned? I can see why non-crushed/compressed has issues with buoyancy but what about the compressed or crushed suits? |
Compressed or crush suits are fine, I used to dive a CF200. It's not a strict requirement to have a crushed/trilam suit. It just makes life a bit easier if you do.
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| Originally Posted by String Are cuff dumps not allowed and if not, why not? I still FAR FAR more in control of my dives with a cuff dump than a shoulder. Other than potential in signalling to lose air are they allowed? |
Its not banned, just shoulder dumps are usually preferred.
The kit requirments for fundamentals are:
1. Tanks/Cylinders: Students may use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Students may also use a single tank/cylinder with a K, H, or Y-valve.
2. Regulators: One of the second-stages must be on a 5- to 7-foot/1.5- to 2-meter hose. One of the first-stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a dry suit (where applicable).
3. Backplate System: A rigid and flat platform, of metal construction with minimal padding, held to a diver by one continuous piece of nylon webbing. This webbing should be adjustable through the plate and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist. A crotch strap attached to the lower end of this platform and looped through the waistband would prevent the system from riding up a diver's back. A knife should be secured to the waist on the left webbing tab. This webbing should support five D-rings; the first should be placed at the left hip, the second should be placed in line with a diver's right collarbone, the third should be placed in line with the diver's left collarbone, the fourth and fifth should be affixed to the crotch strap to use while scootering or towing/stowing gear. The harness below the diver's arms should have small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve light powered by three in-line c-cell batteries (where necessary). The system should retain a minimalist approach with no unnecessary components.
4. Buoyancy Compensation Device: A diver's buoyancy compensation device should be back-mounted and minimalist in nature. It should come free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material. There should be no restrictive bands or "bungee" of any sort affixed to the buoyancy cell. In addition, diver lift should not exceed 50lbs for a single tank and 80lbs for double tanks. Wing size and shape should be appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
5. At least one depth-measuring device
6. At least one timekeeping device
7. Mask and fins: Mask should be low volume; fins should be rigid, non-split
8. At least one cutting device
9. Wet Notes
10. One spool with 100 feet/30 meters of line per diver
11. Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure
Nothing exactly horrific!
GUE Fundamentals | Global Underwater Explorers Quote:
| Originally Posted by String What exactly are the grades. I know of tec pass and rec pass. Is a "provisional pass" a fail - in that you need to redo parts to get a pass?
If you ended up with one of those is it a case of redoing the whole course or just pieces of it etc? |
Fail = Needs to re-do parts of the course. Usually down to missing dives down to say kit failure or illness. This requires you to arrange to re-do the course. This is usually because you have failed to see enough of the course for you to have learnt the skills without more instruction.
Provisional = Didn't manage to pass the relevant skills but doesn't need further formal instruction, just needs to go and practise.
Recreation pass = Passed all the skills at the recreational level.
Technical pass = Passed all the skills at a level sufficient to go and start cave/tech training. To acheive this you do need to pass in a twinset with an umbilical light.
A provisional or recreation pass can be upgraded by doing a dive with your instructor at some point beyond the course. It's usually a case of going along and just doing a dive where you can demonstrate the skills are up to scratch. I got a provisional when I did fundamentals and went away and practised.
What result you get only matters if you plan to go further forward with GUE. If you just want to learn then it is best not worry about the result and just have fun.
Cheers
Al