DIRF Equipment Requirements

[Skeletor]

Sorry if I am going over old ground here, but I am considering trying the fundamentals course simply to find out what this is all about.

I am trying to seperate fact from speculation and would be gratefull for some feedback from the DIR whallahs out there.

I have read over the GUE website and the equipment requirements for the course.  Obviously the OMS wing is a non starter, but I could switch back to the dive rite wing.  The rest I appear to comply with after a few relatively simple mods (i.e. harness).  However, there seems to be this issue over regs.  I use cyclons and have repeatedly read that these are not acceptable, but can find nothing that formally states that in the DIR course requirements.  Can someone please enlighten me with the facts.

Thanks,

John

[adam]

Hi John

There is no "required" brand or type of regulator. Take your cyclons-the purpose of DIRF is to open your mind to the DIR idea, and to learn some of the key concepts/skills. You can do this with any regulator!

All the best

Adam

[Skeletor]

Thanks Adam,

Since posting this though, I have looked a little deeper at the GUE website and found some advice on equipment.  Apparently the only no no are upstream regs (i.e. jets and x-streams) as the relief valve required with these is considered a further failure point.  The only thing I can find that counts against cyclons is that the regulator should be capable of being stripped underwater without special tools.  Don't think that this is possible with the cyclon.

But I take your point about the fundamentals course being an introduction to the basic principals.

John

[And]

<font color='#000080'>Hi

I'd have a word with Andy Kerslake. He will be able to advise you properly on what he will and will not allow. You may find that you don't have to make as many changes as you think at DIRF level.

He also has some courses coming up which I posted on another thread.

Kindest Regards

Andy

[Skeletor]

Cheers Andy,

Unfortunately I cannot make any of the course dates you posted (anniversary and Salsette dive) but may get in contact with Andy over later dates in the year.

John

[Mark Powell]

Cyclons can be stripped underwater.

However, given that I mainly do open water wreck diving where the only place I could do this is on the bottom I hope I'm never in a position where this would be necessary.

It seems much more relevant to cave diving.

[Skeletor]

Thanks for the info, I'm off to practice stripping my regs at the bottom of Dosthill &nbsp;

[Stu Sheridan]

<font color='#0000FF'>Aye they can mark.

Just make sure you remove the circlip from the back of the diaphragm housing at home first.
Use a cable tie on the barrell section from then on to stop the endcap moving and giving you a wet breathe.

PM if need more info.

Stu.

[Mark Powell]

Thanks for the offer but with the type of diving I do I can't see this ever being a viable option for me.

I'm not going to do it on the bottom at say 40m cos of the deco it's going to rack up and I'm not going to do it on a deco stop cos I know that with thick gloves on I'm going to drop a vital bit which is going to head straight for the bottom.

There is just no realistic situation I can think of where this would ever arise.

p.s. I use jetstreams myself.