TDI Nitrox

[andy2tanx]

sorry.... whats DIRF???

[Gavin Yates]

DIR Fundamentals

[Bob Cooper]

If I can chip in here...

Up until a couple of years ago (?) GUE ran a "tech" programme and a "cave" programme with 3 levels in each programmme (e.g Cave 1, 2 and 3).  As you might expect there is a great deal of emphasis on kit configuration during the level 1 classes.  About half a day is devoted to kit config. including a comprehensive "inspection" of every detail of the students kit.

The DIR Fundamentals (DIRF) programme was started up to offer the benefit of DIR diving to the recreational diving community.  It has had the added benefit of introducing the key diving skills required for technical diving to aspiring tech and cave divers.  Too many students were turning up for a tech or cave class with inappropriate kit and lacking the required level of skills, awareness, fitness etc.

These days a DIRF class is a pre-requisite for a tech class.  But DIRF is not a certification class. You don't get a card that says "I'm DIR" but you do get the benefit of top notch training.  Probably the best in the world.

You can still get on a tech class by completing a comprehensive (6 page) diving resume and have your instructor review it and discuss with you your motives for entering the tech diving arena.  Then, he (or she) will evaluate your basic skills on an easy dive to assesss if you have got what it takes to make the grade.  If you are travelling to USA for the training all this is a bit academic really, you just need to hope and pray that your instructor is not going to tell you you are lacking in any of the basic areas after day 1 and send you home!

Fitness is assessed by a simple swim test, normally carried out on the first day. Can't remember exactly (it's all on the web site) but for level 2 it's a 400yd swim in under 12 mins followed by a 60ft swim on a breath hold (all with no gear/fins, just swim trunks).  This is taken very seriously and is quite nerve wracking.  If you fall short on the breath hold by 6 inches, they will make you do it again!

[andy2tanx]

...and theres me thinking it was all about having a good time!!

[Davey Willo]

lol!!

[Mdemon]

Weeeeeeeeeeeeell, I just spoke to the GUE instructor, who said that "DIRF" was not a prerequisite for Tech 1.  Unfortunately my wing is just not going to pass DIR muster, and that IS a prerequisite! (No continuous webbing, no steel backplate etc etc) I'd have to change a lot of my gear unfortunately.  The course does look interesting, but I'm going to have to raid a few post offices to do it...

[Mark]

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Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Quote: from Dave Williamson on 7:51 pm on Jan. 27, 2003
Mark, I thought DIRF was a pre-requisite for Tech 1, or am I confused?

Whereabouts on FifthD I'd like to check them out... the streaming videos of the skill sets/finning techniques etc from that site are a real bonus, I just wish they were bigger than a bloody postage stamp.

<span =''>
Dave here's the link - <a href="http://www.fifthd.com/divestore/AndrewG/03PicGallery.htm

If" target="_blank">http://www.fifthd.com/divestore/Andr...PicGallery.htm

If</a> you right click on the video clips as they are playing you should be able to increase the size of the window.

I think Bob has answered your other question.

Take care

Mark

[Bob Cooper]

Just to clarify....DIRF is &quot;a&quot; pre-requisite for the tech classes. &nbsp;Meaning it is &quot;one of the&quot; prerequisites, or an option. &nbsp;The other option is to complete the 6 page resume etc. etc.

[Mdemon]

Thanks for all the comments. &nbsp;As I said, I liked the TDI course and having looked hard at IANTD, GUE and others, I think I'll probably do the TDI courses (IF I can get permission from She-who-must-be-obeyed...) Although I've discovered I'm way too tight to go DIR (you mean I have to BUY something?!!!), I was grateful to the GUE instructor I spoke to (Andy Kerslake) who put up with some really dumb questions and was as helpful as possible to this particular stroke... &nbsp;

If anyone else is thinking doing similar Nitrox/Deco training in the near future, they may want to consider this; the cheapest way I can find to do ANY courses of this level, once course+fills+boat+certification+manual+accommodati on+transport+food+beerage is added up, is to fly back to Red Sea and do it there! I reckon I can do both TDI courses, all up for £650 tops. As if I needed an excuse...

[And]

GUE recommend that you do DIRF first. I managed to get on the course in March as well. Looking forward to it.

For Tech1 you MUST have all DIR approved kit and as they advertise as an elite organisation your skills have to be spot on ie valve drills in 15 seconds, finning backwards, perfect buoyancy control etc. I get the impression that they are not afraid to fail people. It will be good to watch JJ, AndrewG and Andy Kerslake to get an idea of how good you have to be.

Dave, if you download those DIR movies to your desktop and then play them in media player they are much bigger.

I don't think GUE training is the be all and end all though and other instructors all have something to give. I've also got myself lined up for the BSAC ERD course with Jack Ingle at the end of April and hope to do that with a twinset rig. I'd prefer to learn from a wide range of people rather than follow just one path. Theres always something else to learn.

Kindest Regards

WL