BSAC Adv. Nitrox & ERD vs. TDI ....

[aquayle]

I know this is covered in a couple of threads lately, but I thought I would bring them together. I was looking at the ERD, but I have to do the Adv. Nitrox first. Spoke to an Instructor today about the BSAC courses and enquired about the type of deco models covered & computer software - got a blank(ish) look. We use tables was the reply (BSAC - I Guess). So is TDI likely to be more up-to-date with 'leading technology' & therefore more of a learning issue or am I being too critical and go with the BSAC courses?

[Mark Powell]

The TDI Deco procedures course covers various types of models as well as a discussion about tables vs computers vs PC Planning programs.

My view is that if you are doing decompression diving then you should understand a little about what is involved in deco. As a result I tend to put a lot of emphasis on this area.

[Nick Kay]

Originally Posted by aquayle

I know this is covered in a couple of threads lately, but I thought I would bring them together. I was looking at the ERD, but I have to do the Adv. Nitrox first. Spoke to an Instructor today about the BSAC courses and enquired about the type of deco models covered & computer software - got a blank(ish) look. We use tables was the reply (BSAC - I Guess). So is TDI likely to be more up-to-date with 'leading technology' & therefore more of a learning issue or am I being too critical and go with the BSAC courses?

Umm, things might B(sac) a changing...

Depends whether you want to do your training this year or next (and would like to do BSAC). If next year, then (hopefully) expect some "interesting words" at DOC 2006...

[markw]

I haven't done ERD, and my adv nitrox cert is from IANTD, but my understanding is that BSAC ERD uses proplanner. Also, asfaik BSAC nitrox courses only use BSAC nitrox tables. I'm sure someone will be along soon to correct me

[Paul Oliver]

Originally Posted by aquayle

I know this is covered in a couple of threads lately, but I thought I would bring them together. I was looking at the ERD, but I have to do the Adv. Nitrox first. Spoke to an Instructor today about the BSAC courses and enquired about the type of deco models covered & computer software - got a blank(ish) look. We use tables was the reply (BSAC - I Guess). So is TDI likely to be more up-to-date with 'leading technology' & therefore more of a learning issue or am I being too critical and go with the BSAC courses?

BSAC ERD qualifies you for excellerated Deco, so software is used, if your potential instructor does not know that then maybe you should be looking for another one.

We experimented with several packages.

ALL exercises must be within the scope of 88's, but thats not what you plan them on. You do far longer hangs than are needed for the dive, to show you can maintain the control and attention required.

Adv Nitrox is done on the BSAC Nitrox tables during the course. Then post course you just dial it into your 'puter.

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by Paul Oliver

... if your potential instructor does not know that then maybe you should be looking for another one.
...

I think Paul has hit the nail on the head. If you get a good person the BSAC course is good. Otherwise I would go for a technical agency.

Nick's point is true also - things are changing. But they haven't yet so go TDI unless you can find a very very good BSAC guy. (There are some on YD )

Chris

[aquayle]

Yep - but they are all down south! Being fussy, would like not to travel too far, but I guess a 4 day course might involve a stay if its more than 75 miles anyway!

[Nick Kay]

Originally Posted by aquayle

Yep - but they are all down south! Being fussy, would like not to travel too far, but I guess a 4 day course might involve a stay if its more than 75 miles anyway!

Did my ERD with Graeme Bruce, assessment dive with Claire Peddie - you coudln't exactly call them "poor instructors"

Also, see my ERD post. Hopefully we'll have a number of additional ERD Instructors in the Yorkshire Region in the near future (all of whom dive ERD / Trimix)