The class is increasing in length. The training board hasn't decided
for certain yet exactly how long, though I believe they are nearly
definite on 4 days. However that is the required minimum - there is
nothing precluding doing a longer class. With all of the material that
is in the program now, I don't think it unreasonable to consider a 5-day
class. In fact, that is the format I plan on implementing beginning jan
1 for local classes.

I wrote up a summary of changes in the DIRF program that were covered
during the IE, ITC and workshop. It's been sitting in my "Drafts"
folder while I waited for JJ to approve it. He just sent a message
saying it was OK, so I'm attaching it below. Let me reiterate that
these will not go into effect until the next release of the standards -
which should come in january - thus are not 100% final. Also, there is
an "exemption" for any class that has already been scheduled. i.e., if
you've already scheduled a 3-day DIRF class, an allowance will be made
for that even if it occurs after the new standards go into effect.

-------------


While in FL, we went over some of the changes to the DIRF program.

1) in-water ratios are being reduced from 6:1; they will probably end up
around to 4:1.

2) Class length is being increased, at least to a mandatory 3 days, and
more likely to 4 days.

3) While it's still being debated exactly how to do this, they're
working on a way to address the issue of DIRF students who just want to
stay recreational and those that are using it as a pre-req for
tech/cave. To be qualified to go into a tech/cave class you must
demonstrate a high level of proficiency for each of the skills and must
do it in doubles with a canister light and at least 1 backup light.
Most likely there's going to be a "tech qualified stamp" that can be put
on your DIRF cert. If you fail to meet the tech standard, but meet the
recreational standard, then you will get a "rec DIRF" qualification.
You can later go back and get re-checked for tech if you want. If you
take the class in the proper tech gear and meet the higher standard, you
will get the "tech DIRF" qualification.

4) A lot of additional material has been added to the class, primarily
in the decompression/gases area. This is in part due to the fact that
nitrox certification will likely be added to the DIRF class.

5) There is an increased emphasis on performing skills as a team.

5.a) Private lessons are not allowed, since the instructor cannot be
effective at being both an instructor and a buddy.

6) If the student has a primary light, all skills will be required to be
performed with the light deployed and standard light signalling should
be performed by the student (instead of hand signals).

7) A stronger emphasis on "balanced rig", including some exercises to
highlight and verify.

8) Basic rescue for toxing and unconscious divers has been added.

Misc items that have been clarified:
- "Modified s-drill" requires full deployment of the long hose
(not just the "make sure it's deployable")
- Valve drill should be *before* s-drill.
- For the primary light - there should be a
fixed boltsnap on the handle. If you desire an
additional attachment at the back of the ballast
(for letting the light hang down), you should put
a loop of bungie and use a double-ender or tuck the clip into a
secure band
- No break-away connections
- Light cord goes over the long hose
- Both the corrugated hose and inflator hose go under
the bungie
- "Performing skills one-handed" pertains primarily
to things like being able to clip things off one-handed.
It does not mean that, for example, you should do the
mod-S or full-S using just one hand. And you can use
2 hands for replacing the mask.
- Showing your pressure gauge is not part of the s-drill
- front crotch-strap d-ring should not be tucked
- rear d-ring should be present
- when deploying an open/semi-closed SMB, the preferred
method is to inflate with your long hose, however
exhaling into it is also acceptable.
- for the purposes of the DIRF class, SMBs should not
be "pre-loaded" (spool already connected). However in
standard diving this is acceptable.

-Dave