A question for those of you beyond Fundies

LCF · June 28th, 2006, 06:05 AM

I just passed, and am thinking about where we go from here.

Our (my buddy's and my) original discussion with our instructor was to look at Rec Triox this fall. But the instructor will be doing an ITC Tech 1 this year, and my buddy is all over doing that. I'm trying to decide if I can be ready to join him.

My question is a simple one: I read class reports all the time that detail all the failures and stressors to which one is exposed in GUE Tech/Cave classes. Do you get any instruction on how to handle these situations before they occur, or is it one of those things where they throw it at you, let you fail, and THEN point out what you should have done?

Vie · June 28th, 2006, 06:41 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by LCF)

Do you get any instruction on how to handle these situations before they occur, or is it one of those things where they throw it at you, let you fail, and THEN point out what you should have done?

Speaking from my experience with Tech 1, yes, you will be taught how to deal with situations before hand on land (and land drills will be conducted to teach the skills before hitting the water "for real") especially valve/manifold "failures," how to handle the reel and no mask/no vis situations - it gets interesting when multiple "situations/failures" occur as you will then have to prioritize and deal with the situations whilst avoiding a cascade of "failures."

*Scot Wernette* · June 28th, 2006, 06:11 PM

The key to success in the GUE Tech Classes is to master the fundamental skills your were taught in GUEF. Don't worry about practicing what they'll be teaching you in Tech. Instead, spend your time mastering what you were already taught in GUEF. If you're having to give any thought to kicks, trim, buoyancy, etc... If you can't formulate a simple sound dive plan... If loosing a mask equates to loss of buoyancy or trim... If you aren't proficient with your gas planning absent a calculator... If your brain shuts off when the other guy is running deco... If you can't donate air w/o loosing track of your the third man in your team or the line... etc... You're going to struggle in Triox, Tech or Cave. I guess that makes sense. One doesn't have much business doing that kind of diving w/o the basics mastered.

diver42 · June 29th, 2006, 05:15 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by LCF)

My question is a simple one: I read class reports all the time that detail all the failures and stressors to which one is exposed in GUE Tech/Cave classes. Do you get any instruction on how to handle these situations before they occur, or is it one of those things where they throw it at you, let you fail, and THEN point out what you should have done?

When I read reports prior to taking the classes, I thought the same thing. I can only speak for my classes with my three instructors - Danny, Chris, and Tyler - but yes, they teach you everything first.

You learn about every failure prior to "experiencing" it. However, as another poster pointed out, they won't hold your hand on the cascades. That is to say, you won't go over every possible combination. But you will be taught all the tools you need. The rest is just keeping your head in it.

Once you're doing it, it's much less scarey than it seems.

June 28th, 2006, 06:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
Vie(Offline) Loner at the ball... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Krung Thep, Siam, mostly Posts: 262	Quote: (Originally Posted by LCF) Do you get any instruction on how to handle these situations before they occur, or is it one of those things where they throw it at you, let you fail, and THEN point out what you should have done? Speaking from my experience with Tech 1, yes, you will be taught how to deal with situations before hand on land (and land drills will be conducted to teach the skills before hitting the water "for real") especially valve/manifold "failures," how to handle the reel and no mask/no vis situations - it gets interesting when multiple "situations/failures" occur as you will then have to prioritize and deal with the situations whilst avoiding a cascade of "failures." Last edited by Vie; June 29th, 2006 at 06:52 AM.. Reason: grammar

June 28th, 2006, 06:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
LCF(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 816	I just passed, and am thinking about where we go from here. Our (my buddy's and my) original discussion with our instructor was to look at Rec Triox this fall. But the instructor will be doing an ITC Tech 1 this year, and my buddy is all over doing that. I'm trying to decide if I can be ready to join him. My question is a simple one: I read class reports all the time that detail all the failures and stressors to which one is exposed in GUE Tech/Cave classes. Do you get any instruction on how to handle these situations before they occur, or is it one of those things where they throw it at you, let you fail, and THEN point out what you should have done?

June 28th, 2006, 06:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scot Wernette(Offline) GUE Instructor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 13	The key to success in the GUE Tech Classes is to master the fundamental skills your were taught in GUEF. Don't worry about practicing what they'll be teaching you in Tech. Instead, spend your time mastering what you were already taught in GUEF. If you're having to give any thought to kicks, trim, buoyancy, etc... If you can't formulate a simple sound dive plan... If loosing a mask equates to loss of buoyancy or trim... If you aren't proficient with your gas planning absent a calculator... If your brain shuts off when the other guy is running deco... If you can't donate air w/o loosing track of your the third man in your team or the line... etc... You're going to struggle in Triox, Tech or Cave. I guess that makes sense. One doesn't have much business doing that kind of diving w/o the basics mastered.

June 29th, 2006, 05:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
diver42(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 107	Quote: (Originally Posted by LCF) My question is a simple one: I read class reports all the time that detail all the failures and stressors to which one is exposed in GUE Tech/Cave classes. Do you get any instruction on how to handle these situations before they occur, or is it one of those things where they throw it at you, let you fail, and THEN point out what you should have done? When I read reports prior to taking the classes, I thought the same thing. I can only speak for my classes with my three instructors - Danny, Chris, and Tyler - but yes, they teach you everything first. You learn about every failure prior to "experiencing" it. However, as another poster pointed out, they won't hold your hand on the cascades. That is to say, you won't go over every possible combination. But you will be taught all the tools you need. The rest is just keeping your head in it. Once you're doing it, it's much less scarey than it seems.