How DIR are you?

[Clare Gledhill]

I couldn't really work out how to phrase this question - or the title - so don't go nit picking on me....

I don't really follow the view that one can never be DIR - just aspire to be. There are rules which are set out and proceedures which we are supposed to follow and you can chose to do so - or not. However, we are constantly accused of blindly following these rules - without understanding - and most DIR divers I have met just don't fit this sterotype - they have made their own decisions along the way.

When I decided to do Fundies I thought I could cherry pick from the system. I went and did a last (well first actually ) 45 meter dive of air the week before and then set off for Portland for the course.

I came away a tiny bit more DIR in attitude, but to be honest not much. I still figured that I could dive air shallow when I wanted to, my computer was still set to tell me my deco, I would happily dive with non DIR divers, and the thought of solo still didn't bother me.

I went on a YD trip to the Farnes and happily agreed a plan which was - if we get seperated - bag up but carry on

As I dived more with Fraser and Al I started to dive nitrox all the time, I never made a consious decision to do so - it just sort of happened - the air fills got less and less until they just didn't happen anymore.

Getting ready for Tech 1, I dived exclusively with DIR divers or those with a similar attitude to teamwork. Through the first part of the course itself I wore my computer and bent it - much to Andy Kerslake's amusement.

I then went to the Maldives and had a bit of a relapse... Only air was available so I dived it, and the lure of warm water and my own company took me off deeper than I should have gone - and away from the group too. About as non DIR as you can get really...

Back to England, a bit shaken up by my own stupidity, I went to finish Tech 1 with Al and Frase. My computer was put into gauge mode and it has been there ever since - it was almost a grand gesture on my part - mentally setting me on the path I had chosen for my diving. The thought of a solo dive is now a complete no no to me, and I want to dive with people who have a similar view.

Frase and I went to the Red Sea a couple of weeks later and we proved to ourselves that you can have a warm water holiday (and some deep dives) and still do it right.

So how about you - in what order have you made the progression - how far have you got - and why?

[neilh]

After my OW course I managed a few dives and then did my AOW. For this my instructor mentioned Nitrox could be done as one of the dives and then a classroom session and one more dive would turn it into a full specialty. We talked a bit about why Nitrox and it sounded sensible, so that's what I did.

A short time later I'd read a bunch of stuff about DIR, got JJs book and found myself booked on fundies. I got my wing and hoses for the course and had a great weekend!

Since then I've been getting the dives in practicing the skills. I've still got some way to go, but not in a rush! I always dive Nitrox if I can - there's hardly any price difference in my LDS so there's no reason not to. Not being able to get a fill in Stoney on a weekend is a royal pain tho

I still dive with my computer in Nitrox mode . I know it's not the done thing, but I'm not comfortable enough in deco theory and my bouyancy control to fly "blind". Yes it's a piece of kit that I rely on instead of my skills and knowledge, but until I feel I know what I'm doing it'll stay that way!

I'm still diving with non-DIR folk. Most of the time they have more experience than me anyway and provided they don't mind the way I dive and are happy to watch/help with practising skills then it's all just more practice for me. Having said that if I could hook up with other DIR folk for a day/weekend practicing and diving then I would do :D

I'm on the big diving train, but I haven't locked myself in the GUE only carriage just yet

[Little Pete]

I don't dive with DIR people all the time by any means but I will stick to diving with people I am comfortable with. For the most part I'm more comfy to dive DIR but it's not always feasible.


I still go with using my computer for the most part. I tend not to stick to it for exact info but it gives me a good idea of where my min deco limits lie.
My one issue with the Fundies course (and it's not a big one) was to do with teaching deco theory (or not). It's stated that you should aim to ditch the computer and not use it but until Tech1 there doesn't seem to be a huge amount a deco theory taught. This means you're left using the tables and procedures taught initally (probably at OW level) until you get more information.

[Brian Allen]

Diving is just diving, time in the water, stuff overhead and we want to make sure we get back. Each of us has different experience levels, and what to some is very challenging is v. easy to others.

I feel that DIR is the perfect system, therefore if you want to push your grade you have the easiest, safest and most secure way of doing if you are with a dir trained team.

For me DIR is the right way for diving near my limit or pushing my grade, if i am going beyond what i am comfortable with or even close to that limit, DIR is the way i want to go. The rigour of training, the rigidity of standards, combined with knowing i am with a very good team make me confident in a way that is right (not overly).

Therefore am I DIR?...

Yes... when i am diving near my ability level.

Do i do things DIR on a 9m bimble shore dive... well mostly

Do i DIR on a wreck i've dived 60 times before that i know as well as walking round my own house at night... nearly

Do I do it right on a dive i'm less familiar with? Yes... Definitely!

I'm not cherry picking, just using the system when i need it. When i do i have questioned every aspect i was unsure of, so i know that it's a good way.

Just my opinion.

Bri

[JohnKendall]

I'd say that I'm aspiring to be DIR. I try and follow DIR principles on every dive. Having said that, When I'm instructing I'm not sure how close to DIR I am. I have awareness of my "team" however I'm not convinced my "team" is totally aware of me.

J

[Bogwoppit]

Interesting question... I'll turn it on its head and ask you am I DIR?

I dive full Hog kit (Toggle on my Wing and a 7 ltr stage. Opps)
2 computers one in Gauge, 1 in Nitrox mod. The Vytec is for those extra special Oh Shit moments..
Vplanner for all dives Tables in my Pocket.
Always dive as a team and will not dive as anything else.
Always use Nitrox.
I practise my skills and I train to stay alive.
Although currently not GUE trained I will be hopefully in the new year?
Do I call myself DIR? no I don't..