Well we're nearing the end. Yesterday was spent in the scuba area, working in the pools on snorkeling and skin diving skills. We also did briefings. I was not directly involved as I was waiting to hear from my wife on her flights to Key West.
Before starting the snorkeling and skin diving skills we had everyone do a rescue skill, surfacing a non-responsive diver from the bottom. That went well.
The evening was spent in the classroom. Steve did the professionalism review with the candidates and Alex and Rich did briefings. Christy collected the maps and reviewed them. I sat in accident traffic after picking Barbara up at Key West International.
It was a late night. Hopefully it won't be too tiring today as we all want to go to Key West for Newy Years Eve tonight.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
DMA 8 Day 12
Things have been sooooooooooo busy that I haven't been able to post. Unlike Steve, I can't keep up the daily postings.
Day 12 started with the daily morning meeting where the usual joking and fun takes place while assignments for the day are discussed. Actually the day usually starts around 05:30 where I meet with Rich and sometimes Alex to discuss the upcoming day and to review the standards we will be dealing with.
We decided that the day's dives would be a deep dive, search and recovery and working with ow students in the open water. Like always changes took place when we got to the boat and the schedule changed to no deep dive and the addition of a 'fun dive'.
We went to Captain Grumpy's for the Search & Recovery dive. Alex, Rich and I went in to check conditions and to set the search items. We had each 'lost' a weight and a mask. We sent in dive teams of three divers to locate the items using whatever method they preferred. All of the teams were successful. Yeah.
Next we set up for Pratical Assessment #2 - OW students in OW. Here the candidates act as divemasters working with an instructor that is working with OW students. We throw problems at them to see how they deal with them. Again, my team completed the exercise well, except Ben who is navigationally challenged.
For the last dive we moved to Cresent where we did some make up work and did a 'fun dive'. It was a nice site.
The evening was spent back in the classroom where Steve did a 'show and tell' on equipment. I kept falling asleep at the front table and almost fell over once. I seem to fall asleep alot in the evenings and when I can on the dive boats...and before flags, and after breakfast.
Day 12 started with the daily morning meeting where the usual joking and fun takes place while assignments for the day are discussed. Actually the day usually starts around 05:30 where I meet with Rich and sometimes Alex to discuss the upcoming day and to review the standards we will be dealing with.
We decided that the day's dives would be a deep dive, search and recovery and working with ow students in the open water. Like always changes took place when we got to the boat and the schedule changed to no deep dive and the addition of a 'fun dive'.
We went to Captain Grumpy's for the Search & Recovery dive. Alex, Rich and I went in to check conditions and to set the search items. We had each 'lost' a weight and a mask. We sent in dive teams of three divers to locate the items using whatever method they preferred. All of the teams were successful. Yeah.
Next we set up for Pratical Assessment #2 - OW students in OW. Here the candidates act as divemasters working with an instructor that is working with OW students. We throw problems at them to see how they deal with them. Again, my team completed the exercise well, except Ben who is navigationally challenged.
For the last dive we moved to Cresent where we did some make up work and did a 'fun dive'. It was a nice site.
The evening was spent back in the classroom where Steve did a 'show and tell' on equipment. I kept falling asleep at the front table and almost fell over once. I seem to fall asleep alot in the evenings and when I can on the dive boats...and before flags, and after breakfast.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
DMA Day 7
Day 7, December 24...Christmas Eve
Conditions had improved greatly. The seas were running 1 to 2 feet but there was still a bit of wind. The first dive was at Long Key Ledge. The task of the dive was Workshop #4 - DSD Additional Open Water Dive. The goal was for a divemaster candidate to lead 2 DSD divers on a tour, while controlling their every move. It went quite well considering the minor current and surge. It's alot harder than it looks.
The second dive was at Pillars of Atlantis or 'bridge rubble'. This was to be a Search & Recovery exercise. Alex and Rich had visited the sight a week before, setting out crates with weights in them which were the starting points and objects to be found and lifted. We took our teams down and had them wait under the boat while we, the instructors, went out to the patch to find the starting points. Visibility was crap so it wasn't an easy task. Also, one of the starting points was missing. Rich never di find his starting point or crew.
I found my starting point, retrieved my team and set them to the task of searching for the 'object'. Once found they rigged it to a lift bag and floated it back to the starting point. Next they floated it up to the boat for the completion of the task. They were the only team to complete the task. The other teams spent their dive waiting under the boat. At least they logged another dive.
The evening session was short. Christy gave a briefing on mapping and log books were signed.
Conditions had improved greatly. The seas were running 1 to 2 feet but there was still a bit of wind. The first dive was at Long Key Ledge. The task of the dive was Workshop #4 - DSD Additional Open Water Dive. The goal was for a divemaster candidate to lead 2 DSD divers on a tour, while controlling their every move. It went quite well considering the minor current and surge. It's alot harder than it looks.
The second dive was at Pillars of Atlantis or 'bridge rubble'. This was to be a Search & Recovery exercise. Alex and Rich had visited the sight a week before, setting out crates with weights in them which were the starting points and objects to be found and lifted. We took our teams down and had them wait under the boat while we, the instructors, went out to the patch to find the starting points. Visibility was crap so it wasn't an easy task. Also, one of the starting points was missing. Rich never di find his starting point or crew.
I found my starting point, retrieved my team and set them to the task of searching for the 'object'. Once found they rigged it to a lift bag and floated it back to the starting point. Next they floated it up to the boat for the completion of the task. They were the only team to complete the task. The other teams spent their dive waiting under the boat. At least they logged another dive.
The evening session was short. Christy gave a briefing on mapping and log books were signed.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
DMA 8 Day 6
Yesterday was a strange day. I've been really tired and it's been noticeable. Steve offered us all a little time off so I jumped on the chance and took the afternoon. I took a nap then went to Diver's Direct to exchange a a pair of 'Bert Hubbys' and then I went to CVS to pick up a prescription.
In the morning we were in the pool doing Practical Assessment #1, OW Students in Confined Water. I felt we were rushed and could not do enough scoring but it all worked out. We were also able to get into the deep pool and finish up some of the skills that the candidates had bombed on.
The class went to Alligator Deep to do Deep Dive #2 and Alligator Ball 3 for Workshop #5, DLD OW.
In the evening we were back in the classroom. First a did a long, boring review of dive theory. I really have to find a way to deliver material better. I pretty much suck at delivering dry material.
After the review, of which Christy handled the tables, the candidates took Exam #2. Everyone passed but it still didn't redeem their poor rescue performances. Tomorrow we're going to give them a second chance with the rescue. There's no reason not to improve as Steve gave them a guide to doing rescues that is simple to follow for a fool-proof rescue. Hopefully they won't suck, again!
In the morning we were in the pool doing Practical Assessment #1, OW Students in Confined Water. I felt we were rushed and could not do enough scoring but it all worked out. We were also able to get into the deep pool and finish up some of the skills that the candidates had bombed on.
The class went to Alligator Deep to do Deep Dive #2 and Alligator Ball 3 for Workshop #5, DLD OW.
In the evening we were back in the classroom. First a did a long, boring review of dive theory. I really have to find a way to deliver material better. I pretty much suck at delivering dry material.
After the review, of which Christy handled the tables, the candidates took Exam #2. Everyone passed but it still didn't redeem their poor rescue performances. Tomorrow we're going to give them a second chance with the rescue. There's no reason not to improve as Steve gave them a guide to doing rescues that is simple to follow for a fool-proof rescue. Hopefully they won't suck, again!
Friday, December 23, 2011
DMA 8 Day 5
Today was our first deep dive. There was alot of briefing and reviewing of deep diving. We went out to the Eagle hoping for diveable conditions. It was a bit sporty; seas were 4-5's with a few bigger rollers thrown in to keep things interesting. We had a few pukers but that didn't last long.
The blue water had moved in so the visibility wasn't too bad; maybe 30-35 feet. There wasn't much current but we rigged a 'granny line' anyway, to pull ourselves up to the mooring line.
My team, Green Team, went first. The surface was a little challenging but nothing to keep us from diving. We made it to the mooring line and started down but Emily J. had a few issues so she went back to the boat with Paul, her buddy.
We descended to the deck and performed our kills. The first was to note the change in colors at depth, using a color chart card. Next we compared our depth guages. After the two tasks we went on a short tour, with a max. depth of 94 feet; 100 feet is the limit for the training dive. The return up the line was uneventful. We did our halfway and 15ft. safety stops and got back on the boat.
After the dive we decided to go to the inside, bayside' to do rescues instead of doing another dive. This was because of conditions, the pukers and little hope for good visibility at any of the dive sites.
We took the ball behind Lignumvitaeand set up for the rescues. The candidates had to perform a rescue on a non-responsive diver from 25 yards. What a mess. It was a real 'goat rope'. The candidates perform like they had never had a rescue class. Only one candidate, Hank the Tank, perform the skill for a score of 5. We kept at it all afternoon but they still didn't get it.
Steve gave them a good talking to, explaining how they should have arrived prepared for the rescues.
The evening was spent in the classromm with two lectures and the first of two exams. They seemed aprehensive about the exam but everyone passed.
The blue water had moved in so the visibility wasn't too bad; maybe 30-35 feet. There wasn't much current but we rigged a 'granny line' anyway, to pull ourselves up to the mooring line.
My team, Green Team, went first. The surface was a little challenging but nothing to keep us from diving. We made it to the mooring line and started down but Emily J. had a few issues so she went back to the boat with Paul, her buddy.
We descended to the deck and performed our kills. The first was to note the change in colors at depth, using a color chart card. Next we compared our depth guages. After the two tasks we went on a short tour, with a max. depth of 94 feet; 100 feet is the limit for the training dive. The return up the line was uneventful. We did our halfway and 15ft. safety stops and got back on the boat.
After the dive we decided to go to the inside, bayside' to do rescues instead of doing another dive. This was because of conditions, the pukers and little hope for good visibility at any of the dive sites.
We took the ball behind Lignumvitae
Steve gave them a good talking to, explaining how they should have arrived prepared for the rescues.
The evening was spent in the classromm with two lectures and the first of two exams. They seemed aprehensive about the exam but everyone passed.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
DMA 8 Day 4
Day four...Wednesday December 21st. Christmas is just around the corner. You wouldn't know it here. The temperatures are in the mid 70's and there's no Christmas music playing anywhere that we can hear. Thankfully Alex has a small Christmas tree in the room and there are a few Christmas lights on the trees and cactus outside the room.
The day started with a rescue demonstration in the pool. Rescues are one of the most important skills the candidates need to perform. The candidates had a chance to surface a non-responsive diver from the bottom of the deep pool. If they did it well enough they were given a 'pass'. Five candidates have to repeat the skill.
We had an early lunch and headed to Founders Park Pool for Watermanship Skills. These consist of a 400M swim, an 800M mask, fins, snorkel swim and a 15 minute tread water. There will also be a 100M inert diver tow later on. This is very physically demanding and we urged the candidates to practice before the DMA. Again, the group did quite well as a whole. There were just a few that have to re-do the swims.
We also tested the candidates on four skin diving skills; a surface dive, underwater swim, blast clearing and displacement clearing. This went very well with very little remediation.
The pool work ended early enough for us to return to the classroom for sessions on Wreck Diving, by Rich, and Deep Diving by me. Hopefully we'll be doing a dive on the Eagle tomorrow.
After dinner we returned to the classroom for another session by Rich...Search and Recovery. We will also be doing a S&R dive tomorrow if the seas cooperate.
We ended the evening early, giving the candidates an opportunity to study for the first part of the Exam, set for tomorrow.
The day started with a rescue demonstration in the pool. Rescues are one of the most important skills the candidates need to perform. The candidates had a chance to surface a non-responsive diver from the bottom of the deep pool. If they did it well enough they were given a 'pass'. Five candidates have to repeat the skill.
We had an early lunch and headed to Founders Park Pool for Watermanship Skills. These consist of a 400M swim, an 800M mask, fins, snorkel swim and a 15 minute tread water. There will also be a 100M inert diver tow later on. This is very physically demanding and we urged the candidates to practice before the DMA. Again, the group did quite well as a whole. There were just a few that have to re-do the swims.
We also tested the candidates on four skin diving skills; a surface dive, underwater swim, blast clearing and displacement clearing. This went very well with very little remediation.
The pool work ended early enough for us to return to the classroom for sessions on Wreck Diving, by Rich, and Deep Diving by me. Hopefully we'll be doing a dive on the Eagle tomorrow.
After dinner we returned to the classroom for another session by Rich...Search and Recovery. We will also be doing a S&R dive tomorrow if the seas cooperate.
We ended the evening early, giving the candidates an opportunity to study for the first part of the Exam, set for tomorrow.
DMA 8 Day 3
Tuesday 20 December...Day 3 of the DMA. We stayed on base instead of diving due to the winds still being up and the ocean still being too sporty. The day was spent in the pools performing the Divers Skills Workshop. The candidates have to demonstrate 20 basic scuba skills for an instructor. The skills are judged for correctness and quality of demonstration. As a whole the group did well with a few bumps along the way. Some bumps were bigger than others! The candidates are scored on a scale of 1 through five; five being the best. To pass, the candidates have to earn at least a three. Five candidates are finished. Good Job! It was a long day in the pools.
The evening was spent in the classroom. Christy reviewed Divemaster Conducted Programs and I reviewed Specialized Skills and Activities. It was an early evening. Ahhhh, sweet sleep.
The evening was spent in the classroom. Christy reviewed Divemaster Conducted Programs and I reviewed Specialized Skills and Activities. It was an early evening. Ahhhh, sweet sleep.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Back to the DMA
Yesterday was day three of the 8th DMA (Divemaster Academy) at the Florida Sea Base. It's been a whirlwind of activity so I haven't posted anything yet but I'll try to re-cap.
Day one was Sunday the 18th. We started in the classroom introducing ourselves, handing out uniforms and going over the 'rules of engagement'. It's always good to meet the candidates even though they are quite reserved at first. The afternoon was spent setting up and storing the dive gear. Evening was classroom. A pretty sedate day.
Day two, Monday the 19th, was our first dive day. Everyone was excited but we still had to go over navigation and some standards first. In the afternoon we headed to Port Antigua, a protected anchorage with crap visibility. We had to dive there since the winds have been up for days and it was too sporty to go out into the ocean. The first dive was a led dive, where we assessed the candidates dive skills. It was difficult since we couldn't see them. One numb-nut even ended up in the wrong group when the groups crossed underwater and then didn't surface to find his group. Stupid, novice mistake. The second dive was a 'fun' dive; an opportunity to get their dive numbers up. The evening consisted of more classroom.
Day three to come...gotta go to the morning meeting.
Day one was Sunday the 18th. We started in the classroom introducing ourselves, handing out uniforms and going over the 'rules of engagement'. It's always good to meet the candidates even though they are quite reserved at first. The afternoon was spent setting up and storing the dive gear. Evening was classroom. A pretty sedate day.
Day two, Monday the 19th, was our first dive day. Everyone was excited but we still had to go over navigation and some standards first. In the afternoon we headed to Port Antigua, a protected anchorage with crap visibility. We had to dive there since the winds have been up for days and it was too sporty to go out into the ocean. The first dive was a led dive, where we assessed the candidates dive skills. It was difficult since we couldn't see them. One numb-nut even ended up in the wrong group when the groups crossed underwater and then didn't surface to find his group. Stupid, novice mistake. The second dive was a 'fun' dive; an opportunity to get their dive numbers up. The evening consisted of more classroom.
Day three to come...gotta go to the morning meeting.
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