DIVECREW PERFECT BUOYANCY.

Prior to the course a bespoke PDF is sent to the divers advising the details of the course, providing information and also some homework to do before meeting at the pool. I.e. Checking weight carried. Breathing techniques.

This can also include information on the BCD and weight systems. Estimated weight calculations and information about diver trim.

The PDF should inform about the most efficient finning style and how to work out their own SAC Rate. Once this known, the diver can go away and practice, monitoring the effects on their air consumption.

Course Objectives.

Ensure divers are not over weighted.

Divers to improve their buoyancy, breathing and air consumption.

Divers to be able to adjust their weight systems and cylinders to get great diver trim.

Divers to improve their fin action to ensure maximum efficiency and reduce air consumption.

Divers given best advice on BCD, Wing and Weight systems.

Course Standards:

  • Pre-dive safety check.
  • Log of peoples weight system as to how much weight carried normally.
  • Weight check with no scuba gear and no fins.
  • Weight check with scuba gear on.
  • Swim and relax. Swim to get breathing under control.
  • Demonstration of moving weights up and down the body and its effect.
  • Weight removal/adjustment at the bottom of the pool.
  • Trim and finning.
  • Video analysis. Video divers swimming: bubble rate, trim, finning.
  • Hover using oral inflation. 90 seconds. 1 metre rule.
  • Hover using LPI. 90 seconds. 1 metre rule.
  • Remove and replace a mask in trim. 1 metre rule.
  • Collect and deposit weights using breath control to maintain buoyancy.
  • Using a line, change of depths in diver trim using breath control.
  • Line and hoop, enter the hoop and remain in the hoop for 60 seconds without toughing it.
  • Line with markers. Diver to stay within a one metre (rule) mark for 60 seconds.
  • Task loading. Diver has to collect a nut, bolt and washer and put these together whilst in a hover in diver trim. 1 metre rule.
  • Single handed launch a DSMB whilst hovering, reel or finger reel.
  • Using an underwater compass, swim a square without touching the bottom or coming off the bottom by more than 1 metre.
  • Frog kick practice. Frog or flutter, kick and glide.
  • Swim and practice.
  • Before exit after three hours, weight check with near empty cylinder.
  • Log amount of weight carried. Discuss weight results in the debrief.

NOTES:

This course is more demanding than any agency requires. A hybrid with various techniques that make this unique indoor Divecrew Perfect Buoyancy Course invaluable to divers. Buoyancy is the key to great scuba divers and efficient use of air. Diver trim and finning is of paramount importance.

Divers may become frustrated on this course! Explain to them it is a motor skill. Motor skills need practice. You cannot perfect buoyancy through reading a book. Motor skills require practice, practice and more practice.

Use the 1 metre rule (movement) no touching the bottom.

Recommend a BCD is a great piece of kit to start with. BCD versus Wing. Lift. Trim pockets. Integrated. Etc. It must fit correctly!

Talk about weight systems, integrated, harness or belt. Trim pockets. Moving cylinder up or down. 12 litre long or 12 litre dumpy. Divers should stay away from ankle weights. Fins can be heavy, neutral or light; affects diver trim.

Get the divers to tell you some targets/objectives they are going to go away with and practice.