Dive Training Blogs
Gary Green: Rescue Diver
Sat in the Wraysbury Dive Centre with the Deptherapy Dive Team, Sandra tells a story to the group about when she was at a night club at University. She tells how she met Tom Jones and asked for his autograph, then later that night sold the autograph. We laughed and I told a similar story afterwards comparing our situations: “I once stole a girl’s ice watch at a house party and swapped it for a gram of cocaine”.
It’s a true story and I only said it for its humour value in comparison to what Sandra said. I don’t mind telling these stories now because of the transformation that followed, otherwise I would have probably kept my mouth shut; in fact if there had been no transformation I suppose I would not have been there in the first place. Everyday I am somewhat reminded of the past I am trying to leave behind, whether it’s an impromptu joke that spouts from my gums, or a memory on my Facebook where my wide eyes and swinging jaw have been captured by photograph in my ‘on this day’ section of my smartphone. It’s a good bar to measure myself by though, because each day those memories get further and further away.
Today I woke up next to my girlfriend. I got out of bed, washed, slipped into my work uniform and headed to work to manage a warehouse. Four years ago it was a totally different story. I accepted no responsibility for my actions. It was ok to be on drugs and drinking because I had PTSD. I couldn’t work because I had PTSD and I had ‘earned’ my right to this because I had been to war. This was because I acknowledged PTSD but I had not accepted it.
Thankfully my life has now taken a serious diversion from the road I just mentioned. This weekend, in fact the two days before Sandra had told her story about Tom Jones, I had been completing my PADI Rescue Diver course. It was a moment of pride telling that story about the watch, not because of my actions but because of how proud I am of the journey I have taken.
The course started with a recap of my knowledge reviews, well in fact it began with me completing my knowledge reviews, as in true Gary Green fashion I had not completed them. I like to think I’m quite switched on so I picked up the theory quickly and was able to apply myself, even with Richard Cullen giving me the stern eye.
It’s important to take in the theory side I believe, obviously because you need to pass the test but also because it makes sense of the physical actions and vice versa. After the theory side it was time to start kitting up; the sun was blazing so the thought of jumping into the cold water was highly appetising. I donned my Otter drysuit given to me by John Womack. I always feel like a proper diver in my drysuit, plus I like the fact it keeps me dry and warm in the British waters. After a squat to let out the excess air and my buddy checks, I’m ready to jump in (by that I mean carefully enter the water of course).
I think my military training and mentality aided my skills and drills, I was able to assess each scenario as they were thrown at me again, again and again. A tired diver 10 meters from the shore calls me for help after I had already completed five or six tired diver tows. My fatigued body and mind reacts. I grab a safety line from next to my kit; I pull the cord latching onto the handle; I take the kneeling position, find my aim and throw. I may have been too drawn into the situation as the heavy end of the line flies toward the tired diver then hits her in the face. Luckily Sandra was OK and I apologised… “Sorry I’m used to throwing grenades,” I laughed in my response.
After the first day my body was very tired. I cannot remember the amount of times I navigated through green cold water and lifted unconscious divers from the bottom of Wraysbury reservoir. I’m pretty sure in my sleep that night I was whispering “one, one thousand. Two, one thousand, flick, prepare”. My trainers Stuart and Richard laugh at me as I say “God it kills me trying to give rescue breaths and get their kit off.” I think Richard’s words were, “I’ve never heard a squaddie say they don’t like taking someone’s kit off before.”
The next day I woke up with a stiff back and sore legs. There was that anxiety butterfly in my tummy, the kind you get when you’re heading into the office to get told off. My thought was though “if I’ve already done everything I have done in my life, then why not it do, why not take the challenge?” So committedly I embarked on my journey to Wraysbury It started with the test, the theory peak of the mountain that I had not started to climb, yet somehow with experience and common sense I managed to pass with a combined score of ninety percent. “There must be a God,” I thought to myself.
After donning my kit I had to practice a few more drills to make sure I was competent enough to take the assessment scenarios. I applied myself fully as in everything I do. Whether a rescue diver course, a risk assessment at work or even four years ago when I was borderline alcoholic/drug user, I always gave one hundred percent, I was fully committed to drugs! I try and stay away from the term addict or alcoholic because that insinuates that I needed them. I didn’t need them; I was addicted to the buzz and the escape from my PTSD. At this moment though, I was committed to passing this course.
Ironic that the man drowning inside, struggling to breathe in a mind consumed with fear and anxiety, is now rescuing someone from underwater.
I passed more of the course, according to my trainers ‘with flying colours’. The man that stands watching me, Richard Cullen, the self-proclaimed Scuba God, assesses my skills and reactions. Anyone that knows him, knows that he insists on demanding courses and is not an easy man to impress in the water. A comment from him on my assessment was: “You are by far in the top echelon of Rescue Divers that we have ever trained, this is concurred by the whole team.”
A very proud moment… to not only have the honour of reflecting on my transformation but to have completed it under such pressure. Under the water there is no PTSD for me; in the water I’m a guest for my own freedom.
I am now a Rescue Diver. I look back on my past and smile; it’s a fortune with no value to anyone but myself. Self-belief and determination got me to this point. Sitting and telling that story around the table in Wraysbury dive centre was just a step on a long journey to recovery, one that is supported by my family, the love of my life Emily and by Deptherapy.
Find out more about the work of Deptherapy at: www.deptherapy.co.uk
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
By Marissa Eckert
What are the requirements to start cave diving? What do I need to do to be prepared for cave training? These are all questions I get asked by so many potential students. There are many options when coming up with an answer. The first option, and the easiest, would be to go the training agency website and look up the requirements to take the class. However, this leaves a lot open for interpretation and doesn’t mean you will necessarily be ready. Like anything, there always needs to be minimum requirements. But is that enough? Maybe for some people it is, but for most people it’s not.
So, what are the requirements?
TDI breaks cave training down into three different levels. Those levels are cavern, intro to cave, and full cave. To start cavern the requirements state that you must be 18 years old or 15 years old with parental consent, have an Open Water Certification, and a minimum of 25 logged dives. This doesn’t sound like much. So, what do I tell my students when they ask me? First, I find out if they are only interested in cavern or if they are interested in potentially progressing into cave diving. If they are interested in progressing into cave diving, I always strongly suggest they get comfortable with a dual configuration first. This configuration can be side mount, back-mounted doubles, or even a rebreather. The main things I tell everyone they need to have down are buoyancy, good trim position, the ability to hover in place motionless without moving their hands or feet, and good overall awareness. This means awareness of oneself and what your body and equipment are doing, but also total awareness of what is going on around you.
So, what does all this mean?
Many times I’ve had students show up thinking they had all these things mastered only to quickly realize they have a long way to go. Which by the way, is okay! After all, we all start somewhere and progress at different paces. The most important thing is to be open to feedback. But there are also ways to prepare yourself better. First and foremost, when starting down this route it is critical to find a good instructor. Take time to look up instructors, ask questions, interview them, look at their past students, look at what type of diving they are doing, and most importantly ask questions! Find out what techniques they use during class.
I have found that video recording students when they are struggling with something gives them a great perspective to see what they are doing wrong and helps them visualize and correct it. Does the instructor look good as a diver? Whether you like social media or not, the internet can be a great place for research. When looking at a diver they should look in trim, almost like they are laying flat on a table. In videos are they finning with their hands? Are their feet constantly moving? Are there things dangling below their body? All equipment and hoses should be extremely clean and contoured to the body.
The most important question to always ask during training is WHY? There should always be a why behind everything we do. And it should never just be because I said so. Make sure the instructor knows why they are telling you to do something a particular way. Everyone can always learn new ways of doing things, instructors included.
How can you truly prepare yourself?
A good idea is to record video of yourself or have a friend record you while diving. Send it to your instructor ahead of time, so they can give you feedback and let you know if there are things you need to work on. There is no certain number of years to be diving, or a certain number of dives to have, that says yes you will be ready. Every individual learns at a different pace. If a class is only offered in a minimum number of days with a maximum number of students allowed, be aware that this means less time practicing each skill. For this reason, you might be better suited doing one-on-one training or having a regular buddy take the class with you. This ensures you are comfortable with each other and familiar with each other’s habits in and out of the water, and that you get along!
The most important thing of all is to come to class with an open mind, a readiness to learn, and no concern with whether you will receive a card, but with a concern that you will learn to be a better, safer, more competent diver. I always tell my students safety is the number one most important thing in cave diving, but fun is a close second! Sometimes, it may not feel fun. Stop and ask yourself does this instructor have your best interests at heart? I know I certainly do. I want to go to sleep each night knowing that I gave my students as much knowledge as possible to make them safe and thoughtful cave divers.
With proper training, proper equipment, proper experience, and a proper attitude I think cave diving can be done very safely. I often joke that the most dangerous thing about cave diving is driving to the dive site!
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
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