News
Team Teaching: A Tech Diver’s Perspective
By Chris “Doc” Radley
So you’ve been diving for a while and you love it. Each trip to the water makes you want to do more. Maybe you’ve already stepped from Open Water Diver to something a little more advanced. But some things are still out of your reach. No problem though; you can clearly see the answer. You want to be a Technical diver!
Choosing Your Instructor
You watched and listened to the Technical divers on trips you’ve made and with just a bit of jealously wished you could be doing the things they were doing. You’ve done some homework and you know that there are training agencies and instructors that could provide what you need. But you’ve also developed a few concerns. If you’re going to commit the time and money to be a Technical diver you want the right program that addresses those concerns and makes for a fun experience that keeps you coming back for more while managing the increased risks.
- You’ve read about specific instructors and their “system” for doing things. What if that doesn’t feel right? How do you get alternative perspectives? Can there really only be one right way? If it’s not working for me who do I turn to?
- You’ve got to make plans for the training time; what happens if the instructor isn’t available, gets sick, or for some other reason can’t do your training as planned?
Two Can Be Better Than One
The answer is to find someone who offers “Team Teaching”. With two instructors you gain important benefits that address your concerns and more.
- Different perspectives on approaches to skills and choices in equipment. Sometimes just having a different person show you or explain to you the exact same concept can change uncertainty to clarity.
- Differences in setting up your gear, how you gear up, how you enter and exit the dive. Even small changes can mean the difference between something that just works and something that feels right for you.
- With two instructors you have a higher probability that your training will move forward as planned. If one instructor has a conflict or gets sick you still have the other instructor. Even in the event that something happens while diving (even instructors can have ear problems) there is still another instructor to carry on.
- Chances are no two people will be alike not just in their perspectives and teaching styles but even their physiology. Beyond the benefits of the different perspectives, you may find that one instructor is better able to relate to your specific issues that may be related to height, weight, age, etc.
Team teaching doesn’t change the requirements you have to meet to become a Technical diver. It also doesn’t change the fact that for some things safety will always dictate that there is only one correct way to do it.
Team teaching does afford the benefits of providing multiple resources that have multiple experiences and perspectives. When there is room for differences of opinion and making choices you’ll have a better chance to get it. You’ll also have a built-in backup plan to help you get your training done even when one of your instructors isn’t available as planned.
Finding a Teaching Team
Team teaching is not the norm in technical instruction, but certainly can be and is practiced by some instructors. Reach out to other technical divers in your area and ask about any local instructors that offer team teaching. This is often the best option and can limit extra expenses. If travel is necessary, or just a desirable option, throw the net wider. And ask local instructors if they have another instructor they would team teach with. Often times, there is more than one technical instructor at a facility and they may be willing to work together by student request. That also allows more freedom for the instructor to video students, observe them first hand, and remove themselves from the team dynamic underwater, and that alone can make for a better course for the diver.
One last point that should not be overlooked; at the outset of this piece, many of the concerns revolved around the singular view that one instructor could have. Think of this as the “do it my way approach”. You’ve probably noticed that in practice there are many different ways to do things. Keeping an open mind doesn’t mean adopting every new idea that comes along but it does mean at least being willing to consider what merits it may have. It might come as a surprise to many newer divers that things which are commonplace today, whether equipment (BCDs, Aluminum tanks, single hose regulators, even dive computers); gas options (Nitrox, Trimix, etc.) and gear configurations (Sidemount) were once viewed with suspicion.
Team teaching in a technical diving course offers many direct benefits to the diver in that course. When it helps you to learn and keep an open mind it also makes you a better diver. Something we should all aspire to be.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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