Nova Tech: Northern Virginia's Technical Diving Community

Dive Reports > 6/28-30/2002. DIR Fundamentals. Tim James
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"Chief, what the hell is that?"

Well the dive gear has been cleaned and I just finished dinner (no carcass) so I guess it is time to reflect on this weekend's diving. I was a student in a DIR Fundamentals class sponsored by NOVA Tech that was taught by Andrew Georgitsis and Mike Kane this weekend. I am not going to review what was taught (if you want that, take the class), but to just reflect a little bit on my thoughts and impressions.

The class began on Friday night with a lecture from Andrew outlining the class and then covering the philosophy and reasoning behind GUE/DIR diving protocols. As I listened to Andrew talk the whole concept of GUE/DIR principles became a little clearer and a lot of the blanks got filled in. It is a very holistic concept that goes well beyond equipment; which a lot of people get wrapped around the axle on. I was extremely impressed by the level of detail work and knowledge that went into developing the system. The concept is based on logical reasoning that is supported by the laws of physics, physiology, human dynamics, and experience. Throughout the evening I couldn't help but reflect back on all of the classes that I have taken in the past and I was continually amazed to reflect on how little knowledge was actually passed yet how my confidence and so called "abilities and skills" grew. Ignorance is bliss, extremely dangerous, but still blissful!!

On Saturday and Sunday we all met at Mill Brook quarry to learn and practice skills and drills. On Saturday we spent the morning and into the mid-afternoon discussing equipment, adjusting and reconfiguring our equipment ("Chief, what the hell is that?" was a common phrase) and practiced skills on land. Of course one has to have a certain amount of conviction, humility and humor when you are lying in the hot sun on a tarp practicing kick strokes with Andrew making comments like "Tim, are you kicking or humping the dog?" Humor aside, the point is that there was real training going on not a computer simulation, video or instructor demonstrates - student copies - instructor gives OK sign type of training. After the on shore training we moved into the water to practice what we had been taught. It would be nice to say that Andrew waved a magic wand and we all did great, but I think that stumble, fumble and bumble would be a better description of our performance. Although improvement was made it is still funny to watch yourself on video and see the delta between what you thought you did and looked like vice what the camera shows. I will just surmise that video is a great teaching tool and should be used when ever possible.

Way too quickly Sunday evening arrived and we found our selves back at the Clagett's house for course wrap up. Andrew spent of few more hours talking on procedures and protocols and then did a question and answer period for the group until he had to pack for his flight back to Seattle.

So what did I get out of the DIR Fundamentals course; well I can honestly say that I am a better diver today then I was Friday morning and that is not something I can say about other dive classes I have taken. Are my skills perfect, no, is my gear perfect, no, are my team skills perfect, no, do I know what I need to fix, yes, am I willing to learn and change, yes, I am a better diver.
-Tim James

"As a skeptical person I am rarely impressed, or even convinced, by dive educators or dive training agencies. As I evolve into a DIR diver I am convinced of the soundness and logical approach of the GUE program. Andrew
Georgitsis is a rare person in the dive training industry and I am fortunate to have trained with him. He discussed and demonstrated logically derived principals and techniques that make a safer and more capable diver. The in-water exercises were challenging but, with regular practice I am convinced that I will become a far better diver and team member. As a long time member of MAHS (the Maritime Archaeological and Historical Society) I
hope to make DIR the standard configuration and practice of their future projects, especially a rather challenging project we hope to carry out in the UK, beginning next year. In addition, when my nine year old comes of
age, her training will be DIR/GUE."
-Mark Little

"The Fundamentals class was, by far, my most instructive and rewarding class. I learned, for the first time, many things that I SHOULD have learned long ago. The instruction was top notch, and the underlying philosophy alone was worth the course fee. The instruction was well paced, patient, and thorough."
-Bob Boling

"An eye opening class for the open water diver. It brings out the basic skills that need to be learned or relearned that the large agencies teach differently. I recommend it for divers of all levels."
- Ken Charlesworth

"I thought the class was well worth it. There were a few things I was disappointed in, but overall, I would recommend the class to everyone. Leave your ego at home and show up to learn."
- Stacey Sandrey