Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality

Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality Course

I. Course OverviewThe purpose of the Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality Course is to familiarise divers with the planning and execution of safe coastal dives. Through the use of knowledge, organisation, procedures, techniques, hazards and enjoyment of coastal diving using tide tables and charts or computer based systems. Training should emphasise fun and safety. The goals of the Coastal Diver Distinctive speciality Course are:

1. To enable students to safely plan coastal dives through the use of tide tables and Admiralty charts or computer based systems.

2. To develop the student's understanding of weather forecasts.

II. Course Requirements

A. Prerequisite certification: Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver or an equivalent rating. The term equivalency is defined as proof of an entry-level certification with a minimum of four scuba training dives. The instructor is to ensure that the individual can perform the skills required of a Open Water Diver.

B. Minimum age requirement: 12 years.

C. Student-to-instructor ratio: 8:1

D. Confined water training may be added at your discretion to assess student dive skills.

E. Dive data

1. During the course, students will make two scuba dives, which may be conducted on one day.

2. All dives are to be conducted in the sea.

3. The maximum depth for Open Water Divers should not exceed 18 Metres.

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Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality

III. Equipment and Materials

A. Student equipment and materials

1. All personal standard diving equipment to include:a. Mask, snorkel, finsb. Exposure suit appropriate for the local diving environment and

depth, including hood, boots and gloves or mitts if required.c. Quick-release weight belt or weight system.d. Regulator system with submersible pressure gauge.e. Alternate air source suitable for sharing air with other divers.f. BCD with low-pressure inflater.g. Dive computer and compass.h. Diving Knife or tool capable of cutting line.i. Slate with pencil.j. Diver’s personal log book

B. Instructor Equipment

1. All personal standard and speciality diving equipment listed under A (Student Equipment).

2. Recommended safety equipmenta. Surface Marker Buoy as indicated by conditions or activity.b. First aid kit to include pocket mask & oxygen.

C. Training Materialsmaterials that may be used to teach this course:1. General materials and teaching aids:

a. Log book.b. Instructor Manualc. Student Record Filed. Dive Roster

2. Other materials:a. Admiralty charts for the local area.b. Admiralty Chart 5011 for information about the symbols and

abbreviations used on chartsc. Tide tables

3. Recognition materialsa. Temporary Certification Cardb. Speciality Diver wall certificate.

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