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TDI Course Explanation and Skills Challenge Documen

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8/10/2019 TDI Skills 051220


Technical Diving International

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TDI Course Explanation and Skills Challenge Document

Publisher:

International Training18 Elm StreetTopsham, ME 04086Phone: 207-729-4201 Fax: 207-729-4453

www.tdisdi.com Email: [email protected]

© International Training 2005

Notice of Rights:

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted inany form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or

otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. For information

on getting permission for reprints and excerpts, contact International Training.

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Notes:

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IntroductionIn an attempt to bring a certain level of standardization to Technical Programs from TDI and in

order to give course candidates a realistic picture of what they can expect from their TDI course,

we have drawn up the following skill sets for each of our open-circuit programs.

Where possible, we have steered clear of suggesting what specific DRILLS you use to teach

and test a particular SKILL preferring that you design something in keeping with local conditions

and your teaching style. For example, you will read: “Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability tohover at fixed position in water column without moving hands or feet)” as one of the in water skills

for Advanced Nitrox. To drill and test for this skill, one instructor may use a shot line marked at

various depths and have candidates stop and perform a simple task at each marker; while another

may use an obstacle course made from hula-hoops. You may have another method in mind. That’s

up to you. All we caution is that the drill is fair, tests and builds confidence in performing the skill

or skills, is fun and, most of all, does not compromise safety.

You will find this document divided into three main parts: Open circuit program goals; Core

program skills, and Skills information for students.

Part 1 Open Circuit Program goals is a very brief outline of what each program is about in

the most simple terms, and is not supposed to be a complete definition. It is essentiallyan elevator pitch for the course and it was used as a baseline for creating a skill set for

the course.

Part 2 Core program skills will be found in your TDI Instructor Manual version 6.0 or

the 4th quarter 2005 training up-date. This section is broken down into subsections

one called No Excuses, which outlines an example of a drill or technique we’ve used

to test a specific skill. You can use it as is or simply use it to inspire your own creative

approach to testing student skills. The second called: Multiple Failures, which contains

examples of more challenging “layered” skills appropriate for the course in question.

Part 3 Skills information for students is exactly that. This is intended to be a cut-and-pastedocument that you can use in class promotions and as part of your pre-course package

sent to prospective students (along with waivers, medical forms, student agreements

and a suggested equipment list for example).

Important DefinitionsThere are some new terms and acronyms used that you will see in this document and the TDI

standards. Here is a list of some of them and what they mean.

The acronym S.T.A.R.T. stands for; Sdrill (Out Of Air drill and Bubble Check), Team

(buddy equipment checks), Air (gas matching), Route (entry/exit and planned path

under water), Tables (depth, duration, waypoints and schedule)

No Excuses is a way of challenge your students with the skills and information you just

taught them. These are not required skills, but a good way to let you know if your

divers are ready to be certified. Just like testing an objective in an academic session,

no excuses test the skills in water.

Good luck

Technical Diving International, December 2005

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Part 1 TDI OPEN CIRCUIT PROGRAM GOALS

NitroxGraduates are able to grasp the concept of Maximum Operating Depth (oxygen

depth limits) coupled with oxygen time limits for various nitrox mixes, and under-

stand the use of nitrox to extend bottom-time, shorten surface intervals and take

advantage of breathing less nitrogen on recreational-level dives. Graduates will be

familiar with the correct use of an oxygen analyzer and know how to log their fills.The course should also reinforce the concept and practice of dive planning, dive

logging and post-dive debriefing.

Advanced NitroxGraduates are able to manage high-test nitrox (40% plus) including pure oxygen

responsibly paying attention to special equipment and component requirements,

handling considerations, and cylinder markings. They are able to grasp the concept

and importance of Central Nervous System oxygen toxicity tracking -- (CNS clo-

ck) – have the ability to calculate MOD’s without reference to tables for different

ppO2 and FO2s; and have been introduced to the criteria for “advanced nitrox”equipment selection and configuration.

Decompression ProceduresGraduates are able to make informed decisions to undertake dives outside the

NDLs (as per US Navy and DCIEM tables) and manage the increased risks asso-

ciated with these dives based on best practice information, limitations of training,

limitations of knowledge and “objective” assessment of personal limitations.

They leave this class with a basic understanding of staged decompression practice

(ascent behavior) and decompression theory. They should understand the concept

and constraints of staged decompression obligation; the use of multiple gases to

optimize a decompression schedule; advanced equipment selection and clean gearconfiguration (since deco diving is overhead environment diving). In addition, they

should be versed in basic contingency planning with particular focus on overhead

gas management techniques.

Extended RangeGraduates are able to make dives requiring long decompression stops and needing

expedition quality contingency planning. They are comfortable making advanced

equipment selection and know how to configure and manage additional gear to

function well on long dives in local conditions. This gear may include two sling /

stage cylinders containing decompression gases.

TrimixGraduates are able to make dives requiring long decompression stops and needing

expedition quality contingency plans. They are comfortable making advanced

equipment selection and know how to configure and manage additional gear to

function well on long dives in local conditions. This gear may include two sling

/ stage cylinders containing decompression gases. They also fully understand in-

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water behaviors dictated by use of helium in breathing mixes; are competent using

complex gas management calculations and have the ability to create, manage and

modify complex decompression schedules and apply them as appropriate to the

dive conditions. Graduates should also be familiar with the correct procedures for

using a helium / oxygen analyzer to test mixes.

Advanced TrimixGraduates have the ability to plan and lead complex helium decompression dives

that require two or more decompression gases and/or additional stages of bottom gas.

Advanced trimix divers are able to create very thorough contingency plans and have

a clear understanding of the limits of their team, their equipment and themselves.

Advanced Wreck Graduates are able to conduct penetration dives (overhead environment dives) in

wrecks using reels and lines with confidence, and have the ability to plan, execute

and develop contingency plans for dives in marginal conditions -- poor visibility,

harsh surface conditions, cold water and / or low visibility for example. Graduates

should also be able to recognize and use navigational landmarks on steel and woo-

den wrecks, and be confident deploying and surfacing on emergency ascent lines

(fixed and drifting).

Part 2 CORE PROGRAM SKILLS

Important Reminders:◗ No drills/skills to be conducted deeper than 30 meters / 100 fsw.

Technical Diving International strongly recommends against shutting

off a student’s main gas supply – open circuit diving – without their

knowledge in any circumstances.

◗ Students and instructors must have a redundant source of bottom mix

(TWO FIRST STAGES) on all dives conducted below 30 meters /

100 fsw. (Single tank with pony bottle (13 cubic foot/ 1.5L min); high

volume cylinder with H or Y valve, and double cylinders with isolation

manifold are examples of acceptable configurations. Choice will depend

on gas volumes required to complete dives within rule of thirds.)

◗ Drills that may result in rapid ascent (such as simulated toxed diver

ascent) should not be attempted when divers have any decompression

obligation including a 3-minute safety stop.

Notes about skills and drills:

◗ As a student progresses through increasingly more advanced certification

levels, the degree of tolerance for “not getting a skill perfect” becomes

narrower. That’s to say, a candidate for advanced trimix should be

capable of showing decompression procedures and trimix skills at

“demonstration” level.

◗ Also, an instructor will likely ask students to show mastery of skills

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for lower level classes one skill at a time... For example, a student

demonstrates deploying a lift bag and then may demonstrate buddy

breathing deco gas. At the higher levels, drills may simulate multiple

failures and students should be capable of deploying a lift bag while

buddy breathing deco gas! (See actual suggestions for multiple failure

scenarios attached to appropriate level courses.)

Course

NitroxNo Excuses:

Instructor drops one to two meters, three to six feet below pre-arranged

MOD to test if candidates will follow “blindly.” Skill Tested: Do not

exceed MOD of analyzed mix. (N.B. MOD should be calculated at 1.4

ATA oxygen partial pressure so that a short exposure one or two meters,

three to six feet below MOD does not compromise OXTox limits.)

Advanced NitroxNo Excuses:Instructor shows apparent disregard for rules governing equipment

selection for oxygen service (perhaps a small cylinder that is cleaned but

from which O2 VIP label has been deliberately removed or obscured.

Skill Tested: Equipment must be prepared and labeled as appropriate for

Oxygen-rich environments.

Decompression Procedures Core SkillsNo Excuses:

1. Instructor asks student/candidate to OK use of decompression gas below

MOD. Skill Tested: Never switch gas deeper than MOD and pay attentionto analyzed MOD marked on cylinder neck.

2. Instructor indicates group should break deco schedule (leave staged stop

two or three minutes early during simulated deco demonstration) to see

if members of team will “obey.” Skill Tested: do not break deco ceiling

except in dire circumstances.

Multiple Failures:1. Deploy back up mask while air sharing on long hose

2. Deploy liftbag in “blue water” while breathing from a simulated

freeflowing decompression regulator (feathering valve)

3. Respond to OOA request from buddy while doing drop and retrievalexercise with stage bottle

Extended Range (additions and changes)No Excuses:

1. Instructor gives low on air signal at depth and then turns from “buddy”

and continues to swim away from ascent/exit point. If student does

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not immediately get attention and turn dive, instructor turns does

emergency air share but then drops second stage from mouth and

simulates unconsciousness. Skill Tested: Never get complacent about

gas management.

Instructor demonstrates lift bag deployment and asks for OK to launch

bag when line is visibly looped around deco bottle or other personal

equipment.Multiple Failures:

1. Deploy back up mask while buddy-breathing decompression gas and

ascending to next staged stop

2. Respond to OOA request from buddy while cutting second buddy

(instructor) from simple entanglement at depth.

3. Bring buddy with blacked-out mask through more than four staged stops

with gas switch, for self and buddy and with liftbag deployment at third stop.

4. Bring simulated unconscious diver to surface from 10 meters (33 fsw)

while dealing appropriately with gas hemorrhage (deco and or back gas)

TrimixNo Excuses:

1. Instructor asks student/candidate to OK use of decompression gas below

MOD for example “getting” shallow gas mixed up with deep gas. Skill

Tested: Never switch gas below MOD and pay attention to analyzed

MOD marked on cylinder neck.

2. Instructor tops off partially used trimix tanks with air and does not

reanalyze mix, recalculate dive schedule or re-label MOD. Skill Tested:

Always analyze mix, label bottles and do not wing trimix tables!

3. Instructor gives low on air signal at depth and then turns from “buddy”

and continues to swim away from ascent/exit point. If student does

not immediately get attention and turn dive, instructor turns does

emergency air share but then drops second stage from mouth and

simulates unconsciousness. Skill Tested: Never get complacent about

gas management.

Multiple Failures:1. Deploy back up mask while buddy-breathing decompression gas and

ascending to next staged stop

2. Respond to OOA request from buddy while cutting second buddy

(instructor) from simple entanglement at depth.



4. Bring simulated unconscious diver to surface from 10 m /33 ft while

dealing appropriately with gas hemorrhage (deco and or back gas)

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Advanced TrimixNo Excuses:

1. Instructor simulates failed BC bailout episode as soon as team switches

from travel mix or when reaching 30 meters (whichever is deeper),

and requests assistance from buddies (students). Skills Tested: team

support and responsiveness and ability to execute contingency deco plan

(shortened).

2. Instructor tops off partially used trimix tanks with air and does not

reanalyze mix, recalculate dive schedule or re-label MOD. Skill Tested:

Always analyze mix, label bottles and do not wing trimix tables!

3. Instructor hangs back once ascent signal is given making team run a

minute or two beyond planned bottom time, then tries to coax team to

violate “required” adjustment to ascent schedule. Skill Tested: Team

leader’s ability to take control of decompression schedule and keep team

“on same page.”

Multiple Failures:1. Deploy liftbag with blacked out mask while buddy-breathing

decompression gas.

2. Respond to OOA request from buddy while deploying liftbag during

decompression phase of dive



4. Bring simulated unconscious diver to surface from 20 m (roughly 70 ft)

with simulated BCD failure and executing appropriate ascent schedule

(simulated decompression with gas switches)

Advanced Wreck No Excuses:

1. During reprise of lost buddy or lost line drill inside wreck (controlled

environment) simulate entanglement episode (loop of wreck line around

manifold/ fins etc.) and have student cut themselves free. Skill Tested:

cool-headedness and self-rescue.

2. Instructor simulates entanglement and asks for assistance from dive

team, but during extraction gives OOA signal to one of her / his rescuers.

Skills Tested: Team awareness, response to primary-level emergency.

Multiple Failures: Exit wreck sharing air with mask off / blacked out

Exit wreck in simulated silt out doing valve shutdown cycle

Deploy emergency ascent line (fixed) and ascend from no more than 30

m/ 100 ft while sharing air on long hose blacked out mask (one student

only blacked out).

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Part 3 SKILLS INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Nitrox DiverAs part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should

test your competence in the following areas. Drills to help build your confidence

and comfort doing these skills should be taught as part of the regular program.

You will be expected to:• Properly analyze all gas mixes to be used;

• Calculate and mark the MOD (Maximum Operating Depth) of each mix

appropriately;

• Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning (Limits based on team

experience, gas consumption of individuals and of team as a whole,

oxygen depth and time, inert gas depth and time, environment,

contingency and so on);

• Properly execute a planned dive(s) within all predetermined limits;

• Satisfactorily complete TDI written exam;

• Demonstrate mature and responsible judgment concerning dive planning

and execution;

• Maintain a high level of awareness and respect for the environment in

which all diving and dive preparation is conducted;

• Log all dives

Pre-dive skills• Use TDI tables to plan a nitrox dive taking advantage of EAD

calculations

• Create a simple written dive plan for a nitrox dive to an appropriate

depth (MOD calculated with p02 between 1.3 and 1.6 depending on

environmental conditions)

• Demonstrate correct use of oxygen analyzer

• Demonstrate correct tank management and labeling

• Conduct simple pre-dive briefing (may be simulated if dives are not part

of program)

• Program nitrox computer – if used -- with appropriate oxygen percentage.

Advanced NitroxAs part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should



You will be expected to:• Be competent in skills required to graduate from any prerequisite TDI

course (or equivalent)

• Properly analyze all gas mixes to be used;


appropriately;

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Advanced Nitrox con’t• Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning (Limits based on team





• Satisfactorily complete TDI written exam;• Demonstrate mature and responsible judgment concerning dive planning

and execution;



• Log all dives

Skills done on land or in the field• Calculate and Log CNS loading for each dive including cumulative

exposure where appropriate

• Demonstrate correct use of oxygen analyzer including optimal procedure

for calibration• Demonstrate understanding of gas labeling

• Demonstrate adherence to conventions regarding prep of equipment for

Oxygen service

• Program nitrox computer with appropriate oxygen percentage if used

Pre-dive skills• Use START* before every dive

• Stress analysis and mitigation

Skills during dive

• Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in watercolumn without moving hands or feet)

• Show good awareness of buddy and other team members through

communications, proximity and team oriented dive practices

• Demonstrate ability to manage freeflow from primary regulator in

controlled fashion (shutdown cycle), and switch to back-up regulator.

• Deploy lift bag / or safety sausage correctly while maintaining position in

water column (not in contact with bottom features or other structures)

• Conduct appropriate safety stop while “hanging” from surface marker

(lift bag)

• Demonstrate ability to share “air” (back gas) with buddy as both recipient

and donor in a controlled manner while maintaining position in water

column.

• Demonstrate correct body position (appropriate trim, such as horizontal

/ streamlined when moving forward)

• Demonstrate proper stress analysis with self and team mates

*START is Sdrill (OOA drill and Bubble Check), Team (buddy

equipment checks), Air (gas matching), Route (entry/exit and planned

path underwater, Tables (depth, duration, waypoints and schedule)

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Decompression Procedures Core SkillsAs part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should



You will be expected to:

• Be competent in skills required to graduate from any prerequisite TDIcourse (or equivalent)



appropriately;







• Demonstrate mature and responsible judgment concerning dive planningand execution;



• Log all dives

Skills done on land or in the field• Demonstrate familiarity with basic hand signals

• Select and prepare of equipment suitable for soft overhead environment

(decompression ceiling)

• Conduct team oriented drills for lift bag deployment/SMB and gas

switching procedure



Skills during dive

• Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in

water column without moving hands or feet)



• Demonstrate comfort swimming on surface and at depth carrying single

decompression stage bottle

• Demonstrate ability to drop and retrieve single decompression cylinder

while maintaining position in the water column

• Demonstrate ability to deploy a lift bag/SMB solo and as member of team

• Demonstrate controlled / staged ascent on lift bag/SMB / emergency

ascent line (lost ascent line)

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• Remove and replace mask (deploy backup mask)

• Demonstrate appropriate reaction to catastrophic gas loss from manifold

or first stage, SPG and primary regulator

• React to BC inflator malfunction (disconnect LP hose, dump gas and

orally inflate BC/Wing to neutral buoyancy)

• Demonstrate ability to confirm gas switch(es) at depth with buddy/team

members• Buddy breathing deco gas for at least one minute

• Switch to back-up mask (remove and replace mask)

• Demonstrate appropriate reaction to free-flowing deco regulator (feather

valve)

• Demonstrate appropriate (may be simulated) modifications to deco

schedule in decompression emergency (over time, over depth)

• Demonstrate tired diver tow at depth and on surface (30 meters lateral)

• Complete a horizontal breath hold swim at depth for 15 meters


equipment checks), Air (gas matching), Route (entry/exit and plannedpath underwater, Tables (depth, duration, waypoints and schedule)

Extended RangeAs part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should





• Properly analyze all gas mixes to be used;• Calculate and mark the MOD (Maximum Operating Depth) of each mix

appropriately;








and execution;



• Log all dives

Skills done on land or in the field• Demonstrate familiarity with basic and intermediate hand signals

• Select and prepare equipment suitable for soft overhead environment

(decompression ceiling)

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Extended Range con’tSkills done on land or in the field

• Conduct team oriented drills for lift bag/SMB deployment and gas

switching procedure

• Drills for buddy rescue



Skills during dive

• Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in

water column without moving hands or feet)



• Demonstrate competence managing two stage cylinders (either two

deco gas or one deco and extra bottom gas) including drop and recovery

while maintaining position in the water column• Demonstrate ability to confirm gas switches at depth with buddy/team

members

• Demonstrate lift bag deployment from depth and use of bag as back-up

buoyancy device

• Demonstrate air-sharing ascent from depth while one member of buddy

team is without mask

• Create contingency decompression schedule after simulated loss of

decompression gas

• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple failures (multiple drills

simultaneously LIST TO FOLLOW)

• Demonstrate tired diver tow at depth and on surface (30 meters lateral)• Complete a horizontal breath hold swim at depth for 15 meters with

mask off or blacked out




TrimixAs part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should

test your competence in the following areas. Drills to help build your confidenceand comfort doing these skills should be taught as part of the regular program.




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appropriately;





• Properly execute a planned dive(s) within all predetermined limits;• Satisfactorily complete TDI written exam;


and execution;



• Log all dives

Skills done on land or in the field• Demonstrate familiarity with basic and intermediate hand signals (listing

to come)

• Selection and preparation of equipment suitable for soft overheadenvironment with long decompression obligations

• Conduct team oriented drills for lift bag deployment and gas switching

procedure




Skills during dive

• Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in watercolumn without moving hands or feet)



• Demonstrate competence managing two stage cylinders (either two deco

gas or one deco and extra bottom gas) including drop and recovery while

maintaining position in the water column

• Demonstrate ability to confirm gas switches at depth with buddy/team

members

• Demonstrate lift bag deployment from depth and use of bag as back-up

buoyancy device

• Demonstrate air-sharing ascent from depth while one member of buddyteam is without mask


decompression gas

• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple failures (multiple drills

simultaneously LIST TO FOLLOW)


decompression gas

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• Demonstrate controlled ascent with simulated toxed diver including

surface tow at least 30 meters with gear removal on surface (in water

too deep to stand in)

• Complete a horizontal breath hold swim at depth for 15 meters with

mask off or blacked out

*START is Sdrill (OOA drill and Bubble Check), Team (buddyequipment checks), Air (gas matching), Route (entry/exit and planned


Advanced TrimixAs part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should




course (or equivalent)• Properly analyze all gas mixes to be used;


appropriately;








and execution;• Maintain a high level of awareness and respect for the environment in


• Log all dives

Skills done on land or in the field• Demonstrate familiarity with basic and intermediate hand signals (listing

to come)

• Selection and preparation of equipment suitable for soft overhead

environment with long decompression obligations

• Conduct team oriented drills for lift bag/SMB deployment and gas

switching procedure


Pre-dive skills

• Use START* before every dive


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Skills during dive• Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in water

column without moving hands or feet)



• Demonstrate competence managing three stage cylinders (either three

deco gas or two deco and extra bottom gas) including drop and recoverywhile maintaining position in the water column

• Ability to manage multiple failures in adverse conditions

• Complete a horizontal breath hold swim at depth for 20 meters / 60 feet

with mask off or blacked out

• Deploy lift bag while sharing air on buddy’s long hose




Advanced Wreck As part of the graduation requirements from this TDI course, your instructor should







appropriately;

• Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning (Limits based on teamexperience, gas consumption of individuals and of team as a whole,






and execution;



• Log all dives

Skills done on land or in the field• Proper deployment of guideline

• Proper technique for following guideline

• Use safety spool / reel in lost line procedures

• Use safety spool / reel in lost buddy procedures

• Proper technique for touch contact communication

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Advanced Wreck con’tPre-dive skills

• Use START* before every dive


Skills during dive

• Demonstrate specialized propulsion techniques• Deploy guideline with attention to immediate environment and

conditions

• Demonstrate lost line and lost buddy drills

• Follow guideline (eyes open and eyes closed – or blacked out mask)

• Air share with team member(s) while exiting confined space (eyes open

and eyes closed – or blacked out mask)

• Remove and replace mask while in contact with guideline

• Demonstrate light and hand communications with team members

• Demonstrate touch contact with team members

• Simulate primary light failure and deployment of backup lights

• Demonstrate correct techniques for staging deco/contingency gasoutside wreck

• Demonstrate proper procedure for isolating and switching a

malfunctioning regulator (This drill should be conducted no deeper than

30 meters / 100 fsw)

• Demonstrate ability to deploy a lift bag from depth as emergency ascent

line

• Execute simulated emergency blue water ascent with marker deployment

from staged stop below 6 meters (simulated or real live boating)

• Demonstrate understanding of basic wreck layout and special

considerations for navigating wreck

• Deal with diver presenting signs of serious DCS at surface (simulatedemergency evac.)




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