tech talk

Text and photos by Steve Lewis Being swept along on this tech- nical diving thing, has been a long, somewhat twisted, but definitely entertaining journey. If you and I had met when the whole affair started, we could not possibly have envisioned how directly and pervasively, what were then radical activities, like , diving and diving, would influ- ence the mainstream dive com- munity. Watching the evolution of , and being able to observe the changes it’s wrought on all aspects of rec- reational scuba, has been a true privilege—and great fun. Why you should never go diving with an idiot But perhaps, evolution is too soft a word —and how to avoid that happening to you to describe what’s happened. So many things have changed. Gear, training, the places we visit to dive, how we have more than the proverbial “1000 He told anyone who would listen, not to training to be mindful when diving with where strokery began and ended varied exchange information, even what form songs in my pocket”. And I am typical dive with “strokes.” The shortest possible an “insta-buddy”. depending on who was supplying the dive magazines and textbooks take: rather than an exception. explanation or definition of Stoke is some- Personally, I opt for the middle ground: definition—the most radical being a form case in point with X-RAY MAG for exam- However, some things have not one who is unsafe and unaware. “Don’t You should never go diving with an idiot. of tribalism that I found reminiscent of the ple. I’m not particularly nerdy or wired changed. Especially good advice. dive with strokes” was Irvine’s corruption Let’s explore that statement. gang mentality I saw as a kid on the ter- but “traditionally printed” magazines and A while back when the tech diving of much earlier advice from cave dive races of football grounds in London’s East books no longer figure very prominently revolution was first building up a head training manuals to not dive with folks What is a stoke? End—a sort of modified, “We’re Millwall. in my professional or personal life. I still do of steam, one piece of advice that cre- whose skills and mindset were unknown. One of the most controversial things Nobody Likes Us and We Don’t Care!” carry a notebook and pen in my back- ated some controversy came from the And that little gem—as light its impact about Irvine’s don’t dive with strokes My definition of the sort of idiot who pack, but there’s an iPad, iPad mini, and politically incorrect keyboard and mouth was compared to Irvine’s version—had its advice, was the definition of a stroke should be avoided when diving is easier two smart phones in there, too. I really of a character called George Irvine III. Genesis in the caution from open-water itself. The actual guidelines describing to draw a box around… and I believe

67 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Where modern technology enhances old fashion diving

W4 5mm tech talk Self-assessment [can] help an expe- rienced diver avoid the Siren-call of complacency STYLISH SILVER DESIGN LOADED WITH FEATURES.

W4 is the latest back-zip from Waterproof. less tribal… but perhaps no easier for insisted, self-assessment that could and our assets? After nearly 30 years of experience of making some of us to accept. help an experienced diver avoid the ● Are the environmental conditions we have put all our knowledge into this Complacency, for me at least and Siren-call of complacency. Therefore, here at the dive site less challenging, high-quality suit with an eye-catching retro-futuristic in the context of defining a diving self-assessment was held up as a as challenging or more challenging design. idiot, is a solid starting point. If I want- good habit to cultivate, and not a than we planned for and how does The 3D anatomical design, with pre-bent arms ed to build a monument to diving bad barrier to raise between you and that affect the answer to the next and legs with stretch panels and gender specific construction ensures a comfortable idiocy, complacency would be my a huge mistake. question? fit and a relaxing body position in the water. cornerstone. ● Is there is ANYTHING at all about the 3D-moulded real rubber kneepads are Complacency is sneaky, and the The self-assessment process plan and intended execution of this perfect for the who spends a lot of time on his/her knees more skilled we become, the sneakier Self-assessment begins with the quiet dive that is outside the security of best in the water while teaching. it gets. Regardless of how detailed and reflexive process of providing practice? If so, has every one of us and comprehensive our dive plan, it oneself with honest answers to a series and our loved ones signed on it? Double smooth-skin seals at arms and legs, adjustable neck and a will be completely negated by com- of simple questions. 10mm spinepad, with an extra seal at placency. Moreover, rather like a ● Does my training and experience A lot has been said and written about the backzipper work together to keep virus, once complacency gets a foot- match the needs of the team on this the promotion and use of the cold water out. Seals are designed to fit WP boots and gloves. hold in one’s pre-dive process, it can dive? in diving—especially rebreather div- All zippers in top class Vislon from YKK. The spread and infect others. I believe it is ● Do I understand what’s meant by ing—of late, but I believe that the Bronze slider in the back zipper ensures trouble- a strong contender for top-spot in the the phrase “most skills are perishable” self-assessment needs to be free function for many years. ToughTex panels at elbows and knees, Bonded HiQ list of things to avoid if we and have I recently practiced adopted as part of the pre-dive pro- Nylon Thread and 100% CR Neoprene in all don’t want to dive with an Complacency the skills needed to perform tocols for ALL divers. panels - quality in every detail. idiot. this dive? Actually, I feel strongly enough kills experi- The W4 also features double computer strap So, a simple technique ● Do I have fluency in the dis- about the point to tell you that if you anchors with anti slip, comfort front neck zipper, that can help us side-step enced divers. tinct and particular skills need- and your buddy do not engage in inner plush lining, seat and shoulder antislip complacency is what I’d like ed to get me and my mates any form of structured self-assessment reinforcement. to make a case for. back to the surface in one piece as part of your pre-dive routine, you Again, back when the tech diving should the crap hit the fan during this are diving with not one, but two idi- revolution was tearing down limits dive? ots… and so is your buddy. imposed by the PADIs and NAUIs of ● Are the other team members ready And just to be clear, diving with an the dive industry, a pretty smart guy for this dive, and in the event of a idiot can get you killed. ■ with more than a few dives in his log- catastrophe, can they save them- book and a political incorrectness all selves and me without submitted Steve Lewis is a diver, instructor, dive- his own, told me that complacency themselves to an unacceptable risk of industry consultant and author. He kills experienced divers. injury or death? teaches and lectures at home and His was not a quick and cursory ● Is the gear my team and I are using abroad. His main focus is to increase The WPAD™, or the Waterproof Personal Accessory Dock, is a sidebar conversation, but a week- appropriate and does it meet or safety and point out ways to make soft artfully constructed docking long rationalisation that was part exceed the requirements of this dive, us all better divers than we are station located on the right thigh used for attaching our expandable my first technical instructor program. and is it fit for purpose? now. His latest book, Staying Alive: pocket. It was , founder of TDI ● Is there more than enough gas for Techniques for (Technical Diving International) who everyone, and is it the right flavour or Advanced , is a best- formalised for me the essential pro- flavours? seller, available at Amazon. For more cess of self-assessment, and rein- ● Do I feel confident, comfortable information visit: Techdivertraining.org. forced for me the value of self-assess- and capable to complete this dive This article is based on a presentation ment as part of the prelim for each safely, today? first made by Lewis at Beneath the Sea and every technical dive. It was, he ● Does our dive plan cover our arses in 2013 and 2014. www.w a t er pr oo f.eu

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