The Abstract Art of Diving

DSAT Technical Rescue Techniques distinctive specialty – minimum requirements:

Program overview

The aim of the course is to take the skills already taught during the Rescue Diver course and relate them specifically to the hazards, equipment and techniques encountered during technical diving.

This document details the minimum content of a potential DSAT Technical rescue techniques Specialty. You should use the information below to develop your outline fully A distinctive may be more comprehensive than this, but not less so. It includes a series of knowledge development topics that must be included or covered at some stage, and also a series of skills that must be included at some point during the specialty.

General Standards:

Pre-requisites:                Student: DSAT Tec 45 Diver + Rescue Diver                                        Instructor: DSAT Tec Deep Instructor

Maximum Depth:         Maximum depth 20 metres

Ratios: maximum:        6:1 + 2 with CA

Min student age:        18

Minimum no. dives:        4 (inc two CW or limited OW and 2 full OW / scenario dives)

Required equipment:        As per Tec Deep course + min 1 stage cylinder

Academic topics

The course should include knowledge development that includes topics such as:

Accident avoidance

Risk assessment

How to spot an emergency situation

Emergency signalling protocols (emergency buoys etc)

Procedures when reacting to an emergency situation

Adjusting plans to fit unexpected hazards

Importance of buddy checks and unfamiliar equipment – rebreathers, OC twinsets etc

Team diving and signalling techniques (torches etc)

O2 toxicity effects

Deco logistics – hydration and air breaks

Skipping deco stops

DCS types

Considerations when raising an unconscious technical diver

Egress of the technical diver

Missed stop protocol

Reverse block

Inner ear bend / vertigo

In water recompression

Neuro exam

02 admin

Incident management

The Rescue Diver manual could be used as a reference tool for some of the above.

Diving skills

The following skills can be discussed and practised. These would generally take the form of an initial skill practise in confined or limited Open Water with scenarios to follow during full open water dives. Scenarios should not be practised on dives with a real deco obligation – any stops referenced in the skills below should be simulated. Typically dives should be conducted in relatively shallow water (<20 metres) particularly any skills that assisting another diver with an ascent, due to the increased possibility of a fast ascent. Skills of this nature should be conducted in water that is 12 metres or shallower. Skills should be spread over dives to avoid multiple ascents.  

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