My son is in DEP with an EOD contract and I wondered if it would be beneficial at all for him to take scuba classes before leaving for RTC. I thought I would get this for him for Christmas. Thanks in advance for your advice.

quote:

Originally posted by brooksco76:
My son is in DEP with an EOD contract and I wondered if it would be beneficial at all for him to take scuba classes before leaving for RTC. I thought I would get this for him for Christmas. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Brooksco76

While I stay away from EOD posts because I was not EOD (I built and planted the explosive satchels), your query on SCUBA classes requires an experienced reply, if I may. I did early SCUBA and Hard Hat (Deep Sea) diving.

SCUBA unto itself is not too difficult to learn in shallow, calm waters, like a 4' swimming pool. However when it comes to learning risky water dives and safety it is up an outstanding SCUBA Instructor to teach the basics of avoiding bad diving. Even in experienced military units that employ SCUBA life threatening accidents happen brought on mostly by the diver himself not heeding good safety procedures. Of which I was wittness.

I would first locate and make face to face contact with a SCUBA Instructor to gather some assurance that the Instructor has the experienced background and verbal delivery to teach safe SCUBA. When satisfied, then get the SCUBA equipment, and I wish you well with an excellent pick as a Xmas gift.

Thanks sb5, your response is really appreciated.
I won't be able to meet with an instructer as I live in a different state than my son but it's a great idea. I could call though. I really was just thinking of beginning with basic lessons to familiarize him with dive equipment. I understand that the navy has their own way of doing things and sometimes it's better just to learn their way first. But it seems to make sense to have at least a very basic knowledge going in. I too thought it would be a cool christmas gift.
Thanks again

The short answer is don't do it. PADI and NAUI are civilian programs with their own rules. The objective is making a dive for entertainment value. Military divers of any flavor are there to complete a mission. The trade off of what he would learn is that he may pick up bad habits.

EOD prep at GLakes IL (after RTC/Boot Camp) poses a bigger challenge than does a lack of SCUBA trng. Water composure is more important. Invest in some fins booties and mask and get your DEPper to budget pool time getting used to vertical kicking with hands out of the water. It is safe since the candidate will be working but still in a head above water posture and pays big dividends later. Here is some feedback we rec'd from CENEODDV managers at our mentor conference from May 2009.
This is from a blog I set up BTW
Most common cause of failure is students inability to remain on the surface for entire procedure of IWPs.

Gear worn for IWP (Progressively)
Mask, Fins, LifePreserver, Weight Belt (6 lbs.)

Scuba Bottles, Regulator, Mask, Fins, Life Preserver

Scuba Bottles, Regulator, Mask, Fins, Life Preserver, Weight Belt (6 lbs.)
Scuba bottles are empty but weighted to simulate fully charged twin 80 cu ft cylinders (approx 10lbs. negative buoyancy)

This is the requirement for Diver and EOD prep
Students enter water and perform in-water checks.
Students check each other’s straps, air valve position and leak check (simulated)
- Tread water for 1 minute (must stay on surface)
- Inflate life vest with oral inflation tube
Swim on back to shallow end of pool

Common Errors:
Improper hand placement during water entry
Students not entering water at same time
Going too deep on water entry
Not surfacing together
Not having fist over head on ascent
Not checking entire strap and quick releases
Improperly checking for leaks
Short choppy strokes (bicycling, frog kicking)
Straps coming apart due to loose quick releases
Leaving surface or drifting away form each other during procedure
Bending inflation tube while trying to inflate life vest
Improperly reporting “In-water checks complete” to the Dive Sup

Thanks EODJW and NSWmentor for your responses. I am taking your advise and forgoing the scuba lessons. My son did just ask for fins and booties so I've ordered those and will ask him what else he needs. Maybe a mask. I think he is very fortunate to be training with a spec warfare group that does a lot in the pool. He has talked about days where they spend hours passing a brick while their arms are above the water (that long because they had to start over if anyone dropped it or put their hands down). He really loves the water training, it's the running that he's not fond of. Thanks again.