Forget the minor distinctions between tech and sport diving, the first question the dive community needs to ask itself is: Does the average agency-sanctioned training program teach divers self and buddy rescue skills that really stand up in the real world? A quick look around at what’s going on in the recreational dive community would indicate: No, not really.

For example, new divers are still taught that an Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent is part of GAS MANAGEMENT. Not only do the stats seem to indicate the practice is dangerous, common sense dictates there are better skills we can get the average diver to work on that PREVENT the sort of surprise that makes a balls to the wall ascent necessary.

And don't think that the technical side of recreational dive training is any more focused on what works. A study of accidents on OC and CCR cross-referenced with the skill set required to conform to most agency standards seem to indicate a similarly misguided focus.

This presentation will suggest some alternatives to the classic disaster scenarios many of us worked on in our training programs… suitable for all levels of diver.