DEEP AIR DIVER

A. PURPOSE

1. This program is designed to provide responsible training to divers who plan to dive to 130 fsw (39 msw) on air.

2. The IANTD Deep Air Diver program trains divers in skills, performance, theory and planning of deep dives. This program remains within the commonly practiced depth of 130 fsw (39 msw), and is the first sanctioned international program to provide proper training in safe deep diving skills and performance.

3. It is recommended that this program be taught in conjunction with the IANTD EANx Diver program.

B. PREREQUISITES

1. Diver must be certified as an IANTD Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent.

2. Log or proof of at least 10 dives.

3. Must be a minimum of 15 years of age with a parent or guardian authorization, 12 for junior diver certification, or 18 years or older without guardian approval.

C. TEXTS

1. IANTD Deep Air Diver Student Manual & Workbook, or equivalent text approved in writing by the Board of Directors. Written approval will be issued by IAND, Inc./IANTD World Headquarters.

D. PROGRAM CONTENT

1. Open water dives - A total of 100 minutes of bottom time is required. To be completed within 4 to 6 dives, 2 of which must be between 100 fsw (30 msw) and 130 fsw (39 msw). If combined with an EANx program, the dives in both programs may be included within the 100 minutes of bottom time.

E. PROGRAM LIMITS

1. Appropriate safety stops will be made.

2. No more than 4 students per instructor in the water. Additional students may be included when an IANTD Dive Master is utilized with a ratio of 2 to 1 for up to 8 students.

F. WATERSKILLS DEVELOPMENT

1. In the Deep Air Program a minimum of 120 minutes of pool or confined water training is required prior to Open Water dives.

2. Swim in full underwater equipment for 5 minutes.

3. Find PSIG used on a 10 minute swim and calculate RMV.

4. Become efficient in a variety of propulsion techniques, such as modified flutter, frog and dolphin and a standard shuffle kick

5. Demonstrate buoyancy control by:

6. A timed ascent of 20 feet (6 meters) per minute.

7. Hovering at depth for 3 minutes.

8. Swim 75 feet (23 meters) in full equipment without mask.

9. Deployment of a lift bag in under 2 minutes.

10. Air sharing skills:

a) While simulating an out of air situation, swim 45 feet (14 meters) underwater in full equipment. At that point begin sharing air with dive buddy. Remain at rest for 3 breaths. Swim at normal pace for 4 minutes.

b) Repeat the above step with the buddy who is out of air not wearing or with fully flooded mask, swim 2 minutes while sharing gas.

Note! All gas sharing drills are to be via the alternate second stage not manual air sharing from the same second stage.

11. Perform valve shutdowns. Change regulators and shut the valve off primary regulator, then reopen valve and repeat as if the other regulator had malfunctioned. Repeat until skill (both valve openings shutdowns) is completed in under 2 minutes.

12. On all dives, close and open tank valves.

13. On at least 2 occasions, deploy lift bag.

14. On at least one occasion, do a surface removal and replacement of tank and BC.

15. All ascents are to be 30 feet (9 meters) per minute.