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IAND, INC./IANTD RECREATIONAL DIVER PROGRAMS

NOTE! The following general statements apply to all IAND, Inc./IANTD Diver Certification Programs.

A. PROGRAM LIMITS

a. IANTD programs are unique in that they require the student to complete a specified amount of bottom time prior to becoming certified at a given level. Specific bottom time requirements are given in each individual program.

b. Recognizing that there may be unusual circumstances or that some individuals excel beyond the level of others, instructors may waive up to 10 percent of the stated bottom time in any IANTD program.

c. Classroom instructor to student ratio is 20 to 1 and the in water ratios are specified in each individual program.

d. No dives will be planned nor executed below 130 fsw ± 10 fsw (39 msw ± 3 msw).

e. In all IANTD Recreational programs, the maximum student to instructor ratios permitted are based on entering the water with visibility of 25 feet (7.6 meters) or more. If the visibility, upon entering the water, is less than 25 feet (7.6 meters) the following modifications of student to instructor ratios applies.

1. If the visibility is between 19 feet (6 meters) and 25 feet (7.6 meters) the maximum student to instructor ratio is 5 to 1.

2. If the visibility is between 12 feet (3.6 meters) and 19 feet (6 meters) the maximum student to instructor ratio is 4 to 1.

3. If the visibility is between 8 feet (2.4 meters) and 12 feet (3.6 meters) the maximum student to instructor ratio is 3 to 1.

4. If the visibility is between 5 feet (1.5meters) and 8 feet (2.4 meters) the maximum student to instructor ratio is 2 to 1.

5. If the visibility is less than 5 feet (1.5 meters), then recreational diving dives may not be conducted.

B. PREREQUISITES

1. In order to credit equivalent experience, the diver must show proof of experience and knowledge or complete all water skills requirements from the previous level of certification and pass the IANTD standard written exam with a minimum score of 80% for that level of certification, prior to becoming certified at the new and more advanced level.

2. For every program the student must fill out a medical history form and if any abnormalities exist, must have a complete physical and written authorization performed by a medical doctor.

C. PROGRAM CONTENT

1. Includes all content material as presented in the approved workbook or text for the program.

2. Pass a written exam with a minimum score of 80%.

3. The skills listed in the waterskill development section of the program enrolled in must be completed prior to certification. These skills may be performed in a combination of open water and confined water, including pools for basic skills and stress management development. These skills reflect the minimums a student is to perform. In recreational diving confined water is defined as any sheltered body of water that is more shallow than 20 fsw (6 msw).

4. On all dives the IANTD dive tables must be used as either the primary decompression management or as a backup to a dive computer or custom software program or Hamilton Research (DCAP) tables or other tables approved by the IANTD BOD.

5. For training purposes the minimum time for a dive is considered to be 15 minutes at a minimum depth of 15 fsw (4.5 msw).

D. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. A sufficient quantity of gas will be carried by the diver to allow completion of the dive time requirements incorporating the correct gas management rule. For no-stop diving, ½ + 200 psig (14 bar) and for dives with stops, the Rule of Thirds.

2. All systems will feature an alternate second stage or alternate breathing source.

3. Submersible pressure gauge.

4. A buoyancy control device.

5. Mask, fins and snorkel.

6. Means of monitoring depth and bottom time. This can be done through the use of a depth gauge and bottom timer or the student can elect to utilize a dive computer.

7. Submersible dive table must be used as backup to a dive computer or for control of the dive.

8. Appropriate exposure suit for the environment being trained in.

9. Slate and pencil.

10. Cutting device.

11. Compass.

12. Surface alert device (whistle, diver alert, etc.).

13. Equipment is to be configured in a neat low drag manner.

For Deep Air Diver program and beyond the following additional equipment is mandatory:

14. A lift bag of at least 50 lb (22.5 kg) and a line reel for deployment.

15. Either a dual-outlet valve or a separate 18 cf (510 free liters) pony bottle or greater capacity must be used.

16. Bolt snap hooks / scissors clips used for attaching equipment to the diver are recommended.

For Advanced EANx and Divemaster:

17. Either a dual outlet valve and a separate pony cylinder or a standard valve and two pony cylinders.

For Overhead Environment:

18. A dual outlet valve is recommended.

For Introductory Cave:

19. Dual outlet valve required.

For all Rebreather programs the following is required:

20. An approved rebreather.

21. A bailout gas.

22. Tables to back up on board dive computer or tables to use as dive control for units that do not provide on board dive computers.

Note: Tanks and regulators used with gases containing oxygen levels greater than 40% (example: partial pressure blending requires oxygen service rated tanks) must be O2 service rated.

E. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Upon completion of all listed classroom, watermanship skills and dives to the instructor's satisfaction, a wall certificate and appropriate IANTD Diver certification card will be issued.

2. Students with unsafe attitudes, or demonstrating bad dive habits, are not to be certified. Training is purchased upon enrollment. Certification is earned through the student's performance and knowledge demonstrated throughout the program.

3. The program enrolled for must be completed within six (6) months from the starting date, unless otherwise specified in the program standard.

4. It is recommended all training dives be logged in the IANTD Recreational or Technical Diving logbook.

F. CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

1. The IANTD Diver Certification Card does not have an expiration date, unless otherwise indicated. Divers are to be encouraged to become subscribers to the IANTD's Nitrox Diver magazine, thus staying abreast of new technologies and/or practices in recreational and technical diving.

2. For all professionals, such as Dive Masters, Supervisors, Instructors and Instructor Trainers proof of insurance or financial responsibility is required.