This unique class is designed to share the essential principles of diving with a Scooter, or Diver Propulsion Vehicle. The class reviews the critical skills that apply when operating a scooter in recreational realms. This is an excellent class, no matter which type of scooter or DPV you use. You will learn not only how to correctly operate a scooter but also basic maintenance and simple repairs.

 In addition to simply sharing the FUN of scooter/DPV diving, the Scooter 1 class instructs divers in the critical aspects of scooter diving, increasing diver fun and efficiency while reducing stress and diver risk. Skills will focus on: improving diver proficiency and awareness while scootering, scooter team communication, scooter buoyancy control, effective scooter risk evaluation and efficient dive planning. We also include scooter care and upkeep for those who own their scooter as well as techniques for proper balance, weight and towline sizing.

This class is conducted over three days with 24 hours of instruction including 8 hours of academic work and four dives.

Prerequisites

• Minimum 18 years of age

• UTD Rec 1 or open water certification from a recognized agency

• Minimum of 25 logged dives

Course Limitations

• Maximum depth 100’/30m

• Standard gasses are air and Nitrox 32

• Doble or Single tank configuration

• No stage decompression

Why this class?

In addition to simply sharing the FUN of scooter diving, the Scooter 1 class instructs divers in the critical aspects of scooter diving, increasing diver fun and efficiency while reducing stress and diver risk. Skills will focus on: improving diver proficiency and awareness while scootering, scooter team communication, scooter buoyancy control, improving underwater communication, effective scooter risk evaluation and efficient dive planning. We also include scooter care and upkeep for those who own their scooter as well as techniques for proper balance, weight and towline sizing.

Who is this class designed for?

This class is designed for recreational/technical/cave divers interested in exploring the underwater world at the controls of a scooter. In order to maximize your class experience we require that you either be a certified diver and have participated in a Essentials of Recreational Diving class (or equivalent) and have a minimum of 25 logged dives OR have the UTD Recreational 1 class. By having participated in one of these UTD classes, you'll understand the basic concepts of UTD and how they apply to scooter diving and then will be in the best position to amplify your diving.

Class Information
This is a three day, four dive workshop.

Day 1. The first classroom session (4-6 hours) is where you will begin your adventure by learning the fundamental knowledge portion associated with scooter diving. The Scooter presentation expressed in this section provides for the foundation upon which all future scooter diving will require. All essential elements of the scooter beginning with the motor, the basic mechanical components, battery burn time management and culminating in a detailed discussion respecting gas management protocols.

Day 2. The dry run sessions are designed to introduce all the essential and critical skills such as learning to balance the scooter, how to properly weight the scooter for proper buoyancy characteristics and suggested towline sizing. Day 2 will also begin the first day of in-water skills. Essentially these two dives are designed to teach the student balance using the scooter, trim the diver and maintain buoyancy while learning to turn, stop, start and deal with the scooter. You will also learn and practice important skills such towing the scooter and other scooter divers. Remember all dives are video taped for subsequent evaluation and review.

Day 3. Begins with additional lectures and dry runs of the skills to be covered that day. We will conduct two more dives where you will practice the skills introduced the previous day and video tape debriefed, you will also be introduced to additional critical skills relating to scooter based diving such as dealing with an OOA emergency, failed scooters, runaway scooters. Following the dive we will return to the classroom for final lectures and video tape debrief.

All UTD classes are videotaped for educational review, as we believe this is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication, and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of any class, and video is one of the most important tools we have for instruction. You will be evaluated during the class to obtain the UTD "Scooter Diver 1" Certification. This Certification will allow you to safely scooter dive within recreational limits and to continue on to the UTD Scooter Diver 2 Training curriculum. Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice.

Requirements

o    Minimum age of 18
o    Completed UTD registration process
o    UTD Open water certification or equivalent
o    All UTD Classes are Non Smoking
o    Minimum of 25 logged dives
o   The use of prescription drugs must be authorized prior to the onset of diver training by a physician

Getting Started

o    Check the Schedule of classes in your area
o    Register Online
o    Complete the online Knowledge Base course for Scooter Diver
o    Get a copy and review the "Scooter DVD"

Guidelines

o    All dives are to maintain a working PO2 of no greater than 1.4
o    Max depth during class of 100'(30m).
o    Nitrox
o    Double or Single tank configuration
o    Long hose primary, and necklace style backup regulator hose configuration
o    Instructor to student ratio maximum 6:1 in the class.

Equipment Specifications

Scooter diving requires the diver to become proficient in the use of specialty equipment - a scooter! In addition to a total diving system, the diver will be required to provide a scooter

Required:

o    Tow behind style scooter. (X-Scooter, Gavin, Silent Submersion, Tekna, Mako Oceanic)
o    Tow harness

Recommended

o    Back plate BC System SS or Aluminum Back plate w/ web harness and hardware
o    Back inflate style wing.