The GUE Fundamentals course is designed to cultivate the essential techniques required by all sound diving practice, irrespective of level or environment. Functioning as a prerequisite for all other GUE classes, save its recreational diver course, GUE Fundamentals performs a three-fold function within the GUE curriculum:
- it provides the recreational diver, in whom there is no desire for further diver training, with a context in which to advance his/her basic diving skills, thereby developing more comfort, confidence, and competence in the water; and
- it provides the diver with aspirations of more advanced diver training with the tools that will contribute to a greater likelihood of success; and
- it provides non-GUE trained divers with a gateway into GUE training.
PREREQUISITES
- Must meet GUE General Course Prerequisites as outlined in Section 1.6
- Must be a minimum of 16 years of age
- Must be a certified open water diver from a recognized training agency
- Must be able to swim a distance of at least 50 feet/15 meters on a breath hold
- Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in less than 14 minutes without stopping. This test should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal protection.
COURSE CONTENT
The GUE Fundamentals course is normally conducted over a 3 to 4 day period. Combining lecture and practical (in-water) sessions, this course focuses on cultivating the foundational skills required by all diving practice. It is focused on increasing diving fun by reducing stress and increasing diver proficiency through proper control of buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork, and other DIR principles. Course requirements include a minimum of 10 hours of academics and five in-water sessions; at least two of these dives must include a depth of 25ft/8 meters.
