Monday, August 10, 2009

GUE Training

Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) is a non-profit organization formed by leading explorers, researchers, and educators; these individuals are dedicated to the training of divers as well as the study and protection of the aquatic realm. GUE and its associated projects are responsible for conducting some of the world’s most remarkable dives, setting numerous world records in the process. The success of this group encouraged great interest in their diving and procedures.

Of particular interest is the promotion of solid fundamental skills for all divers (recreational and technical) as well as their adherence to a common diving standard. This general standard requires the following:
  • Divers use the same equipment configuration; this enhances safety and efficiency
  • Divers use the same well-defined set of breathing gases, including Nitrox, Helium and Oxygen; standard mixes eliminate complexity and greatly enhance safety
  • Divers use a team approach during all dives, facilitating fun and safety
  • Divers must have a solid grasp of fundamental diving skills, including refined buoyancy, trim and teamwork; these skills must be developed in concert with the type of dive pursued. Difficult dives require very high levels of skill development.
GUE Training
The structure of GUE training is as follows:

Recreational Diver Level 1 and 2 (beginner and advanced)
  • Training includes a heavy emphasis on fundamental skills
  • Level 1 training includes Nitrox; level 2 includes Helium
GUE Fundamentals
The GUE Fundamentals course gives students the skills and techniques to be able to be in complete control in the water and takes a comprehensive look at the diver as a self-contained unit, exploring every single aspect of what affects the diver in the water. From pre-dive planning, to critically looking at equipment choice, to propulsion and maneuvering techniques, to team communication and emergency protocols, to even the gas that the diver breathes, every single component is explored in detail to understand what their risks and benefits are. 

  • Designed to shore up weakness in fundamental skills
  • Pre-requisite class for Cave and Tech classes
Technical Diver Level 1, 2 and 3
The GUE Technical Diver Level 1 and 2 courses take these skills and further refine them to bring the diver beyond recreational ranges. These courses introduce the equipment and gases necessary to do these sorts of dives and explores the risks and contingencies of decompression diving. 

  • Level 1 forms the foundation of technical diving
  • Level 2 is experienced-based training for aggressive diving
  • Level 3 lays the foundation for exploration diving
Cave Diver Level 1, 2 and 3

  • Level 1 forms the foundation of cave diving
  • Level 2 is experienced-based training for aggressive diving
  • Level 3 lays the foundation for exploration diving
Rebreather
  • Trains divers in the use of the Halcyon RB80
  • Requires Tech 2 training