Ocean Snorkel Diver

[Carol Reid]

Folks,
I'm looking at the requirements for the above award in the Instructors'Handbook Issue 10/98.
Which of all the skills can take place in the Pool and which HAVE to take place in OW?
It *seems* that only #8,9,10 and 11 HAVE to take place in OW and the rest COULD take place in the Pool.
Am I correct?
Cheers

Carol

[Ruth Healey]

Hi Carol,

I agree but with some alterations: -
Skill 1.The entry skills, eg feet first dive & distance/time under-water I expand on in open water.
Skill 2. Mask clearing flooded mask I extend to open-water as well as pool.
Skill 3. Weight belt - pool only + then as necessary if boat dive, etc.
Skill 4. Re teach in open-water and full kit as it forms part of the skills test in 11.
Skills 5 & 6 as skill 4.
Skill 7 Pool test.
Skill 8 Open-water as putting full kit on by pool may lead to hyperthermia but practice wearing gloves & hood I have found useful in the pool. Also wearing boots/open-water fins in the pool helps children develope the muscles to force them under water so lessens the problems when in full kit in open-water as already familiar with them.
Skills 9, 10 & 11 are all open-water.

Hope this helps, I've found it successful.

Regards

Ruth Healey.

[Carol Reid]

Hi Ruth,
Thanks!
Thats the kind of info I was wanting.
Good idea to get them to use the hood and gloves in the pool.
Cheers
Carol