iain aitchison
17-01-2006, 21:38
Dear All,
just to give you all an idea of what is possible in other countries with a club similar to BSAC I have listed out below a summary of VDST in Germany looks for to certify their members for free diving. This would be achievable for many experienced snorklers here too. It is much more free diving related than the current BSAC programme.
It is 3 levels and then instructors (and instructor trainers etc.).
Just for your interest.....
VDST Bronze
25 m breathhold swim (pool or OW)
acclimatisisation dive in open water
5 m distance swim at 5 m depth (pool or OW)
8 m depth free dive in open water
4 OW free dives
theory and test
all split over a number of dives
10 more free dives before starting silver
VDST Silver
1 min 30 sec breathold in pool
40 m breathhold swim (pool or OW)
20 m distance swim at 5 m depth (OW)
15 m depth free dive in open water
all split over a number of dives
theory and test
20 more free dives before starting silver
AC and CC skills test
VDST Gold
2 min breathold in pool
60 m breathhold swim (pool or OW)
25 m distance swim at 5 m depth (OW)
Rescue of free diver from 15 with 25 m tow and land
all split over at least 6 dives
theory and test
Instructors have to be trained approved instructors and have additional proven rescue and theory skills (examined)
All levels are limited to 25 m max depth and/or 3 minutes dive time
The VDST free diving manual makes very interesting reading, but is in German.
just to give you all an idea of what is possible in other countries with a club similar to BSAC I have listed out below a summary of VDST in Germany looks for to certify their members for free diving. This would be achievable for many experienced snorklers here too. It is much more free diving related than the current BSAC programme.
It is 3 levels and then instructors (and instructor trainers etc.).
Just for your interest.....
VDST Bronze
25 m breathhold swim (pool or OW)
acclimatisisation dive in open water
5 m distance swim at 5 m depth (pool or OW)
8 m depth free dive in open water
4 OW free dives
theory and test
all split over a number of dives
10 more free dives before starting silver
VDST Silver
1 min 30 sec breathold in pool
40 m breathhold swim (pool or OW)
20 m distance swim at 5 m depth (OW)
15 m depth free dive in open water
all split over a number of dives
theory and test
20 more free dives before starting silver
AC and CC skills test
VDST Gold
2 min breathold in pool
60 m breathhold swim (pool or OW)
25 m distance swim at 5 m depth (OW)
Rescue of free diver from 15 with 25 m tow and land
all split over at least 6 dives
theory and test
Instructors have to be trained approved instructors and have additional proven rescue and theory skills (examined)
All levels are limited to 25 m max depth and/or 3 minutes dive time
The VDST free diving manual makes very interesting reading, but is in German.