How do I teach with these different tools?
Students completing the PADI Enriched Air Diver course will have several tools available to them to help them learn to plan their dives. The computer simulator is an online component that students receive a web link and password for as part of their crew pack. They can use this simulator to practise the techniques involved in planning dives using a computer; they will do this during their home learning. Please note that the simulator is not a dive computer and is not intended for planning real life dives.
During the course students will use a dive computer – this could either be their own computer or a school computer if you have one for hire. If the computer is EANX compatible you can show them how to set it up for the correct mix, how to plan the dive and how to review it afterwards. Your students can complete the course using air only computers if necessary, and the instructor guide includes specific instructions on how to do this. In these circumstances there are limits to the maximum allowable oxygen content in the mix that they dive with and the depth that they can go to. You will need to ensure that there is an enriched air compatible computer available for them to practise setting up and dive planning on, however.
What are the benefits for me?
The PADI Enriched Air Diver course has always been a popular specialty. With the new flexibility offered, even more students will be able to enrol into your program. The use of dive computers ensures the course is relevant to the type of diving your students are conducting and that the course has practical value to them. It also highlights the importance of dive computers to those who do not already own them, and consequently will have a positive impact on your equipment sales.
Can I keep using tables?
The Enriched Air RDP tables are still in production at this time – they are available as part of a crewpack (product 61044) or individually. You may teach students the computer option and then provide them with additional tables and instruction afterwards if you wish. Please note that in this instance you would follow all the standards for the computer-based enriched air program, including the knowledge review and the final exam. The use of tables would be entirely supplementary. You are still able to offer the table-only version of the course if required, using the previous versions of the instructor and student materials.
You can purchase these new materials from your local distributor or via the online shopping cart on the PADI Pro website. Please continue to read your training bulletins for updates on future changes to the PADI Enriched Air Diver course.
If you have any questions regarding the use of these materials, please contact PADI Nordic, +46 31 80 88 40, or Regional Manager : mox.moberg@padi.se
