Scuba Dream Time

PASSED IE!!!! Brownie and I both passed the Instructor's Examination. We are no w simply w aiting for the PADI paperwork to come through so that we will be considered full fledged instructors. It was a grueling through the IDC and then on to the IE. We were well prepared from our Divemaster course for the Physics, Physiology, and Deco Theory and Tables, but the schedule and time to prepare so many presentations every day was exhausting. Below are some pictures from the IE open water portion at Jules in Key Largo. The water was a chilly 68 degrees Farenheit!!! We had a great December 2006 IDC Class - Tom, Cole, Corey, Nick, Josh, Brownie, Britney, and Adriana. Corey and Tom getting ready for their open water pre-dive briefing. Cole hanging out after doing his post-dive briefing. Nick, Britney, and Brownie discussing their pre-dive briefings. Josh working very hard on his presentations. Congratulations, Josh!!!!! For more pictures go to http://www.rainbowreef.us/blog/2006/12/13...

DM Traing Update Training is moving slowly due to the arrival of new interns. So I have had to train them on office and dock procedures since management is stretched thin to non-existent. But I did ace my Physics, Physiology, and Decompression Theory portions of the Divemaster test. The two remaining portions will be tested after DEMA next week. Yesterday, I lead my first divers as a guide out of Islamorada. All went very well. I did not have to go up to do a boat check on either dive. Some credit does go to the captain for selecting two wonderful sites that were very easy to navigate. Starting next week I am suppose to help train the new interns on being first mate and then dive after they hook up to the mooring balls or drop anchor. At least I will get in some dives. I can't wait. I started this internship to dive and it seems I haven't done much diving since I arrived. But I have been getting training. I arrived with OW and I am now on my way to DM only 5 days shy...

Rescue Diver.... Last week I completed my rescue diver training. Yesterday was my first day as official first mate on two trips. The first trip of the morning was perfect. Conditions were ideal. Yet, on another boat there was an unresponsive diver at the surface (diver did survive). The night dive trip was another experience all together. By 6:30 pm conditions had worsened considerably. There were 3-4 foot seas and winds of 15-20 mph. It was more exhilarating than a roller coaster ride (without a safety harness) hanging off the bow of the boat trying to hook onto the mooring ball. The important thing is that I survived. I have a few bruises and scrapes to show for it too. I was also thrilled that I did not have to jump in and rescue anyone, it was very possible considering conditions. Tomorrow I start my Divemaster training with a lecture on physics, PADI physics that is. Hope to see some of you out here real soon. By then I may already have my IDC done and will hopefully be able to tr...

It's been a few days shy of a month since we arrived to start our internship at a local dive shop. Of the the 7 interns ony 5 remain. I am in this for the duartion since I love the dive life. I look back now and can't imagine how I survived in an office. The best part of the whole experince is the proximity and interaction with nature. I have had dolphins greet me in the morning in Islamorada, ospreys showing off their hunting techniques, and manatees coming by for a visit too. And these are experiences on land alone. The experinces underwater have been nothing short of spectacular !! Above are some pictures of the views from Largo, Islamorada, and the manatees.