LEARNINGCURVE
Survey work on the task-based dive
Ciara on the skill-based dive dive centre . With cars provided by Divestop , Aldi was in easy reach for much needed supplies between events .
Ciara Corcoran , from Dublin University SAC had a phenomenal experience on the AIC / AIE . There was a lot to take in , but she described her instructors as ‘ pillars of leadership ’, and took satisfaction from learning how to teach others . Ciara says : “ Preparation is the key , so remember to get your seamanship and navigation dusted off and read some of the relevant SDC ( Skill Development Course ) materials . If you have aspirations to become an Advanced Instructor , then consider these events as a really good option to achieve it .”
Advanced Instructor is a big step from Open Water Instructor , but it ’ s readily achievable via the combined event framework . Combined events provide an intensive but manageable week in which to learn and deliver the all-important conversational teaching techniques . This style of teaching is a hallmark of Advanced Instructor , in which trainees don ’ t necessarily realise they are being taught . During the exam , candidates must demonstrate these skills during the planning and execution of normal diving activities on wrecks , reefs and projects .
The Open Water Instructor combined event commenced with the pool-based
Instructor Foundation Course ( IFC ), followed by the Open Water Instructor Course ( OWIC ) in the sea and then a preparation day before the exam .
“ Getting together with other divers from all over the place and sharing ideas is what BSAC does well , and this OWI event was no exception ,” said Suzy Pritchard , another candidate . “ Having the three National Instructors on tap and being able to share ideas meant we learned and grew over an intensive week . We all liked the fact that the groups were rotated , and we got to learn from different instructors at different times .”
While the courses are intensive , there ’ s time for consolidation and fun , with the group choosing to ‘ lick their wounds ’ in a local restaurant each evening after the day ’ s events . I asked why members chose the combined event , and here are some of the reasons given :
■ I wanted to get it all done in one go
■ I don ’ t have to take all the different weekends off to get the same things done
■ I like the opportunity to cover courses in clear , warm water
■ Learning overseas makes it more of an adventure
■ As a BSAC combined event , I knew it would be well run and taught well
A final note : these events are only possible because of the dedicated instructors who gave their time to support the event . My sincere thanks to National Instructors Andy Hunt , Steve Batt and John Potten . If you are interested in future combined events in Cyprus please contact Mark Paisey ( markpaisey @ bsac . com )
■ AI / OWI 21-25 October 2024
■ FCD prep and exam 26 October to 2 November 24 �
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