What is a PADI Equipment Specialist Course?
Are you a diver that is unfamiliar with how Scuba Equipment works? If there are minor equipment related problems are you able to correctly identify the cause of the problem and perform minor repairs? If the answers to the above questions is no, then this course is for you. The PADI Equipment Specialist program helps you familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance of your own personal Scuba equipment as well as review new or unfamiliar dive equipment. The program is not designed to be an extensive equipment-repair program , however, it does provide you with the basic knowledge to identify problems and perform basic repairs that are necessary.
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Why do a PADI Equipment Specialist Course?
Compared to the other PADI Specialty courses such as Wreck Diver and Cavern Diver, the Equipment Specialist course doesn’t sound like much fun, however this is one course that is definitely worthwhile. For starters this course will give you the foundation of how to properly take care of your scuba gear and to take care of minor problems. In scuba diving any additional knowledge is worthwhile and can potentially go a long way to add to dive safety. How do you deal with a wetsuit tear, a freeflowing regulator, a cracked o-ring, faulty piston regs, diaphragm regs, tank valves, inflators, gauges and drysuit valves? Divers need to be able to spot equipment problems before they happen. The course enables a diver to conduct more effective serviceability checks on their own gear and preempt problems, as well as recognize the causes of equipment failure during a dive that will prevent them from panicking underwater and dealing with the problem in a more effective manner. Since divers spend so much money on scuba diving equipment, it only prudent that one learns how to properly take care of it and repair minor problems without having to incur additional repair costs.
What does the course cover?
This course is intended to familiarize divers with the operation and maintenance of equipment. It is not an equipment repair course. Training relative to the repairing and overhauling of equipment, except for very minor servicing, is not to be part of the curriculum.
- The theory, principles and operation of diving equipment
- routine, recommended care and maintenance procedures, and equipment storage
- common problems with equipment and recommended professional maintenance procedures
- demonstration of repair procedures
- suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations
- An introduction to new equipment
The entire course is comprised of roughly 6 hrs of knowledge development sessions and demonstrations, and does not cover any open water dives as a part of the course.
Prerequisites to do the Course
To qualify for the Equipment Specialist course, an individual must:
- Be certified as a PADI Scuba Diver, Junior Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver or have qualifying certifications from another training organization.
- Be 10 years of age or older.
Aquaviews Top Tip:
When opting to do the PADI equipment specialist course, Check out the qualifications of the instructor doing the course as the course is only as good as the person teaching it. Look for an instructor that preferably does his own repairs and maintenance to get the best exposure to first hand knowledge and go with someone who is used to servicing equipment and has manufacturers’ qualifications.
Secondly It’s a good idea to take your own equipment with you when you sign up for the equipment specialist course to get a better understanding of your gear works and be able to spot signs of failure and perform quick fixes as necessary.
