The purpose of the Zero Buoyancy course is to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of zero Buoyancy diving to depths of 50’/15 meters with a minimalist configuration.
Prerequisites
- Minimum 12 years of age
- UTD Rec 1 or open water certification from a recognized agency
Course Limits
- Miximum depth 60’/18m
- Standard gases are Air and Nitrox 32
- No stage decompression
- No overhead environments
The goals of Zero Buoyancy training are:
A. To develop the student's practical knowledge and understanding of buoyancy.
B. To enable the student to organize and safely conduct dives without any reliance on buoyancy compensator device.
C. To teach the concept of a "balanced diver" and the mastering of personal buoyancy and the buoyancy of the basic scuba gear such as tank, regulator and wetsuit.
Who this class is designed for?
The Zero Buoyancy Diving Class is designed for students who want to receive a foundation in the Zero Buoyancy Diving configuration and the associated in-water diving skills. The class is designed for any diver that wants to experience the pure fun of Zero Buoyancy Diving while understanding the potential hazardous and risks.
Zero Buoyancy Class Information
The Zero Buoyancy class is designed to be taught over a two (2) day period with 4 dives.
Day 1. Typically the class begins with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions, a power point presentation including video tape of the skills to be introduced in throughout the class. Begins with hands-on equipment fitting, review of gear configuration. Once the gear in properly fit and configured the class then focuses on the “dry runs” of the skills and some practice before entering the water. Dry runs allow the student to practice the skills on land, before entering the water, under the watchful eye of the instructor(s). Skills include improving diver trim, proficiency and precision buoyancy control, propulsion techniques, fine-tuning equipment configurations, refining underwater communication, utilizing a team diving approach, and effective dive planning. Students will then conduct 2 (two) dives putting the skills and concepts learned in the morning session into actual practice while the videographer captures the in-water session for review after lunch. We conclude the day with a 1-2 hour video review.
Day 2. The second day will commence with practicing additional skills and improving on the prior days performance, during 2 (two) more dives which will again be video taped for subsequent review. After lunch the class will conclude with video review, final lecture session and student performance review.
All UTD classes are videotaped for educational and review purposes only as we believe this is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication, and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of the class.
You will be evaluated during the class to obtain the UTD " Zero Buoyancy" Certification. This Certification will allow you to dive within the class limitation and enjoy the freedom of safely diving Zero Buoyancy Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice. In our helpful hints section and our Learning Center you can find out more information about the class, the equipment and skills you will be learning about.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 10
- Completed UTD registration process
- Open water certification
- All UTD Classes are Non Smoking
- The use of prescription drugs must be authorized prior to the onset of diver training by a physician
- Must be able to swim a distance of at least 50 feet/15 meters on a breath hold.
- Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in less than 14 minutes without stopping.
Getting Started
- Check the Schedule of classes in your area
- Register Online
Guidelines
- Max depth during class of 60ft (18m)).
- Air or Nitrox
- Zero Buoyancy Single tank configuration
- Instructor to student ratio maximum 3:1 in open water, adjusting downward for environmental conditions.
Equipment Requirements
Zero Buoyancy equipment configuration is designed to be simple and efficient. To get the most from your class it is advisable that you take the course in a complete Zero Buoyancy system. To better assist you in preparing for class, we have listed below our required and suggested equipment lists for the class..
Required Equipment:
- Primary and secondary Regulator
- Fins: non-split variety without these you will be unable to learn proficient fin kick
- Zero Buoyancy harness and hardware
- At least one depth-measuring device
- At least one time-keeping device
- One spool with 100 feet of line
- One surface marker or lift bag
- Exposure suit appropriate for the environment you will be diving in.
