I did it! I finally did it … am now a PADI Rescue Diver. The irony of it all is that despite my apprehensions of taking this class, it was actually the best class I ever took through furthering my dive training. There were many occasions while reading the Rescue Diver book that I kept saying, “No wonder.” Many instances in the past were explained. My instructor Dave mentioned that this was due to the years of diving prior to taking the course.
So after my visit from Acmar, the training dummy during my EFR (Emergency First Response) class … it was time to get it done with.
It took some time before I could take the course because of a visit by my brother from the US. I had to put off the class until they had left. Needless to say, I couldn’t even open the book to study.
The schedule was a bit tight but doable. I had a call from Dave the week before saying that the coming weekend would entail the lecture PLUS the checkout dives. EGAD!!! I had to read 5 chapters by Thursday and do the checkout Saturday and Sunday. The first part of chapter 1 was a bit boring … but as the chapter rolled on, it started becoming interesting. Chapter 2 was the longest … consolation therein was that upon finishing the chapter, I was halfway through the book. That was a relief. Regardless, I was able to finish chapters 3 & 4 by Wednesday … but my eyes were already cross from all the reading. Again, my spirits were high because I had one last chapter and it was short for Thursday.
Wrapping up the knowledge reviews … I was able to relax Friday with only packing up for the trip to take of. that was done in a jiffy.
I had made previous arrangements with Carlos to join me for the usual Friday night trip to Anilao. Since he also preferred traveling the night before, it made perfect sense to invite him to join me. He arrived around 2pm … met his lovely wife … and allowed me to copy some videos and movies for later reference.
Upon arrival at Anilao, I had yet to watch the Rescue Diver video to prepare for Saturday’s lecture. An hour and a half later … we finished the video and retired for the night.
Saturday welcomed us with terrible weather. A typhoon developed in the north and intensified the south-west monsoon. Those unfamiliar with Anilao should know that during this time of the year, the sea conditions are not that great.
We had to do our exercises on calmer waters … off Mainit (Casador Point). Sunday was slightly better but not much. We finished all remaining exercises plus the scenarios required by the course. We were so happy and relieved … thank goodness.
Anyway, for another perspective of this weekend, please proceed to Paz’ account at the Diveshoppe page. There are more pictures of the weekend there …
The graduating class … (photo courtesy of Paz Santos)
congratulations albert!
did you know that since I started assisting classes you’re the only one who ever quoted the textbooks??
I don’t think I quoted the manual … only mentioned about it. The reason being that it really made an impact … throughout the book, I kept on relating to events that had already happened or witnessed. It made sense. Dave was happy when I mentioned that to him during our lecture.
It would have been cool to have you assist Dave for our class … but that meant that you would have to play “best actress” once again. You wouldn’t have had a problem … we were “gentle.” In retrospect though, it was nice to have practiced on Dave … at least we know what we’re capable of.
So, when do we dive again? The clean-up? Hope not … sometime soon I wish.
Also … can you please write the HKG trip already … tidbits here and there is starting to get to me …