Mark Paisey reviews from a mixed Open Water Teacher / Superior Teacher occasion held in Cyprus.
Abroad Mixed Teacher Occasions have returned for BSAC members as an possibility to finish their ITS programs in heat and clear water. Cyprus-based Divestop (be aware: since rebranded to Rec 2 Tech Scuba) lately hosted two weeks of occasions, starting with the Superior Teacher Course and Examination (AIC/AIE) adopted by the Open Water Teacher (OWI) programs and exams.
In whole, 14 BSAC members from the UK, Eire and Dubai made the journey in November, hoping to finish their chosen teacher journey. Cyprus shouldn’t be new to BSAC members as a result of it advantages from year-round sunshine and clear water, with a sea temperature vary of 21°C within the winter to 27°C in the summertime.
It due to this fact makes a great base within the UK winter months, permitting members the chance to coach, when diving within the UK is a chilly and unpredictable affair. Abroad occasions require the assistance of an area dive centre for logistical help; Rec 2 Tech Scuba offered this, performing as native organiser in addition to offering transport, RIB companies and gasoline and tools.
Having such a succesful native facilitator allows the trainer crew to focus on the mixed occasions, that are a busy expertise for candidates and instructors alike. Lodging is self-catering in an low season condominium block near the dive centre. With automobiles offered by Rec 2 Tech Scuba, Aldi was in straightforward attain for a lot wanted provides between occasions.
Ciara Corcoran, from Dublin College SAC had an exceptional expertise on the AIC/AIE. There was rather a lot to absorb, however she described her instructors as ‘pillars of management’, and took satisfaction from studying tips on how to train others. Ciara stated:
Preparation is the important thing, so bear in mind to get your seamanship and navigation dusted off and skim a number of the related SDC (Ability Improvement Course) supplies. You probably have aspirations to change into an Superior Teacher, then take into account these occasions as a extremely good possibility to realize it.
Superior Teacher is a giant step from Open Water Teacher, but it surely’s readily achievable by way of the mixed occasion framework. Mixed occasions present an intensive however manageable week wherein to be taught and ship the all-important conversational educating strategies. This fashion of educating is a trademark of Superior Teacher, wherein trainees don’t essentially realise they’re being taught. In the course of the examination, candidates should show these abilities through the planning and execution of regular diving actions on wrecks, reefs and tasks.
The Open Water Teacher mixed occasion commenced with the pool-based Teacher Basis Course (IFC), adopted by the Open Water Teacher Course (OWIC) within the sea after which a preparation day earlier than the examination.
Suzy Pritchard, one other candidate stated:
Getting along with different divers from everywhere and sharing concepts is what BSAC does effectively, and this OWI occasion was no exception. Having the three Nationwide Instructors on faucet and with the ability to share concepts meant we discovered and grew over an intensive week. All of us preferred the truth that the teams have been rotated, and we bought to be taught from totally different instructors at totally different instances.
Whereas the programs are intensive, there’s time for consolidation and enjoyable, with the group selecting to ‘lick their wounds’ in an area restaurant every night after the day’s occasions. I requested why members selected the mixed occasion, and listed here are a number of the causes given:
I needed to get all of it finished in a single go
I don’t should take all of the totally different weekends off to get the identical issues finished
I like the chance to cowl programs in clear, heat water
Studying abroad makes it extra of an journey
As a BSAC mixed occasion, I knew it could be effectively run and taught effectively
A remaining be aware: these occasions are solely potential due to the devoted instructors who gave their time to help the occasion. My honest due to Nationwide Instructors Andy Hunt, Steve Batt and John Potten.
If you’re serious about future mixed occasions in Cyprus please contact Mark Paisey by emailing [email protected]
- Open Water Teacher/Superior Teacher – 21-25 October 2024
- First Class Diver prep and examination – 26 October to 2 November 24
Studying Curve article ‘A basic combo’ by Mark Paisey first revealed in SCUBA journal, Subject 144 April 2024.
