Padi/bsac

**Kev Martin** · 02-19-2007, 03:39 PM

In a previous post ScubaMama asked:

"I would like to know what Controlled Buoyant Lift is? I am not sure where or when you would use this? I know this is off the main subject but I am have never seen this drill. Any info would be great."

Basically, we were discussing the differences between the training with PADI and the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC).

The only real difference in the training standards are that BSAC divers are actually taught rescue skills quite early on in their training. As the equivalent of an Open Water Diver, an Ocean Diver would be trained in making a Controlled Buoyant Lift of an unconscious diver, making them positively buoyant on the surface and then carrying out in water air ventilations if necessary. These type of skills would be taught only during the Rescue Diver course (I believe the Controlled Buoyant Lift would be called a Positive Buoyant Ascent).

The argument has always been that as a trainee diver, rescue skills may be asking a little too much in terms of learning. That said, I have seen nothing to uphold that argument. It takes probably one extra session in water and would mean that the open water assessment dives would have to be increased to 5.

Interestingly, BSAC do not actually perform the CESA during their open water assessments. It is classed as too dangerous!

And the calendar that was mentioned in the previous thread is highly recommended!!

Safe diving.

**dalehall** · 02-21-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev Martin

Interestingly, BSAC do not actually perform the CESA during their open water assessments. It is classed as too dangerous!

Even at 30 feet? (Which is what we do ours from).. IMHO, I would think having to do it in an emergency situation without having done it in a controlled environment is more dangerous than a practiced CESA in a pool. The students at our LDS do the CESA from the deep end to the shallow (to simulate a 30 foot swim) while keeping their regulators in their mouths. The instructors just swim along side of them lightly touching the regulator so they can feel the "ahhhhhhhh" as they do it. Very controlled and very safe.. They don't have to do during the check dives.

Scuba Mama · 02-21-2007, 02:57 PM

I not sure if your using PADI in Georgia but CESA is required as an open water skill. Yes, here in Chicago we practice once with our students in the pool some students may have to go twice then in the open water its one at a time on a control line. The only person who is miserable is the instructor. Depending on the student numbers its up and down the line for each student. It kills the ears. To add I also did this as part of my openwater in the Grand Cayman, in the Ocean. I found it was easy and had plenty of air during the drill.

**dalehall** · 02-21-2007, 06:11 PM

Yes, they are using PADI here in GA.. I take back what I said about only in the confined portion..

I just looked in my log book as I wrote down all of our tasks after each dive back then.. We did CESA on our 3rd check dive. My bad.

**Kev Martin** · 02-24-2007, 07:13 AM

Dale, I agree with you. In diving, it is the hands on learning experience that allows a person to become a more competent and safe diver. I have found that, in all the time I have been teaching PADI courses, the CESA has never presented any problems in the way of safety. As ScubaMama says, the correct use of a control line allows the instructor full control of the ascent. And yes, it can play havoc with the instructor with his multiple ascents/descents.

On another note, I am flying home to the UK today for a two week leave. I am really excited but not much looking forward to the cold, miserable weather!

**glynneco** · 02-24-2007, 11:46 AM

And you took your electronic life with you?!? When I go I disappear.

**Kev Martin** · 02-24-2007, 11:53 AM

Unfortunately, this is work not play! Out here in Angola if I didn't have this I think I would go stir crazy!!

**dalehall** · 02-24-2007, 12:30 PM

I just looked at your upcoming weather.. Not a pretty site..

But, enjoy your leave and your time at home in spite of the weather. As I noticed during my time in the Air Force, there are times that even a rainy day at home, beats a perfect day in some of those other locations.