LINE MINI
The line mini is a 1 day class designed to introduce the diver to the mechanics of working with line in a building block fashion, allowing the student to absorb the new knowledge and practice the new skills in a non-overhead, non-failure environment.
This building block learning method introduces the student to running & retrieving line, primary reel handling, wraps and ties, searching using line, line management and protocols & procedures associated with line work.
This is not a critical skills class. no failures will be introduced by the instructor in this class. This is a "safe" class, allowing the student to learn the mechanics of working with reels and line in a relaxed & fun learning environment.
Completion of this class does NOT certify the student to enter an overhead environment.
Who is this mini designed for?
Using line isn't limited to just cave, wreck or mine environments. There is a large variety of applications for line in non-overhead, open water environments. This class is perfect for divers with no prior experience with reel/line work who wish to gain a basic understanding, comfort and proficiency using line in non-overhead environments.
It also serves as an excellent primer to prepare the student for Overhead Protocols, Cave 1 or Wreck 1 training, allowing them to learn the skills in a "safe" (non-failure) environment and gain comfort prior to entering the more rigorous overhead programs.
Why this mini?
Line is a necessary evil. It aids in searches, provides a direct exit route and can provide the team with a navigational reference.
However, working with line requires proper training and a heightened sense of awareness and in-water comfort by all team members.
This class allows the diver to build upon their foundational skills by introducing the essential skills needed when working with the necessary evil of line.
Class Information
This is a one day class and involves a minimum of 4 hours of academic discussions and 2 dives. This class is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the essential mechanics of working with line, reels and spools.
Typically we begin with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions and academic discussions centered on when to use line and an overview of reels and guidelines, followed by dry runs of the skills and some practice before entering the water.
Skills include, line laying & retrieval, line management, ties (primary, secondary, placements, wraps, drop ties and end ties), light management while line running/retrieving, team positioning and search patterns using line.
Students then have 2 dives putting these skills and concepts into practice. We conclude with a video review and follow-up discussions.
All classes are video'd for educational review, 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 any class, and video is one of the most important tools we have for instruction.
Prerequisites
- Minimum 18 years of age
- UTD Essentials, Essentials of Tech or Essentials of Rec or equivalent
- A minimum of 75 dives beyond open water qualification
- DAN Membership & Insurance or equivalent
Requirements
The UTD Line Mini class is normally conducted over a 1-day period. It involves a minimum of 8 hours of instruction, encompassing both classroom and in-water work and two (2) dives.
Guidelines / Course Limits
- General training limits as outlined in Section 1.6 of the UTD Standards & Procedures
- All dives are to maintain a working PO2 of no greater than 1.4
- Maximum depth 60 feet / 18 meters
- Nitrox 32%
- No overhead environments
- No decompression
- Single or double tank configuration
- Student to Instructor ratio is not to exceed 6:1 during land drill and surface exercises,
Academic Topics
- UTD organization, limits of training and course completion requirements
- Reel & guideline use
- Dive team positioning and protocols
- Basic search skills
Land Drills / Dry Runs & Topics
- UTD equipment configuration
- Reel & guideline use
- Light management while running/retrieving line
- Team order/positioning & protocols
- Line management
- Ties - Primary, secondary, placements, wraps, drop ties and end-ties
- Basic search patterns
Required Dive Skills & Drills
- Line laying & retrieval
- Ties - primary, secondary, placements, wraps, drop ties and end ties
- Line management
- Light management while running/retrieving line
- Search patterns
- Demonstrate excellent buoyancy control skills
Equipment Requirements
- Single or double tank/cylinder configuration
- UTD regulator configuration with a 7' primary regulator hose
- Backplate BC system SS or aluminum back plate w/ web harness and hardware
- Back inflate style wing
- At least one depth-measuring device
- At least one time-keeping device
- Fins: non-split variety
- At least one cutting device
- X-notes or Wetnotes
- One primary reel per team with at least 300' of line
- One spool with 100 feet of line
- Exposure suit appropriate for the environment you will be diving in
- 22 or 24" Necklace Regulator Hose
- 24 or 26" SPG hose
- 1 primary light with rigid Goodman handle
Equipment is available for students' use during class. If you have any questions on equipment requirements or rentals, please contact us.