It also requires the diver to be proficient with the protocols necessary to minimize risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience for the entire team.

This class allows the diver to learn the essential skills, protocols and procedures required for safe diving in an overhead environment prior to training in an actual overhead and without the time constraints that typically accompany overhead environment training due to travel or vacation plans.

The Overhead Protocols course enables the student to take the first half of their Wreck 1 or Cave 1 training in their local geographical area where they can then practice and become proficient with their newly learned skills prior to beginning their actual wreck or cave training.

This benefits the student in two ways.  First, by breaking their training into two smaller portions, the students have the advantage of being able to practice their newly learned skills on their own time prior to their actual overhead training.  When the students are ready to start their overhead training, they already have the basic foundation and are better prepared, allowing them to focus and concentrate on learning to dive in the overhead.  Second, it decreases the training time required for the actual overhead training, allowing the student to enjoy their own non-training dives while gaining their own ever-important experience.

Day 1 - Typically we begin with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions, and dry runs (on land) of the skills and some practice before entering the water. Skills include line laying & retrieval, valve failures, out of gas procedures and team positioning.  Students then have 3 dives putting these skills and concepts into practice.  We conclude with a video review and a few more hours of lecture focusing on gas planning & management, decompression and contingencies.

Day 2 - The second day is much the same as the first, including dry runs on land focusing on line following, navigation, touch contact procedures, broken line, lost line and lost teammate procedures, 3 more dives, video review and more lecture.

Day 3 - The third day consists of more dry runs and 3 critical skills dives with complex failures centered around managing failures while maintaining line awareness.  The dives will be followed by video debriefing and the review of the test. 
 
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. 

You will be evaluated during the class to obtain the UTD "Overhead Protocols" certification. This certification will allow you to enter the UTD Cave 1 or Wreck 1 curriculum. Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice. To help prepare for the rigors ahead, please contact us, you can find out more information about the class, the equipment and skills you will be evaluated on.