PADI IDC Day 4 review - back on form
After yesterday’s disastrous confined water presentation, I had a pleasing day today and regained some form. It’s restored some much-needed confidence in myself and my abilities, and going into the second half of the IDC course, I am confident that nothing is beyond me in this course.
The day started with the theory exams; there were 5 exams with 20 questions in each exam (physics, physiology, dive equipment, general skills & environment, and the Recreational Dive Planner). I went into these exams feeling pretty good about them - I’ve done well in my practise exams and think I understand all of the concepts involved. We were given 2 and a half hours to complete but it is always disconcerting when you finish after an hour and a half. But I’d checked my answer and submitted them to my Course Director. Managed to get 100% on each exam, and was more than satisfied with that as not too many people do as well as that. Everyone passed the exams, albeit with a couple of people just scraping through the physics exam. I’ve asked to get more papers so I can get more practise in - the worst thing that could happen now would be for me to think that the hard work is done and that I can rest on my laurels. I don’t think I’ll let that happen, but this is a useful way to make sure it doesn’t
So that went well, and after a very nice lunch at the World Resort on Koh Samui, we headed off to Chaweng Beach for the Open Water Skill Evaluations. I was given 2 presentations to give: from the Advanced Open Water course, Efficient Fin Kicks; and from the Open Water course, Fin Pivot - Low Pressure Inflator. I gave my briefing and then it was time to get into the water. There wasn’t much depth (max was about 4m) but the visibility was shocking. It was easily the worst I’d ever been in (about 2m) and was really disconcerting to start with. Apparently that’s a good day for that area though, with visibility usually around 1m and sometimes less. People who live and dive in Okinawa should really consider themselves lucky, with the amount of good shore diving there is. We went down in 2 groups, with me being in the second group. While the first group was under, we did simulated rescue scnearios (as we may be tested on this in the Instructor Exam). Then it was my turn to go down. I headed down to the line and did my skills. I felt that they went well and I had no big problems (apart from nearly losing my lesson preparation slate). Got back to shore and did a debriefing, and then waited for a review of my performance. Providing I hadn’t unknowingly broken any rules, I was expecting around 4ish out of 5. I was very pleased when I was told that both presentations were a perfect 5 out of 5. That topped things off, and made today a flawless day. Confidence is back up and I’ll be raring to go in the OWSI part of the IDC course after tomorrow.
But I am not getting ahead of myself. This was just one part of my course, and I’ve got to keep these standards going for the rest of the course. I’ve shown what I can do when I’m fully determined and completely on my game. As long as I’m always on top of things during my presentations then there’s no reason why I should lose silly marks for missing things out. I’ve got my prompts on lesson plans and slates, and I just have to follow them.
So tonight I’m going to have a drink or 2 to celebrate a job well done. But not too much though; I’ve got a PADI Standards exam to do tomorrow and I need to pass that so that I can officially be an Assistant Instructor. Then it’s the rest of the IDC course, the IE for two days, and hopefully my instructor certification! Take care everyone, and dive safely
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