After successfully completing my BSAC First Class
Diver (part 1, part 2, and part 3) I
immediately registered for my National
Instructor as there was only 3 weeks until the first preparation
event.
So
what is a National
Instructor? From the website:
National Instructor
The National Instructor grade requires students to pass a 4
day practical Examination typically conducted at the end of July each year in
the UK.
Instructors resident
outside the UK are invited to discuss the opportunities with the National
Instructor Chief Examiner nice@bsac.com.
Candidates for the
Exam must be:
- Current BSAC members
- BSAC First Class Diver
- BSAC Advanced Instructor
- BSAC Instructor Trainer
- Hold a 'current' Pass or Merit grade in the FCD Theory Exam gained within 3 years* prior to the NI practical exam
National Instructor
Development
National Instructors
are really important to the organisation- they are the ones who bring forward
new courses and adapt to technical developments in the sport. They have to
ensure the safety and the quality of all of the training offered though our
extensive instructor base.
In order to even
enter for this examination you have to be an Advanced Instructor and First
Class Diver and an Instructor Trainer with BSAC- that is you must have attended
and instructor trainer development course (ITDC) and have been formally
accepted onto the BSAC Instructor Trainer Circuit. The evidence for this is you
are on the list of the instructors who can staff the Instructor Foundation
Course, Open Water Instructor course, act as Theory Instructor examiners and
Practical Instructor examiners. This is because the examination is closely
related to the role that National Instructors do for the BSAC on
Instructor trainer events. Experience has shown that candidates for the exam
who are not firmly established on “The Circuit" are now at such a serious
disadvantage that they are strongly recommended to achieve this before
attending preparation events and progressing to the exam. In short, if are not
already an Instructor Trainer then this should be your next step after
achieving AI and FCD in your own development as an instructor.
The exam will be detailed later on in this blog,
however for reference, in particular during the preparation events, the 23 assessment areas are as follows:
Element
|
Assessment
Area
|
Brief Description
|
1.
|
Planning and Organisation of boat dives
|
During the two planning sessions for boat diving, the candidate
will be assessed on his/her ability to plan, organise and prepare for safe,
effective boat diving
|
2.
|
Management of Boat Diving Operations
|
As part of the days spent aboard the boats, the candidate
will be assessed in the areas of dive management/implementation of the diving
plan. The candidate is expected to manage actual diving (i.e. be in sole
charge of diving) at some point and will be a team member throughout the day
|
3.
|
Adventurous Boat Dive
|
As part of the day spent aboard the skippered boat, the
candidate is expected to lead an adventurous/challenging dive. The dive site
given will be of an ‘unknown’ or ‘unexplored’ nature to the buddy pair. The
candidate is expected to dive accordingly, gather information on the site and
report back, once on board the skippered boat. The candidate is also expected
to extend/improve the skills of the examiner by relevant teaching
|
4.
|
Project Boat Dive
|
As part of the day aboard the skippered boat, the
candidate team will be given a Project to complete, either at the site of the
adventurous dive or at a new site, by the examiners. The purpose of the Project
will be to collect reliable, reproducible data for subsequent collation,
analysis and presentation. The candidate then leads a dive as a part of the
team. The objectives of the dive are to teach the examiner how to plan and
execute a successful project at First Class Diver level
The subject-matter of the project will be given to the
candidates in advance of the skippered boat day, so that the project can be
planned in advance. If the project requires specialist knowledge or equipment,
advance notice may be given to the candidates to allow them to come to the
exam fully prepared
If the team as a whole does not achieve the task to an
appropriate standard, then the individual candidates’ marks will be adjusted
to reflect this
|
5.
|
Project Evaluation and Reporting
|
The candidate is given the opportunity to feed back their
evaluation and report of the skippered boat project dive. This should be done
as a team with each candidate presenting for 5 minutes on a critical area of
the project. Candidates will be given 1 hour to prepare for this reporting
session or, if the timetable allows, may be expected to find time during the
evenings for preparation
|
6.
|
Boat Dive with an Instructional Purpose
|
The candidate is briefed to lead a dive from a boat with
an instructor wishing to develop their instructional skills, as if acting as
an Instructor Trainer on an Advanced Instructor Course (AIC). The dive will
incorporate some practical instruction in relevant skills. Examples of the
skills that will be set by the NI Chief Examiner could include; Use of a SMB,
Use of a DSMB, Use of bottom line, Wreck orientation, Drift diving, Marine
life identification, Pilotage
|
7.
|
Instructional feedback – 5 minute lesson
|
The purpose of this section of the exam is to assess the
candidate’s ability to observe the performance of an instructor, identify
points for improvement and correct these. This may be achieved by
intervention during the lesson, re-demonstration of the teaching exercise
highlighting the instructional points and/or giving constructive feedback,
face to face, shortly after a dive
During the ‘Boat Dive with an Instructional Purpose’ or
the ‘Task Related Coaching Boat Dive’ the examiner will give a 5-minute
mini-lesson. The examiner will perform the lesson according to a standard
that has been agreed previously with the Chief Examiner
Shortly prior to the dive, the examiner will brief the
candidate, covering the following points:
a) Explain the respective roles being taken by the
examiner and the candidate
b) The examiner will not necessarily do a ‘perfect’
lesson. The candidate should not be shy about noting aspects which could be
improved
c) The demonstration will not include any deliberately
dangerous practices. Any such aspects which arise are therefore real and
should be treated as such
d) The examiner and candidate will agree in advance at
what point in the dive the mini-lesson will take place, along with
signals/procedure for handing control over to and back from the examiner
e) A brief for the 5-minute lesson itself. A similar
lesson debrief will be given by the examiner at the end of the dive
After the post-dive debrief, the NI candidate will be
given a few minutes to collect their thoughts, to decide on the performance
and to prepare a debrief. At the same time, the examiner will make notes on
their own performance. The NI candidate will then give a face to face debrief
to the examiner for the mini-lesson. Note that in-water teaching will gain
extra marks
|
8.
|
Task-related coaching boat dive
|
For this exercise, the candidate will act in the role of
an Instructor Trainer on an Advanced Instructor Course, to demonstrate, and
the students to practice, teaching more advanced underwater skills. Working
in groups, the aim is to undertake and complete an underwater project using
best diving and teaching practice
The candidates will be working in groups, with examiners
and other candidates assuming the role of AIC students for this session. Each
candidate would normally be expected to teach one examiner and another
candidate
The candidates will be assessed on the three phases of
the exercise, during which excellent instructional techniques should be
demonstrated. The three phases are planning, dry-run and inwater teaching
The dive will be done in shallow water (circa 10m). All
members of a group will be in the water together – likely duration about 1
hour. Note that the 5 Minute Instructional Lesson may be built into this dive
|
9.
|
Surface Teaching
|
Whilst working from boats during the examination,
candidates will be assessed on their ability to teach, at a high level,
diving-related skills and subjects on the surface. Teaching techniques at
various
levels are expected to be used. Examiners are encouraged
to integrate Diving Knowledge questions and associated teaching opportunities
with Surface Teaching
|
10.
|
Coaching and Mentoring
|
Throughout the examination candidates will be assessed on
their ability to extend students’ higher level practical diving and/or
instructional skills and experience, by means of coaching and mentoring. This
means developing ability by identifying the areas which the student needs to
develop, agreeing a Personal Development Plan (PDP) including objectives and
achievement targets (which is then monitored and changed as required),
providing the environment for a student to learn, often using his/her own
resources, and stimulating the student to achieve the objectives
Candidates will be given scenarios on the first night of
the examination, allowing the candidates to develop a plan that can then be
implemented over the 4 days of the exam. The scenario will lead the candidate
into how they should approach their coaching/mentoring. E.g. I am preparing
for AI, or I am preparing for First Class Diver etc. It is recommended that
examiners are paired with candidates so that they can receive suitable
coaching throughout the 4 days of the examination
|
11.
|
Instructor Trainer Pool Lesson
|
The brief given to the candidate is to give a 30 minute
pool lesson (from the beginning of the Instructor Trainer brief, to the end
of the Instructor Trainer debrief) on a skill which will be allocated by the examiners.
The purpose of the lesson is to introduce instructional technique to
prospective diving instructors for the first time, as if on an Instructor
Foundation Course (IFC). Guidance on the aims,
objectives and approach to this session are available in
the IFC instructor notes, which can be obtained from BSAC HQ
|
12.
|
Instructor Trainer Group Work (Pool Lesson)
|
The brief given to the candidate is to guide a group of
prospective instructors in the planning, preparation and presentation of a 20
minute pool lesson and to manage the feedback process. A specific skill will
be given by the examiners. The purpose of this scenario is to highlight good
planning, teaching and feedback techniques to new instructors, as if on an
IFC, when the tutorial session is followed by the practical lesson and a
final debrief session. The ratio will be 2 NI examiners to 2 candidates. The
candidate guides the 2 examiners and the second candidate through a planning session
to prepare the pool lesson. The second candidate gives the lesson in the
pool. The lesson is taught to the 2 NI examiners and the candidate observes
and intervenes in the practical session, as if on the IFC as an instructor
trainer. The debrief after the lesson is led by the candidate. Both candidates
will perform both instructor trainer and instructor roles during the overall
session. Planning sheets and extracts from the Instructor Handbook will be
provided by the examiners. Candidates will be allowed to bring and use their
own annotated copies of the Instructor Handbook Extracts if they wish
|
13.
|
Open Water Instructor Trainer Lesson
|
The candidate is briefed to present an instructor trainer
demonstration lesson from the shore. The purpose of the lesson is to teach
the principles of teaching diving in the open water, as if teaching on an Open
Water Instructor Course. The demonstration lesson will not take more than 45
mins from the end of Instructor Trainer Brief to the start of Instructor
Trainer debrief. Total session not to take more than 50 minutes with
Instructor Trainer elements. Examples of appropriate skills would include; CBL,
AS, Rescue breaths & towing, Rescue breaths & landing the casualty,
Simple compass navigation
|
14.
|
Open Water Practical Lesson Assessment
|
The brief given to the candidate is to watch a “live”
open water shore lesson of 45 minutes, and to assess the performance of the
instructor as if on a Practical Instructor Exam (PIE). The “live” open water
lesson will be an underwater lesson delivered by a NI examiner and will be
performed to a standard previously agreed by the NI examiners. The correct
mark could be anything from a Fail through to a Merit. The candidate will
give a mark for the lesson and provide a written comment for the instructor
under assessment. PIE assessment sheets will be provided by the examiners.
The lesson will be observed by a second NI examiner, who will ‘mark’ the
candidate’s performance as an ‘examiner’, including the mark and comment
|
15.
|
Theory Lesson Video Assessment
|
The brief given to the candidate is to watch a video
recording of a classroom lesson, and then to assess the performance of the
instructor as if on a Theory Instructor Exam (TIE). The candidate will be asked
to give a mark for the lesson, provide a written comment and to write down an
appropriate question for the instructor under assessment. The candidate
should also be briefed that they should treat the video presentation as if
someone was standing in front of them delivering a classroom presentation.
TIE marking sheets will be provided by the examiners. The candidates will be
permitted to use a laptop & prepare an electronic report if they prefer
|
16.
|
Rescue Instructor Workshop
|
There are two options to this section, depending on
whether or not ‘real’ students are available to benefit from rescue
instruction. Scenario A should be used in the event that no real students are
available. Scenario B should be used if there is an opportunity to teach real
students. All candidates are expected to be teaching throughout the session
Scenario A
The candidate will work as a part of a team to deliver instruction,
using a ‘workshop’ format, on how to teach rescue skills effectively, as if
conducting a workshop for potential instructors on rescue Skill Development
Courses. It is important that, in addition to providing guidance to
‘students’ on how to teach the skills effectively, the candidate provides a
demonstration of the skills in question, so that their competence in rescue
skills can be assessed. Candidates will be given the subject-matter of the workshop
and the skills to be demonstrated at least 30 minutes before the session.
This session will normally be run by means of a series of ‘stations’
representing different skills, manned by examiners, round which the
candidates will rotate at 10 minute intervals, as directed by the examiners
Scenario B
The candidate will work as a part of a team to deliver
instruction, to real ‘students’ who may not necessarily be divers themselves,
but who have an interest in techniques used to rescue divers. It is important
that the candidate provides a demonstration of the skills in question, so
that their competence in rescue skills can be assessed. Candidates will be
given the subject-matter of the
workshop and the skills to be demonstrated at least 30
minutes before the session. This session will normally be run by means of a
series of ‘stations’ representing different skills, manned by examiners, round
which the candidates will rotate at 10 minute intervals, as directed by the
examiners
|
17.
|
Dry Practical Teaching Lesson
|
The practical teaching session will be based around a
20-minute dry practical lesson, with a few minutes’ notice. The subject will
be derived from a core skill development course: e.g. Practical Rescue
Management, Oxygen Administration, First Aid for Divers, Lifesaver Award, Advanced
Lifesaver Award, Boat Handling, Chartwork
Any aspect covered in the BSAC Diver Training Programme
|
18.
|
Theory Presentation
|
The brief given to the candidate is to give a 20-minute
theory lesson, on a diving-related subject given to the candidate shortly
after the closing date for applications for the Examination. The brief will include
the subject area and the expected level of the audience. The candidate is
expected to research the theory topic and present a lesson which shows a
novel approach, rather than simply using existing material. Each candidate is
also expected to support their presentation with a set of instructor notes
that would allow another instructor to deliver their presentation
|
19.
|
Five Minute Meeting
|
A scenario will be given to the candidate, at the
beginning of this session, that they are at a meeting of a specific group of
divers/people with a diving interest (to be agreed by the NI Chief Examiner),
and one of the examiners asks a question about a current diving topic. The
candidate then talks for 5 minutes on the given topic to provide an ad hoc
explanation
|
20.
|
Branch Interview
|
The brief given to the candidate is that he or she is
just about to conduct a NI branch visit. Typically, the scenario would
revolve around an overseas branch, with the candidate meeting a number of committee
members who pose a series of questions based upon current areas of interest,
such as developing technical issues, political problems, complaints about
BSAC administration etc
|
21.
|
Personal Diving Skills
|
As a National Instructor the BSAC expects candidates to
present themselves for examination with a high level of personal diving
skills. This element is examined throughout the course of the 4 days
|
22.
|
Diving Knowledge
|
Throughout the exam, the candidates will be quizzed on
key areas of theoretical and practical knowledge
The primary objective is to structure the questions to
provide opportunities to teach the subject rather than purely quiz the
student to the point of paralysis or a quivering wreck. Examiners should
prepare their questions and phrase them in a way that encourages a teaching
opportunity to be taken. Where possible, links to supporting Coaching and
Mentoring objectives should also be used to direct the focus of questions.
Diving Knowledge can also be assessed as part of the overall teaching of
components, for example, complement section 1 (planning
and Organisation of boat dives), section 2 (Management of Boat Diving
Operations), section 9 (Surface Teaching), etc.
The subject areas include; Weather/seamanship/knots &
ropework/chartwork & navigation, Physics/mixed gases/technical
diving/equipment/rebreathers, Physiology/first aid/diving
medicine/decompression, Marine Identification
|
23.
|
Attitude
|
The candidate’s attitude throughout the four days of the
exam is assessed by all the examiners. The standard required is what might be
expected of a National Instructor who is likely to be placed in difficult
situations and still be an ambassador for the BSAC, rather than an embarrassment
|
Registration process
The process is fairly simple and straight
forward. Register here?
Note: This
blog was written continuously throughout the preparation process and not as one
chunk at the end so I've hopefully managed to capture more detail that may be useful to future candidates.
Preparation events
Other than the Intro event (see below), the prep events are
generally not posted on the BSAC website, rather, they’re organised by the
Chief Examiner (at time of writing Maggie Driscol). The softboat (RHIB) and hardboat preps have
limited places and some of those will be taken by staff so those who have
committed to doing the exam in that year get priority. The prep events are designed to ‘hone’ your skills,
and are not replace gaining experience as individuals work on the ITS as
Instructor Trainers.
Travel expenses to and from the locations within the UK are
covered but not accommodation and gas costs. The venue, hardboat and staff
costs are covered by BSAC.
Prep event - Introduction to National Instructor Examination
This event introduces
all of the elements in the current examination. It provides the opportunity to
meet the candidate group and the national instructor team who support the
preparation events and act as examiners on the National exam itself. It is the
first opportunity to work with other potential National Instructors who are
preparing for the exam within the next two or three years.
Date: 29/30 October 2016
Location: Stoney Cove.
Format: Classroom presentations, discussions and workshops.
Cost: No course fee, travelling expenses met.
For those that don’t know, Stoney can get exceptionally
busy at weekends. So much so, people
start queueing at 0500 for a 0700 open.
Not me!!! Instead I opted to pay
£10 and reserve a place.
The prep event was as it says in the format; a mixture of classroom
presentations, discussions and workshops covering elements:
10. In this session we looked at our PDP (personal development plan) where we identified strengths and weakness, how to improve,
and possibly identify a mentor that could assist us in our planning. This also ties in to the exam where we will
have to mentor and develop a ‘student’.
11. In this session we delivered a 20 minute
instructor trainer demonstration lesson, including the top and tail, as if we
would on the IFC. Using per to peer
feedback and observations from the observing National Instructor, we identified
areas for improvement.
12. After leading a lesson planning session (as
per IT’ing an IFC or OWIC), we were back in the pool. We each delivered one of the 20 minute
lessons we had prepared with one of us acting as an IT, using intervention as
required to improve the others lessons (again similar to an IFC).
13. As per element 11, however this lesson was 45
minutes long and in the Open Water as per an OWIC. These pool and Open Water events were
extremely useful to ‘pinch’ ideas of other ITs, as usually you’re in the water
conducting this with potential instructors.
15. In this session we watched a DVD of a 10
minute theory presentation (TIE) and then had to write a student report based
on the essential criteria (PAVE). This
report was then given to the Chief Examiner OWI (at time of writing David
George) for review. We all guessed the initial
correct answer (pass) and awaited the results of our reports.
Overall, the weekend was extremely useful. Although Maggie (National Instructor Chief
Examiner) wasn’t there, I did get to meet some of the new NI candidates (5 of
us in total although one has now dropped out as he needs (in his words &
his mentors) more experience on the ITS circuit. I would however have liked to have seen more
emphasis placed on mid-water skills, especially at this level, rather than back
to the knees.
Post prep, I got to working on my list of jobs. All my skills slates were refined and
laminated, my PDP was amended and lessons were prepared. I was also given my mentor; Jim Watson from HQ.
This report so far details the exam requirements, and the
work carried out on the prep events.
It’s almost impossible to communicate how much other prep work goes on
in the background; there’s the lesson prep as previously mentioned, conference
calls between myself and my mentor which equals more jobs, there’s the ITS
events. The list is endless. There is (or at least so far for me) hours of
work.
Aside from the prep, the biggest frustration so far is the
communications. Numerous emails have
been sent from various candidates requesting information but due to a number of
reasons, it can be a while before we get a reply which can be frustrating. However, we’re all volunteers and do this for
the love of the sport so let’s not be too harsh. Although, once replied, the
feedback was excellent.
The equipment I took for this event was:
·
Basic SCUBA (pool and
open water).
·
Datum.
·
Clip weights.
·
ITS notes / lesson
slates.
·
IT/laptop.
·
Notebook and pen.
Prep event - Pool Preparation
This event introduces
the pool elements of the assessment. During the course you will present an
Instructor Foundation Course practical demonstration and will be teaching and
coaching as if you were tutoring on and IFC. You will receive feedback and
coaching to improve your instructor trainer performance. You will practice
coaching others at this level.
Format: Some taught classroom presentations, but predominantly
classroom and pool workshops led by yourselves and focusing on improving
existing Instructor trainer skills.
Cost: No course fee, travelling expenses met.
Arriving for around 0800 on Saturday, I opted to not
reserve a space this weekend as it was all to be pool and theory work.
15. Similar to the previous prep event, we discussed the exam
format, as well as our own report writing style. This then followed by a 10 minute DVD. We then had about 20 minutes or so to start
writing before we got back together to discuss our findings. And like before, we had to submit our report
to an NI for feedback, but unlike the previous event (or the exam) it was to be
done by the end of the week. Unfortunately,
at the time of writing this section 2 weeks after the event I’ve still not
submitted mine. I honestly haven’t had
the time.
12. Similar to last time, this was designed to simulate an IFC planning
session. I felt at odds as I was trying
to plan the way they (the NIs) wanted me to, and not the way I do so it didn’t
go too smoothly. One thing I did learn
though, is to nominate individuals rather than asking, as this speeds up the
process. As we moved into the pool, I
did find it hard to deliver someone else’s planned lesson as we do have our own
style, and even muscle memory to the way we would deliver a similar lesson. But unfortunately, that is the reality of the
exam, and what the IFC candidates do after our planning sessions. This was definitely a good combined session
as I now need to go away and tweek a few of my slates, and I also found out
that I’d been teaching AS (first) incorrectly all this time (and after some
instructional development back in branch all of the instructors I know had). However, I did get some frustrations during
this session following some discussions.
Phrases such as “we don’t dive that way” I personally thought was inappropriate. We don’t dive on our f@%?!$g knees either but
we seem to be teaching on them. Also,
“In reality….” doesn’t help. Are we
teaching reality or the DTP? And if so,
should the DTP be changed to accurately reflect? This is an interesting topic which could warrant
its own discussion across most agencies at some point.
The following day I arrived somewhat disillusioned. So much so one of the other candidates and
even the Chief Examiner noticed it and asked what was wrong. I questioned why I wanted to be there as at
times, it appeared that we were playing individuals off each other which I do
not like.
12. The pool work continued and I gave Rescue Breaths as my
model pool lesson. The initial feedback
was it would have been a pass, so when we got a free period at the end I tried
to do my modified AS lesson. It didn’t
go to plan, but then I wasn’t using a slate.
Something I’ve definitely learnt is to not be too hard on myself (edit:
this did not happen during the exam!!!).
18. Having not delivered the 10 minute demo lesson on an IFC
before as it normally goes to an NI, or experienced IT, I opted to deliver
basic equipment as I already had a planned lesson from an IFC. The lesson went well, and what I believe
would have been a pass. Although next
time, I’ll make sure I’m sat on the right and the student(s) on the left as it
meant that I wouldn’t have had to reach across to change slides.
19. For the 5 minute meeting, I was the first to go and was sat
in with 3 NIs; 1 writing and 2 listening.
I was given a scenario of a family visiting a branch at a pool night and
wishing to cross over/join. All were
PADI. Mum was an experienced OC &
CCR instructor, son was an OWSI, and daughter was a RD. I was given 30 seconds to think and then talk
for 5 minutes. As it happened, I had to
be cut off so at least talking for 5 minutes wasn’t an issue. The answers must be knowledgeable and up to
date, must be supportive of BSAC, and must have a good knowledge of the BSAC
system. I think I did ok.
20. The
branch interview represents a 20 minute overseas interview with the TO/DO of a
branch where you get asked a number of questions. Ones I got were about IPO, trying to qualify
ADs, FCD exams, how to motivate branch members, O2 admin and I’m sure a few
more I forgot. Again, I did ok, and the
feedback was generally positive.
17. The dry practical was a nightmare. It’s based on having to replace an instructor
mid-way through a lesson, with out any prior knowledge of what that lesson is. The lesson we all got was slings from the
First Aid for Divers. After 2 minutes, I
sat this one out. Lots of revision from
a large number of SDCs required. I
understand why this is in the exam, but the reality I’m sure, is if you had to
step into a lesson at last minute, you would at least know what SDC was being
taught that weekend.
Overall it was a good weekend. I was given a confidence boost in some areas
and learnt what areas I need to look at.
On both prep events so far I’ve not stayed overnight due to the close
proximity to home. Did I miss out by not
being there in the evenings? Time will
tell….
I am still disillusioned to be honest, but I will still
probably go ahead with the exam. You
can’t change anything from the outside after all. But one area I can’t but help question is the
role model behaviour that is often talked about on all the events, and
throughout the ITS. BSAC have a stigma
attached to the instructors; fat, beard, sandals, Buddy Commando, the list goes
on. Possibly only some if it is deserved. On the
TIE video there were comments about inappropriate pictures used within a
presentation and role model behaviour. I
get it. But I also find it very
hypocritical. Role model behaviour goes
much further than the t-shirt we wear, the language we use, or the visual aids
in our lessons. Role model behaviour I
believe is the whole persona of an instructor.
There are fat instructors and there are fat instructor trainers, across
a large number of agencies. Not just BSAC.
Some cannot get in a wetsuit unaided, some cannot carry their kit, and some
cannot walk up the stairs without being out of breath. Is that role model behaviour? I’m not saying everyone should be a
crossfitter with a six pack, but I do believe all agencies still has some work
to do to define what role model behaviour actually is.
The equipment I took for this event was:
·
Basic SCUBA (pool).
·
ITS notes / lesson
slates.
·
IT/laptop.
·
Notebook and pen.
·
Equipment to
facilitate my 10 minute lesson.
Prep event - Open Water Preparation
This event give the
opportunity to improve your skills as instructor trainers on sheltered open
water events and to practice coaching others at this level. As well as
reviewing the open elements of the assessment the course you will present a
demonstration lesson as if on the OWIC. You will receive coaching and feedback
from other candidates and you will provide it in turn.
Date: 8/9 April 2017
Location: Eccleston Delph.
Format: Classroom workshops. Open water workshops.
Cost: No course fee, travelling expenses met.
I arrived early Saturday morning, in fact too early as the centre
was closed. However once opened I became
a member and headed down to the beach area along with the other candidates and
examiners for the day’s activities.
13. For this element we were split into 3 groups,
and I was paired with a candidate who was attempting the exam for a second
time, and our examiner was Sophie Heptonstall, BSAC’s National Diving
Officer. Ray went first delivering line
laying, whilst I did AS (2nd lesson). As like last time, these were Instructor
Trainer Demo Lessons. I was really happy
with how mine went.
14. The groups changed and I was with 2 more candidates, one of
which is doing the exam in 2018, and Sophie and Steve Capes were our
examiners. I opted to go first as I had
the most ITS experience observing Steve giving a simulated PIE lesson. Immediately after I had to give an initial
result, and following the completion of all of the lessons, we had just over an
hour to pack up and get back to the hotel and write up the report. By the time I got to the hotel I was the last
to start on the report, but surprisingly I was the first to finish. The boss gave it a quick once over, and other
than a few re-wordings due to personal preference, the report was fine as was
the grade. 
16. Once everyone was done we conducted our planning session
for the workshop before heading out for a meal with the examiners.
The following day we setup at the far side of the lake and
setup for our 3-legged circuit. The
scenario was Advanced Divers prepping for their FCD exam, with 3 teaching stations,
and at least 2 of them had to be in-water.
Given that everyone had to teach, we had a 5-place rotation; instructor,
instructor, casualty, instructor, casualty, with the examiners playing the
students. I gave the initial brief to
everyone, followed by 15 minute rotations.
Surprisingly we all kept to time, but in hindsight we should have had a
nominated time keeper rather than syncing watches. Afterwards we threw in a management scenario,
with mixed results to say the least.
Other elements that were looked at were 21, 22 and 23, as well as
the next 2 prep events based in Portland.
Overall, it was by far the best prep event. I know I performed well although there’s
always room for improvement, and the group is really starting to gel.
The equipment I took for this event was:
·
Basic SCUBA (open
water).
·
Datum.
·
Clip weights.
·
ITS notes / lesson
slates.
·
IT/laptop.
·
Notebook and pen.
·
Whiteboard and marker
pens.
·
30m rope, shot and
buoy.
·
Resusci Anne.
·
Training O2 kit.
·
Live O2 kit.
·
Separate BCD (for kitting/de-kitting
as I traditionally use a wing and OPH).
·
Throw line.
In
addition, as a group we also brought:
·
Another O2 kit.
·
AED.
·
AED Resusci Anne.
·
Further rope, shot
and buoy.
·
First aid kit and
bandages.
·
Flipchart.
Prep event - Skipper Boat (Hardboat) Preparation
This event is
organised by the candidate group as one of their final preparations before the
examination. It will usually take place in the area where the exam is to be
held and, if possible, using the same boats. It will be ‘a divers event’- the
aim is to go diving with a very competent group. As well as enjoying the diving
we want to take the opportunity to practice and coach each other on the skills
associated with the expedition and task oriented diving. The teaching will
almost exclusively as if teaching first class divers or potential first class
divers. You will be coaching each other to improve your skills in teaching at
this level and will be supported by experienced National Instructors.
Date: 13/14 May 2017
Location: Portland.
Format: Candidate organised, skippered, expedition boat diving.
Cost: No course fee, share of boat costs, travelling expenses met.
Up to this point, despite the many challenges the prep
events have been based around the IFC, OWIC, PIE and TIE ITS events which, for
the majority of ITS staff, is bread and butter stuff. This event focuses on the FCD, which, I only
did last year so I’m hoping should be straight forward(ish).
In-between the Open Water and Hardboat preps I was working
on a number of ITS events which meant more practice on the core ITS elements
such as lesson delivery and report writing.
And for the umpteenth time I updated my lesson/skill slates.
Unlike previous events where set elements were covered off
individually, multiple elements would be covered during the day, sometimes
simultaneously. These elements were 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 21, 22 and 23.
Three weeks after the event, I’ll try to cover it the best
I can but will probably be very brief as I’m supposed to be prepping for the
next event in a weeks’ time. Arriving
early at the Royal Breakwater on Friday it was my intention to revise however I
just ended up sleeping for a few hours instead due to the workload leading up
to the event. At 1900 we all met in the
function room and started the event. We
each had to mentor one of the examiners who was a newly qualified AI wishing to
go for FCD, but due to lots of quarry diving, has very little boat
experience. As a group, we carried out
the dive planning for the following day, with the examiners rotating
around. Each had their own personal
development plan so we had to liaise with the ‘mentor’ to cover their set areas
off. I think a big lesson for all of us
for the small boat prep and the exam, is to have lots of the planning pre-done,
and then teach how we got to that point rather than teaching it from scratch,
as it was fast approaching 2200, we hadn’t eaten and we still had plenty to do.
Arriving at the Marina after breakfast we loaded the boats
and carried out the dry rehearsals. The
rehearsals were extremely important as areas of improvement were identified and
resolved in an environment where we could communicate.
Setting off we headed out to the Binnendijk. So far, plenty of teaching opportunities missed for us to
teach to our FCD wannabees. Boat loading
and even tying down, shot construction, ropes off, steering the boat, using the
GPS etc… and that’s without the normal general knowledge questions.
The dive itself was uneventful, and was a nice change from
the pressure above the surface. From
here we then headed inland to carry out a survey on one of the DORIS sites.
It was intended to do a search covering all 4 cardinals, with one pair
on each cardinal, however due to a rapid ascent by one of the pairs only 3 were
covered. The vis was good but the dive
un-eventful.
Overall, the day went well but there were a number of
things that we could have better prepared, such as timings and an overall
plan. Despite doing some of this the
previous evening, we had (wrongly) assumed that it was a vehicle to see us
teach. The evening continued a days
debrief followed by further planning and teaching. We all opted to miss dinner as there was
enough spare food leftover from lunch.
On Sunday I was the day manager, and dive manager for the
first dive. After the usual rehearsals
and setup we headed out to the British Inventor which would lead to a (planned)
drift over Lulworth Banks. And then a
survey of another DORIS site.
The weekend was tiring.
So much so I seem to have forgotten all of the content for this
report. But we all learnt something new
and were better prepared for the next, and last prep event.
The equipment I took for this event was:
·
Twinset/stages.
·
Drop tank
·
Clip weights.
·
ITS notes / lesson
slates.
·
IT/laptop.
·
Notebook and pen.
·
Whiteboard and marker
pens.
·
30m rope, shot and
buoy.
·
Resusci Anne.
·
Training O2 kit.
·
Planning kit (charts,
plotter, books etc…).
·
Tape measures.
·
Survey sticks.
In summary. It was like the FCD exam all over again but
teaching it not just doing it.
Prep event - Small Boat (RHIB) Preparation
This event provides
candidates with the opportunity to plan, organise and practice teaching and
coaching from un-skippered boats. The scenarios are as if tutoring students at
an advanced instructor or first class diver level. It will provide the
opportunity to review all aspects of the un-skippered boats aspects of the
assessment.
Date: 10/11 June 2017
Location: Portland.
Format: Practical boat diving organised and coached by candidates with assistance from experienced national instructors.
Cost: No course fee, share of boat costs, travelling expenses met.
Going into this event I knew it would probably be my worst,
and the hardest event. Why? It’s focused around the AI, which I did back
in 2009, some 8 years ago. And to make
it that little bit harder, the syllabus has changed. To help me better prepare I assisted on an
Advanced Instructor Course (AIC) on 5-6 June 2017 at JSSADC Plymouth. The new course shifts the focus away from the
traditional ‘demo/do” to complimentary teaching techniques which can be used if
they’re at least as effective as demo/do. Such techniques include visualization,
verbalization, model demonstrations, positioning and observation, coaching, pantomime,
prompt cards, and Feedback (reflective analysis). Day one was spent in the classroom, followed
by a trip to the quarry for the project due to bad weather. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to observe much
of the teaching due to the poor vis.
Following a late planning session due to local traffic we all got to bed
rather late. Day two was nearly
cancelled but we managed to get out on the boats for the teaching dives within
Plymouth Sound behind the Breakwater.
Overall it was an enjoyable 2 days and I was glad that I did it.
Back to the softboat prep, following the last event it had
been decided that we should pre-prepare a number of items to make our life’s for
this event, and the exam, significantly easier.
These tasks ranged from tides, passage plans, site info (inc slacks),
marine ID, distance/time lookups, risk assessments and surveys to name a few. On the event these served us well as we could
focus on teaching, rather than doing and teaching. In the words of another candidate:
We are going to plan
the Site selection. I'm going to
recommend that we dive the Alex Von Opstel because it is in the depth limit
that has been requested and its slack allows us to dive it between 10:00 and
11:00.
How do I know
this? Well I created a plan when I knew
that I was coming here. This demonstrates role model behaviour.
Now how did we work
out the depth of this wreck. Are you happy with working out the depth by using
chart datum?
Yes -
excellent well you have a go at working it and I will assist you and possibly
show you a different way of doing things. I am now coaching you. Did you see what I did? That was good but
have you considered my way? How about
you teach it back to me. I will then
REAP your performance.
No -
ok, I will refresh you via demo mimic but due to the fact you are an AD going
on to FCD I'm not going to break down every bit. Do you see I am teaching using appropriate
progression based on your current knowledge and base level? You have a go. Well done. Now let us have a go at this one
you do it and I won't interrupt but I will then REAP what you did. I am now coaching you. Did you see what I did? I will now REAP my performance at teaching
you. Would you like to have a go at
teaching me? We will then REAP your
performance together.
However, not every candidate put in the same amount of
effort towards the group work which did cause tensions amongst the group at
times.
Arriving at 1600 on the Friday I knew I had a few hours to
kill before the live TIE. Yep, a live
TIE just for us. This would allow us to
work on our report writing skills. I
grabbed my room and then dumped my planning kit in the function room where I waited
for everyone else.
The TIE was a standard TIE, and I was fortunate enough to
finish my report there and then.
Hopefully I am able to do the same for the exam, but importantly for
this event, one less thing for me to do when I get home. Next followed a planning session similar to
the one on the last event, but not surprisingly, this one was much shorter due
to the group work. It was then decided
to stay in the bar until 0100. Probably
not our best decision and certainly not advisable. It knackered me out for the weekend. I didn’t drink on the previous prep and I
don’t think I’ll drink for the exam either.
Like previous event, multiple elements would be covered
during the weekend, sometimes simultaneously.
These elements were 1, 2, 6, 7, 9
and 10.
In the morning, I was the Dive Manager for a drift at Grove
Point. It was a cracking dive and I
managed to teach marine ID and do the 5 minute instructional feedback. Following a quick turnaround, we dived the
Landing Craft/Bombardon Unit. The vis
was pants!!!
That evening was the planning session for the project dive
which involved a rectangular setup and survey.
I was also the Day Manager.
Needless to say, I was in bed slightly earlier this time. That dive went well, lots of teaching opportunities
and we were all gone by 1600.
Have I done enough prep?
Only time will tell. I’ve a
number of jobs to do and areas to revise.
The 7 weeks will come along sooner than expected.
The equipment I took for this event was:
·
Basic SCUBA (open
water) with 2x cylinders.
·
Drop tank.
·
Stage cylinder.
·
Clip weights.
·
ITS notes / lesson
slates.
·
IT/laptop.
·
Notebook and pen.
·
Whiteboard and marker
pens.
·
30m rope, shot and
buoy.
·
Planning kit (charts,
plotter, books etc…).
·
Tape measures.
·
Survey sticks.
·
Lift bag.
In
addition, as a group we also brought:
·
Further rope, shot
and buoys.
·
Clip weights.
Date: 5-8 August 2017
Location: Portland.
Format: 4 day NI exam.
Cost: £150.
2 weeks post exam.
How much can I remember…..?
Despite my best intentions, as is typical with my diving
career, work got in the way. Having
recently moved jobs internally, most of my free time has been completing my
HOTO and getting to grips with the new position which meant 7 weeks prep was
realistically 2, and that included writing an SDC for the exam. More of that later. Had I done enough?
Friday (the start of
hell)
I arrived early, around 1030 as I knew if I didn’t, I’d end
up being stuck in work and I still had prep to do. Will had already arrived and had sorted out
the function room of the Breakwater Hotel.
We each had our own table, there was an examiners table, and also a
‘safe zone’ that was out of bounds to the examiners ;-) We also mounted the 23 elements up on the
wall to act as a tick off sheet.
After lunch rooms were moved into (opted for my own on
advice rather than sharing like we had the previous events), individual
revision was done, as well as rehearsals of our dry practical phase of ours
SDCs. That was beneficial to the three
of us (the fourth dropped out the day before due to personal circumstances) and
everyone made changes. Especially me, as
the only person who had previously seen mine was the cat.
1830 soon arrived and Maggie gave us a very short brief
before further briefs on the elements 9 and
10.
Then, straight into the first element.
20. Upstairs quickly to change into my BSAC polo
shirt. The scenario; passed NI last year, brought in at last
minute due to an illness. Running an
IFC, OWIC and PIE over 1 week for a remote overseas branch. Just off an 8hr flight and meeting the
committee prior to a branch BBQ.
Lots of questions. They wanted
the world, and appear disgruntled with BSAC as an organisation due to them
being overseas. They asked for O2, PRM,
ALS, C&PF, DCA, ADP and MGB.
Obviously, all this is not possible in the 3 days I had spare on my trip
so I tried to get them to prioritise what they wanted. I discussed that an OWI can do O2 &
PRM. As well as development of existing
instructors within in the branch, so example, their BH instructor shadowing me
on the DCA so they could then run in-house courses. I also discussed the approved instructor list
on the BSAC website so they can see what they can already teach. There was then questions about 16 and 17 year
olds doing the IFC, OWIC, and PIE. I
said I would have to get back to them.
Problems with HQ and medical referees, BSAC partner discounts not
relevant to them, and the new OD course.
Hopefully I got the last bit right, and ask them what they wanted
as a branch in terms of benefits due to being overseas. I
think I messed up a few areas, but I didn’t blag. There was also lots of self-doubt on
questions that I should know based on their response. I did follow this up that night with a letter
which I gave to them in the morning clarifying any areas that I couldn’t answer
or got incorrect. After all, that is
what I would do for real. If I say I’ll
get back to you I will. But would it
count as the element was over?
That was it for the day.
Saturday (the pool
day – think IFC and TIE)
12. This was split into 2 parts, the initial planning, and then
the IT piece in the pool. I think the
planning went well, but it took 18 minutes, not the 15 as specified. Which, sometimes is real as the first one is
slower as you introduce the materials and get to know the group. But, the whole class were involved and we got
a good plan together. The in-water
element went ok, but I got in the water too soon. You’re supposed to be in first, and I did so
as I was expecting a silent entry as planned, but instead it was a giant stride
so there was a delay with fins etc…
Bugger. My positioning was ok,
but there’s always a dilemma here. How
much do you step into another FCD, AI, ITS’ lesson? Too much and it could class as insulting but
too little and you could see yourself off.
I did my top in 5.5 mins, and tail in 4.5 mins which was pretty much
spot on, with an overall time of 32 mins as the lesson overran slightly. The lesson I delivered for the other
candidate went ok, but as mentioned earlier, it’s always hard delivering a
lesson someone else has planned as you have your style and method of delivery.
11. This lesson went well. I had DV retrieval. I was able to bring out lots of IT
points. The only minor bit was, on the P
of step, I only did 2 steps in-water.
Enough???
19. Again,
a quick change into my BSAC polo shirt.
The scenario; it is a regional
meeting. The DO and representatives of
branches are concerned about IPO and what it raises in-branch. Luckily, I had done some revision the night
before, but I still wasn’t 100%. I
covered a bit of background, signs and symptoms, and the importance of risk
assessments but overall, carry on diving as normal. Then a summary. Overall time, 4:30. Enough, or a complete blag?
15. No different from the prep event. Same student, same lesson title, however a
very different lesson. This was followed
by 1 minute to ask a question and then a further 30 to write the report. Top tip.
For both this and element 14,
have a blank report pre-saved with your name, venue, etc… It’s an extra couple of minutes that you’ve
then got for your report. At least one
of the other candidates delivered the same grade as me.
18. Luckily
I was still wearing my BSAC top as there was only about 5 minutes to setup and
I was first. IT issues. Bugger.
It worked well on the rehearsals.
How did it go? Instead of a 20
minute presentation on Dive Management, split into 10 minutes theory and dry
practical, it was 22 minutes split into 15 and 7 respectively. As expected it was also rushed. I tried to fit too much in. And the revision last 4 minutes!!! To be honest, I could have easily made this
45 minutes! Also, when asked them questions
as part of the revision they were stone faced and non-responsive. I did also have a question at the end which I’m
not sure how well I answered. I really
don’t know…
1. The
first of 2 sessions. Didn’t go as well
as I would have liked and I forgot silly basic info.
Sunday (the small
boat day – think AIC)
The day started with
a dry run of element 7.
6. The
scenario; OWIs who have moved from an
overseas branch who do mainly OD and SD training as well as dive from charter
boats. Their new UK branch has a RHIB
which they’d like to use as well as teach Wreck Diving SDC and learn more about
marine life. RHIBs. Ok.
Wrecks. Ok. Marine life.
Errr, fish or seaweed? Despite
not being able to locate the wreck, elements from the Wreck SDC were taught,
then taught back to me. These included
line laying and light signals. I also
taught one handed numbers on the safety stop.
After my dive, one of the RHIBs lost power. The battery wasn’t charging. That was anchored, a number of people were
cross decked, and the dives continued.
In the meantime, the boat owners, and the local organiser who had access
to their club RHIB headed out to assist.
Unfortunately, despite a new battery they had to tow themselves in. I suggested that we all head back in numbers,
however the decision was made for the good boat to head to site 2 and start the
second dive.
7 & 8. The scenario; As
above but their new RHIB wants to do an exped in Scotland in 6 months’
time. One of the objectives is to
conduct a marine life survey to record data about a number of species. The branch have never done anything like this
before so wish to run a series of training exercises for the members to teach
relevant skills for this project. The
technique will involve running a 25m baseline and the position of the ends must
be recorded. 2 separate sites were
chosen in Balaclava Bay. Group 1 would
consist of 2 candidates and 2 examiners for an hours duration, and group 2
would consist of 1 candidate and 2 examiners for 40 minutes duration. Dry runs had been done prior to departure,
and equipment plus storyboards had been prepped. I was in group 1 and led the first half. I taught an examiner, they repeated the
skill, then got them to teach said skill to the other candidate. At 25 minutes there was a hard stop, and the
group split to carry out the 5 minute instructional feedback. My lesson was mask clear, which I corrected
in-water twice. Once on “Technically Correct” where a second, side on demo
could have been used, and once on “Progression” when the lesson went no-water,
little water, remove and replace. Once
both groups were done the other candidate led their part of the teach, which
also included the teach of the strip out.
The task was no-where near complete, but that was not the aim. That was the vehicle. The aim was to teach how to teach. Once back on the surface, after the dive was
debriefed, I debriefed my examiner on their 5-minute lesson using REAP and
STEP.
Overall the day went well despite the boat hiccups,
however, probably due to miss-interpretation of a comment, I forgot about the
timetable so lost track of how long tasks took, and how far behind are we
compared to where we should be.
Considering I was the dive manager for the second dive, it wasn’t my
best performance.
Once we were eventually back in, there was more of element 1 ready for tomorrow, as well as some revision.
Monday (the small
boat day – think FCD)
Arriving early we set up the dry run for element 4. It
certainly helped to iron a few creases, but it was far from perfect. Today, my role was Day Manager.
3. The scenario; Very
similar to before. Your students are a
group who are (pretty nearly) First Class Divers and Open Water
Instructors. The objective of the day is
to work with them, coaching and teaching them how to complete the diving
operations at a First Class prep event, with the objective of them being able
to instruct on such events and run more exciting/adventurous diving. The site had to be a wreck in the 25-40m
range, and we also had to locate a further wreck (so during the day each
candidate had a chance to do so), maximum use of bottom time, incorporate
elements optional in Advanced Diver such as deco trapeze, lazy shop, drop
tanks, have provision for an emergency, and look at pilotage. As we headed out the day was lumpy. So much so I was seasick. Once on site, and following a few kit faffs
we were the second pair in and our role was to attach the drop tank to the lazy
shot, before descending, tagging out, and going for the dive. Upon descending, the current was still
ripping. Someone hadn’t got the tides
quite right. But once at the bottom it
was reel attached, and start reeling out.
When and if I had deco, I wanted to be on the lazy shot & not on a
DSMB. I didn’t actually end up teaching
under ‘demo mimic’ but I did point out certain areas specific to line laying,
and gave a role model demonstration. I
wish the current wasn’t there as it was my first dive on the Alex van Opstal
and it looked a nice wreck. At 25 minutes
we ascended and surfaced at 31. Despite
the 45 minute allowed total time, it was a case of plan the dive and dive the
plan, as my backup was based on a square profile using run-times. Unfortunately, I had the shortest time
underwater, but this had a lot to do with the fact that nearly everyone else
was on CCR. Back on the boat however, I
did do a dry practice of line laying.
Between dives I got a chance to play with the boat, and
then had a go at teaching, and located the Binnendijk.
4. The scenario; Continuing
from earlier, the aim was to design and setup an underwater nature trail to
better educate divers to the diversity of marine life in the local area. It should be approximately 10m deep, allow
for more than a pair of divers to be on the site at once, be more than a
straight line, and damage to the seabed should be avoided so any lines should
not touch the bottom. We also had to
gather enough information to present back at the end of the day, and write a
report. Using one of the Dorset
Integrated Seabed Study (DORIS) we conducted the survey. Overall we worked well as a team and
completed the project, delivered the presentation (element 5), and a week later submitted the report. Hopefully, it was what the examiners
wanted.
Timings did slip, and it didn’t help that the timeline was
incorrect (done by someone else) but overall, an ok day performance wise. That also concluded element 2.
Tuesday (think OWIC
and PIE)
By this point, everybody was tired, grumpy and
grouchy.
17. Due to the delays caused by the RHIB breakdown, the day
started with the Dry Practical. I knew
that this may be my weakest element as, with only a few minutes notice, and
without any pre-prepared notes, we had to teach elements of any of the
SDCs. Therefore, I was glad that this
had moved as I had time to revise the previous night. O2, PRM, FA4D, AED, S&R, the time spent
looking at those all wasted. Because as
I walked in (I was first), there was some ‘tecky’ kit. The scenario:
Prep event ready for ADP. Got it.
Or at least so I thought. Looking
at the equipment my intention was, time pending, to look at back gas cylinders,
BCDs/wings, regs, stages. Overall, I was
happy with my performance, but only after, did I get worried. It’s a dry practical so the marking guide is
STEP. I delivered more of a theory based
around PAVE, with some hands on. Now I
was worried, and in fact, at the time of writing, I still am. Bugger.
My only saving grace, is even all the way back in the Instructor
Foundation Course it states they need to learn theory before practical. Therefore, if this was a prep event, some
theory would need to be taught surely. I
did 2 demo-do elements and used complimentary techniques when I brought out my
notepad when explaining manifolds. I got as far as twin cylinders, BCDs, and a
summary. The jury is out….
13. Similar to the pool lesson, this went well. I delivered DSMB. Lots of teaching points.
14. Observed a buoyancy lesson.
I though my report was pretty accurate.
Only minor point, all skills were done on the surface less the last
one. But, the vis was pants, so appropriate. Was it worthy of a comment? A compass lesson is normally done dry then
surface, so possibly not. The 30 minute
writing time went quick, but I think I hit all the points.
16. Scenario: You are to
deliver a workshop to a group of OWIs who are planning to run sessions in their
branches to prepare members for the assessment for the ALS. They need to teach the practical in-water
elements of this; throwing rescue, CBL, surface rescue, recovery into a boat. My running order was CBL, recovery, break,
surface rescue, break, throwing. I
started all my sessions highlighting the breakdown of the skills and scenario
on the ALS, and reminded the 2016 resus guidelines as the manual states the
old. On CBL, I highlighted the
stop. Demo, mimic teach, mimic
teach. The boat didn’t exactly go
well. My demo wasn’t the best, neither
did my surface recovery. I wanted to
highlight reverse teaching, but we were leaned on to do rescue breaths. I did mess up here, as at times I was the casualty. So how could I assess. The throw went really well and I brought out
lots of different teaching elements.
Overall, unsure.
Exam over!!!
In addition to the individual elements, there were elements
that were constantly assessed over the 4.5 days. These included 9 which I think this generally went ok. It linked into 10 and 22 also. 21
and 22 I would hope were a
merit. But who knows.
The equipment I took for the exam was:
·
Basic SCUBA (open
water) with 2x cylinders.
·
Basic SCUBA (pool).
·
Twinset.
·
2x stage cylinders.
·
Drop tank.
·
Clip weights.
·
2x tape measures.
·
4x survey sticks.
·
Lift bag.
·
Datum.
·
Survey slate.
·
Throw line.
·
Enough diving spares
to open a small dive shop.
·
My dive management
bag (which included throw line, handheld radio and GPS (which were required),
tough charts, sun cream, save a dive box, hat/gloves, incident slates, DM
slates etc…)
·
ITS notes / lesson
slates.
·
IT/laptop.
·
Notebook and pen.
·
Planning kit (charts,
plotter, books etc…).
·
3x Whiteboards and
marker pens.
·
Flipcharts (for the
group).
·
30m rope, shot and
buoy.
·
Equipment to
facilitate my 20 minute lesson.
·
Projector.
·
Projector screen.
·
Extension lead.
·
Clothes (too many!).
·
BSAC polo shirt (for
the meeting and interviews).
·
Resusci Anne (not used).
·
Training O2 kit (not
used).
·
Training first aid
kit, bandages etc… (not used).
·
GoPro (not used
surprisingly).
In
addition, as a group we also brought:
·
Further ropes, shots
and buoys.
·
Further clip weights
(totaling approximately 15).
·
Further tape measures
(totally 4).
·
Further planning
tools.
·
Laminators.
·
Printer and scanner.
·
AED (not used).
·
Trapeze (not used).
·
Substance box, mini
fridge, mugs (fruit, teas, coffees, biscuits, chocolate etc… to keep us going
in the evenings).
·
Sense of humour.
My recommendation. Get a van, as you can see below….
Once the exam was officially over, Maggie sat all the examiners and
students down, did a round-the-house chat, and then explained the way
forward. Once that was done, there was
time for a quick shower and change before heading out to a local pub for a meal
and a few drinks. All paid for. Sat with a pint overlooking Chisel Beach it
was finally nice to stop and take in the atmosphere.
Reflections
Going through my head later over the next few days, I knew there were some
areas that I had scored well, and some that I may have scraped a pass or
scored a borderline. Despite some dark
moments during the exam, in hindsight I didn’t think I had failed any single
element. That said, I had concerns over
a couple. Not with my performance, I
delivered what I thought was best, but because I didn’t know if that was what
the examiners wanted. I wasn’t confident
that I’d definitely passed, but I didn’t think I’d definitely failed either. One thing that I do know however, is that it
took half a day to sort out all my kit, and a full week to recover.
For anyone wishing to go for NI, the preps are a must. I managed to fumble my way through my FCD however I personally believe that anyone would crash and burn if they
tried to do the exam without the preps.
Think of them as the equivalent of the IFC, OWIC, AIC. Effectively the ‘courses’ prior to the exam.
Teamwork is key. I think the other
2 candidates on the exam would agree that we all worked well together; despite
a few short-tempered moments by all of us at some point. And Dropbox.
Most candidates have a Dropbox file setup. It was invaluable for storing group
information and documents on.
Despite the frustrations, the self-questioning of why I was even bothering,
and the rollercoaster of emotions, not only during the exam, but over the last
12 months, I know that regardless of the results, I am a better instructor than
I was before I started this process.
Results
On the 12 September,
I found out my result. Shock, illation,
relief; I passed. A mixture of
borderlines, passes and merits, but I passed.
However, the relief did briefly turn to disappointment as overall, I
wish I had done better. But, the 46 page
report goes to show you can never tell.
Merits in areas I thought I’d fail, borderlines in areas I thought I’d
merit.
I was finally given
my award at the BSAC Dinner after the conference.
The final bit of NI is the Post-NI Development
Workshop. This was a whole day looking
at your exam report and PDP. Where
next? Well obviously the Senior
Instructor / Senior Examiner (boss) on the OWI events is next and I hope to get
this done by early – mid 2018. Then for
me at least, identify a route onto the FCD preps and exams.
I hope this blog helps anyone going for National
Instructor. If you are
thinking of going for it, then do it. You’ve
nothing to lose, and will only be a better instructor regardless of the
outcome. I wish you all the very best of
luck. If you do have any questions then
please ask.
The boring bit!
All opinions expressed in my
articles are my own and may differ to other instructor’s and agency guidelines;
by no means are they wrong and I would not wish to disrepute any of them. This article is for information only and
should not replace proper training.
Safe diving!
Timothy Gort
BSAC, PADI & SDI/TDI diver training
l Mob: 07968148261 l Email: tim@rectotec.co.uk l
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