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Training on the Frog Mark I is offered at three distinct levels: |
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Candidates must be certified as an Open Water Diver by a Training Agency that has
fulfilled the Minimum Course Content for Open water Diver Certification as outlined
by the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC). A copy of a valid Certification
Card identifying the individual, the Agency, the level of training and the Instructor
must be presented. Candidates will also be asked to present their log books to verify
training records and activity levels.
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To undertake training on the Frog Mark I Rebreather, the candidate shall effectively
demonstrate basic watermanship ability that shall include a continuous 200 yard
(183 meter) surface distance swim and a 10 minute survival swim / float without
the use of mask, fins, snorkel or other swimming aids. |
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The candidate must complete a medical history / statement form required by MDEA
prior to in-water activities. It is required that candidates with out-of-the-ordinary
medical histories be approved, without conditions or restrictions, as medically
fit for diving by a licensed medical practitioner prior to engaging in water activities. |
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The candidate shall be informed of the inherent risks of Semi Closed Rebreather
training and shall agree to sign appropriate forms acknowledging those risks prior
to participating in-water activities. These forms may include, but are not limited
to: liability release; waiver and release of liability; safe diving practices; standards
for safety; statement of understanding; etc. The required Open Water Diver Certification
must already be completed. |
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The candidate must demonstrate Semi Closed Rebreather knowledge by taking and passing
an oral or written examination. This examination shall test knowledge of the Frog
Mark I Rebreather, physics of diving, use of PPO2 meters / Decompression PPO2 meters,
confined water skills and open water skills as presented in the course.
The candidate shall satisfactorily demonstrate the Frog Mark I Rebreather skills
required by MDEA. |
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Sport Training Prerequisites: |
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It is expected that the candidate will have a minimum of 25 open water dives of
which at least 15 must be post-training dives. Candidates with lesser qualifications
may request a skills assessment of their abilities, and suitability for SCR training.
The assessment will determine their eligibility.
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Sport Training: |
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Sport Training on the Frog Mark I will be limited to breathing gases of 100% oxygen
and grade D compressed breathing air. |
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Classroom Sessions: |
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Sport Training will be comprised of 10 hours of classroom sessions that will cover
information on the physical description, operating principles, maintenance, and
use of the Frog Mark I Rebreather.
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These sessions will include:
- History of Rebreathers
- Breathing Circuit of an Oxygen Rebreather
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Breathing Circuit of the Frog Mark I Rebreather
- Assembly Matrix of the Frog
Mark I Rebreather
- Location and identification of the cylinders utilized on the
Frog Mark I. Purpose of markings, valve, burst disc, care and maintenance, visual
inspections, oxygen cleaning requirements.
- Identify the location, and operation of the open circuit bailout system. Define
the purpose of operation and decision process in activating the system.
- The
Frog Mark I modular system design, is comprised of mouthpiece and breathing hoses,
manifold assembly, and system support housing.
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Frog Components and Operating Principles:
- Identify location, assembly, operation, and function of mouthpiece. Identify the
location, assembly and operational ranges of relief valve as well as its function.
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Identify location, assembly and orientation of breathing hoses.
- Identify location,
assembly and positioning of the breathing circuit elbows onto the manifold. Location
and identification of the Exhale elbow including the oxygen injector. Identify the
operational ranges of the oxygen injector and the need for adjustment to the individual
candidates metabolic needs. Discuss individual metabolic rates and the importance
of them on the oxygen flow rate. Location and identification of the Inhale elbow
including the sensor for the PPO2 monitor.
- Identify the PPO2 monitor, location,
assembly and application. Review calibration of the PPO2 monitor and the significance
of calibration on diver safety.
- Identify the location, assembly and positioning
of the over pressure relief valve on the manifold. Identify the operational ranges
of the over pressure relief valve.
- Identify the location, assembly and operation
of the compressed breathing air demand regulator.
- Breathing gases are delivered
from the cylinders by two low pressure gas hoses with distinct quick connect couplers,
one for the O2 cylinder and one for the compressed breathing air cylinder.
- Review the location, assembly and operation of the oxygen cylinder, cylinder valve,
and first stage oxygen regulator on the system support housing.
- Review the location,
assembly and operation of the compressed breathing air cylinder, cylinder valve
and first stage regulator on the system support housing.
- Review the location,
assembly and operation of the bailout system cylinder, cylinder valve, and first
stage regulator on the system support housing.
- Identify the disassembly of the
system support housing from the manifold to expose the Frog Counter Lung. Identify
the location, assembly and removal of the absorber retainer followed by the disposable
Carbon Dioxide absorber-“scrubber,” as well as filter medium and o-rings. Review
disposal of absorber.
- Identify the lubrication process of the o-rings, their
assembly and the installation of the filter medium into the manifold. Identify the
inspection and orientation of the carbon dioxide absorber followed by the absorber
retainer. Identify the proper installation of the counter lung over the absorber,
reinstall manifold into the system support housing.
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Maintenance:
- Identify requirements for servicing the Frog Mark I. Review the operational test
kit components and their operation in verifying the operational ranges of the mouthpiece
relief valve, the manifold over pressure relief valve and the oxygen injector. Identify
the adjustment procedures and the subsequent verification of the ranges and adjustment
methods. Review the verification process of operational ranges. Candidates must
understand the method and need to verify ranges prior to diving.
- Identify sanitizing requirements, handling of agents, approved products, and reasons
for diligence.
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Pre Dive Signals:
- Hand signals will be reviewed to ensure understanding between student and Instructor.
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Diving Science:
- Compressed Oxygen, identify the characteristics, benefits
of oxygen in a SCR, risk factors, handling and diving, and testing for.
- Pressures and Gases, review of Boyle’s Law, Charles’s
Law and Dalton’s Law. Identify how and why partial pressures in are monitored.
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Pool and Open Water Skill Training: |
A minimum of 2 Confined water sessions will need to be completed prior to open water
training:
- Confined water sessions will require the candidate to
assembly the Frog Mark I and integrate the system with a BCD. Operational status
must be confirmed by operational checks of the mouthpiece pressure relief valve,
the manifold over pressure relief valve and the oxygen injector flow rate adjusted
to the individual’s metabolic rate.
- Weight systems will be identified, belt versus integrated
and will be removed / replaced during pool sessions.
- Initialize the Carbon Dioxide absorber above water and
breathe through the mouthpiece. Review the importance of the breathing circuit being
activated prior to submerging.
- Breathe through the mouthpiece underwater, establish
rhythm and proceed to review mask clearing.
- Establish neutral buoyancy, followed by underwater swim.
- Establish familiarity with the Frog Mark I Rebreather.
- Monitor PPO2, as well as oxygen pressure, compressed
breathing air pressure, bail out pressure and depth. Establish knowledge of interfaces
and candidates ability to locate and confirm status reports when directed.
- Establish mouthpiece operation, including closing, and
opening. When proficiency is established continue to closing, removal, recovery,
opening.
- Candidate will practice bailout procedures.
- Candidate will disassemble, sanitize, and properly store
the Frog Mark I.
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