Introductory Pilot Training Program 2018
April 23 - 26 (one spot available) + 2nd course June 25 - 28 (50% booked) call /email
Cost - US$5,495
This three-day course in the operation of the SR 500 submersible is an introductory course intended for the pilot-in-training (PIT) to gain basic submarine operational skills – and enjoy the experience of piloting.
The course includes one day of ground school, one day of introductory dives on a natural sponge reef, and one day of PIT dives on a shipwreck. Ground school is held in a classroom setting for the morning of day one, and moves to the workshop for the afternoon. Day two begins with an open-note quiz and then PIT’s head out for a full day of diving with submarine personnel teaching piloting and surface support procedures. On day three the group will head out to a new dive site and rotate through the submarine, culminating in a pilot training dive on the HMCS Annapolis. Overall, each PIT will receive three total dives.
Attached you will find a schedule, PIT Objectives, selected readings, and other curriculum resources.
Course Objectives
By the end of this program participants will be able to:
Explain fundamental buoyancy and stability principles
Explain general characteristics of the submarine systems and components Explain fundamental oceanography and marine navigation terms
Follow the primary checklists for sub preparation
Outline a dive plan and identify some specific mission objectives
Pilot the submarine – Ascent, descent, buoyancy and trim, general maneuvers, communications, and system’s status
Course Requirements
You will meet the objectives listed through a combination of the following activities:
Participate in lecture discussions sections
Walk through checklists with pilot/technicians
Pass Quiz with 85% score
Follow all instructions given by pilot and crew on dives Take thruster controls during PIT Dive #1
Provide support as co-pilot during PIT Dive #2
Pilot submarine with Chief Pilot support during PIT Dive #3
Complete Pilot Log Books
Provided Reading
SR 500 Operations Manual
Busby Manned Submersibles
Incident Report Pisces III
Safety and Operations Guidelines MTS
General
Lunch will be provided all three days
Wear appropriate work attire – the shop is a working environment; please wear
closed toed shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
You will be given Crew Shirts, which you can keep, along with a Certificate of Completion
Schedule Day One
Time Activity
0930 Submarine Fundamentals
1130 Operations
1300 Pre-Daily Checklist
1645 Dive Plan
Schedule Day Two
Time Activity
0915 Quiz
1030 Launch Sub
1245 Lunch Break
1500 Lift Sub
Schedule Day Three
Time Activity
0830 Depart for Halkett Bay
1030 Launch Sub
1200 Dive Two
1430 Dive Three
1630 Post-Dive Sub
Expectations
Strive for situational awareness and watch out for the safety of yourself and your fellow crew
Mariner Behavior – The ferry wakes and boater traffic are a large part of our operation procedures at these dive sites – Stay Alert.
Most importantly, the whole point of submarine diving is to have fun and come away with great stories to share with your friends and family.
Disclaimer
This particular course does not provide complete training for unsupervised piloting of manned submersibles. The intent of this course is only to give a basic and general, introductory lesson, into the main characteristics and operations of the SR 500 manned submersibles. Each participant must complete the Submarine Liability Waiver.
Cancellation Policy
Given the nature of submersible operations on open water, there are inherent risks and potential dangers or issues that are beyond our control. And, with the fact that manned submersibles are very complex machines that undergo very thorough “pre- dive” checks; equipment failures can rarely happen, but they do come up from time to time. In any event, we will strive to ensure amazing but safe operations, giving the clients the best experience possible.
Cancellation Policies are as follows:
If the course is cancelled due to inclement weather or dangerous conditions – every effort will be made to re-schedule with the clients. If re-scheduling is not possible, we will issue the following refund: 50% if sub is mobilized, or 100% refund if prior to mobilization.
If the operator cancels due to equipment failure – every effort will be made to re-schedule. If re-scheduling is not possible 100% refund will be issued.
If the Client cancels upon confirming booking under the following conditions:
Does not show up for booking – 0% refund
Booking cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice – 50% refund Booking cancelled with more than 72 hours’ notice – 100% refund
Brandon Kwan's comments from Fall 2017 PIT course - "I was a student for the 3 day submarine course in October 2017. I can tell you my experience was absolutely exceptional and worth every dime. You can be proud you will be one of the few people in this world who will ever man a submarine in a lifetime." California, USA April 2018
This three-day course in the operation of the SR 500 submersible is an introductory course intended for the pilot-in-training (PIT) to gain basic submarine operational skills – and enjoy the experience of piloting.
The course includes one day of ground school, one day of introductory dives on a natural sponge reef, and one day of PIT dives on a shipwreck. Ground school is held in a classroom setting for the morning of day one, and moves to the workshop for the afternoon. Day two begins with an open-note quiz and then PIT’s head out for a full day of diving with submarine personnel teaching piloting and surface support procedures. On day three the group will head out to a new dive site and rotate through the submarine, culminating in a pilot training dive on the HMCS Annapolis. Overall, each PIT will receive three total dives.
Attached you will find a schedule, PIT Objectives, selected readings, and other curriculum resources.
Course Objectives
By the end of this program participants will be able to:
Explain fundamental buoyancy and stability principles
Explain general characteristics of the submarine systems and components Explain fundamental oceanography and marine navigation terms
Follow the primary checklists for sub preparation
Outline a dive plan and identify some specific mission objectives
Pilot the submarine – Ascent, descent, buoyancy and trim, general maneuvers, communications, and system’s status
Course Requirements
You will meet the objectives listed through a combination of the following activities:
Participate in lecture discussions sections
Walk through checklists with pilot/technicians
Pass Quiz with 85% score
Follow all instructions given by pilot and crew on dives Take thruster controls during PIT Dive #1
Provide support as co-pilot during PIT Dive #2
Pilot submarine with Chief Pilot support during PIT Dive #3
Complete Pilot Log Books
Provided Reading
SR 500 Operations Manual
Busby Manned Submersibles
Incident Report Pisces III
Safety and Operations Guidelines MTS
General
Lunch will be provided all three days
Wear appropriate work attire – the shop is a working environment; please wear
closed toed shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
You will be given Crew Shirts, which you can keep, along with a Certificate of Completion
Schedule Day One
Time Activity
0930 Submarine Fundamentals
1130 Operations
1300 Pre-Daily Checklist
1645 Dive Plan
Schedule Day Two
Time Activity
0915 Quiz
1030 Launch Sub
1245 Lunch Break
1500 Lift Sub
Schedule Day Three
Time Activity
0830 Depart for Halkett Bay
1030 Launch Sub
1200 Dive Two
1430 Dive Three
1630 Post-Dive Sub
Expectations
Strive for situational awareness and watch out for the safety of yourself and your fellow crew
Mariner Behavior – The ferry wakes and boater traffic are a large part of our operation procedures at these dive sites – Stay Alert.
Most importantly, the whole point of submarine diving is to have fun and come away with great stories to share with your friends and family.
Disclaimer
This particular course does not provide complete training for unsupervised piloting of manned submersibles. The intent of this course is only to give a basic and general, introductory lesson, into the main characteristics and operations of the SR 500 manned submersibles. Each participant must complete the Submarine Liability Waiver.
Cancellation Policy
Given the nature of submersible operations on open water, there are inherent risks and potential dangers or issues that are beyond our control. And, with the fact that manned submersibles are very complex machines that undergo very thorough “pre- dive” checks; equipment failures can rarely happen, but they do come up from time to time. In any event, we will strive to ensure amazing but safe operations, giving the clients the best experience possible.
Cancellation Policies are as follows:
If the course is cancelled due to inclement weather or dangerous conditions – every effort will be made to re-schedule with the clients. If re-scheduling is not possible, we will issue the following refund: 50% if sub is mobilized, or 100% refund if prior to mobilization.
If the operator cancels due to equipment failure – every effort will be made to re-schedule. If re-scheduling is not possible 100% refund will be issued.
If the Client cancels upon confirming booking under the following conditions:
Does not show up for booking – 0% refund
Booking cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice – 50% refund Booking cancelled with more than 72 hours’ notice – 100% refund
Brandon Kwan's comments from Fall 2017 PIT course - "I was a student for the 3 day submarine course in October 2017. I can tell you my experience was absolutely exceptional and worth every dime. You can be proud you will be one of the few people in this world who will ever man a submarine in a lifetime." California, USA April 2018
