Ford Seahorses Scuba Diving Club

Cold Water, Diver Levels

The skill levels listed below are basic recommendations for ranking dives and divers. Adverse conditions such as strong current, lower than normal visibility, cold temperatures or rough water can change the dive level to the next higher rating. Although experience is the main factor in the divers level, advanced dive training is also advisable. The number of logged dives indicated for each level below are cold water, low visibility, open water dives. Not to be counted are warm water high visibility dives, pool or quarry dives.

It is highly recommended that all levels of divers have training in CPR, Basic First Aid, DAN O administration, basic rescue skills and practice out of air emergency procedures.

Level I:	20 logged open water dives or less in the last three years. Maximum depth of 60' on club dives unless paired with a more experienced diver. Level IV dives should not be attempted even with a more experienced diver.
Level II:	21 to 60 logged open water dives. At this level the diver should have achieved the following skills. Buoyancy control, reduced air consumption, is comfortable in varying conditions such as current, waves, low visibility, and cold water and be able to cope with moderate stress. This diver should still be paired with a more experienced buddy when going beyond 80' depths. Level IV dives should not be attempted even with a more experienced diver. The diver should log at least 15 dives to greater than 60' before progressing to level III.
Level III:	61 to 100 logged open water dives. At this level the diver has mastered the skills listed in Level II, and should be able to recognize potential problems and prevent them from occurring. This diver should be skilled enough to take a Level I or II diver on Level I, II or III dives. It is recommended that the diver has taken some advanced training beyond basic certification. Maximum 110' on club dives. Before progressing to Level IV at least 20 dives should be logged beyond the 90' mark.
Level IV:	Over 100 logged open water dives. Highly competent, no limitation on club dives (apart from 130', no‑D). The diver should possess all skills, training and specialized equipment necessary for the intended dives. This diver has the knowledge and judgment necessary to decide whether or not he or she is ready and equipped for the dive in question. This diver is skilled enough to take a Level I or II diver on Level III dives or a Level III diver on level IV dives. These dives have a maximum depth of 130'.
Level V:	At this level the diver has mastered all skills required for Levels I-IV. The diver is responsible to have appropriate training, posses all the skills, and specialized equipment necessary for the intended dives. Equipment must be suitable to the conditions with redundancy, The depth limit as been extended to 180, and decompression restrictions have been eliminated. This level requires progressive dives with the dive operator and the dive operator makes the ultimate decision on skill level, diver readiness and equipment needs.

ESTABLISHED IN 1957
The Ford Seahorses Scuba Diving Club, established in 1957 as a member of the Ford Employees Recreation Association (FERA), is one of the most active dive clubs in Michigan. We are a non-profit corporation dedicated to the enjoyment and advancement of the sport of Scuba Diving.

TRAVEL
We travel extensively over the Great Lakes and Caribbean. Locations in the Great Lakes have included Tobermory, Isle Royale, Munising, Whitefish Bay, Mackinac, Traverse City, Muskegon, and Alpena. Frequent Saturday afternoon/evening charters are planned in the historically rich Port Sanilac area. This allows busy divers the opportunity to shipwreck dive and still have time for their other responsibilities. The Seahorses are not restricted to northern waters. Our travels have included the Bahamas, Bonaire, North Carolina, Cozumel, Turks & Caicos, and the West Indies.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
You do not have to be a Ford employee to join. Membership is open to the public.

FULL SERVICE ORGANIZATION
As a full service dive club, we cater to the diverse needs of the diving community. We dive in a variety of locations from the cold water shipwrecks of the Great Lakes to the warm vibrant waters of the Caribbean. We produce The Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival each winter and have a schedule of social activities with family events such as picnics and cross-country skiing.

EDUCATION
The club is rich in educational activities. The Seahorses are the originator and annual sponsor of The Great Lakes Shipwreck Film Festival, 2008 marks its 28thAnniversary. We are now an SDI training facility and we offer basic open water certification for beginning divers and advanced courses for divers wishing to increase their expertise. Our monthly meetings are often followed by lectures and films on topics as diverse as safety and travel.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

A wide range of diving experiences available.

Opportunity to develop friendships with others in the sport.

Take advantage of "mentoring" by our experienced members.

Educational programs and advanced training.

Substantial savings on the cost of diving.

Meeting Times & Location

Membership Application Form

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information about the club, or to find out how to apply for membership contact either of the people below:

Membership Application Form
Diving Trip Activity Plan	Dive Chairperson use to log persons signing up for a dive trip
Dive Rebate Form	For Dive Chairperson to submit to Treasurer
Dive Trip Info & Evaluation Form
Diver's Emergency Information Form	Required to participate in Club dives!
Liability Release Form	Required to participate in Club dives!
Who Are the Ford Seahorses?	The official form

ESTABLISHED IN 1957 The Ford Seahorses Scuba Diving Club, established in 1957 as a member of the Ford Employees Recreation Association (FERA), is one of the most active dive clubs in Michigan. We are a non-profit corporation dedicated to the enjoyment and advancement of the sport of Scuba Diving.		TRAVEL We travel extensively over the Great Lakes and Caribbean. Locations in the Great Lakes have included Tobermory, Isle Royale, Munising, Whitefish Bay, Mackinac, Traverse City, Muskegon, and Alpena. Frequent Saturday afternoon/evening charters are planned in the historically rich Port Sanilac area. This allows busy divers the opportunity to shipwreck dive and still have time for their other responsibilities. The Seahorses are not restricted to northern waters. Our travels have included the Bahamas, Bonaire, North Carolina, Cozumel, Turks & Caicos, and the West Indies.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC You do not have to be a Ford employee to join. Membership is open to the public.
FULL SERVICE ORGANIZATION As a full service dive club, we cater to the diverse needs of the diving community. We dive in a variety of locations from the cold water shipwrecks of the Great Lakes to the warm vibrant waters of the Caribbean. We produce The Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival each winter and have a schedule of social activities with family events such as picnics and cross-country skiing.		EDUCATION The club is rich in educational activities. The Seahorses are the originator and annual sponsor of The Great Lakes Shipwreck Film Festival, 2008 marks its 28thAnniversary. We are now an SDI training facility and we offer basic open water certification for beginning divers and advanced courses for divers wishing to increase their expertise. Our monthly meetings are often followed by lectures and films on topics as diverse as safety and travel.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP A wide range of diving experiences available. Opportunity to develop friendships with others in the sport. Take advantage of "mentoring" by our experienced members. Educational programs and advanced training. Substantial savings on the cost of diving. Meeting Times & Location Membership Application Form		FURTHER INFORMATION For further information about the club, or to find out how to apply for membership contact either of the people below: