HYPERBARIC CHAMBER: These are some pictures of the chamber I was in today. First picture is the entire chamber, the second me climbing in and the third is me looking out the window while we are fully pressurized. It was very interesting if not a little scary. Jungle Jim explained the procedures to us and then Jose, Tyco and I climbed in and he took us to a pressure equal to 60 feet of sea water. Its much different than diving in the water. Its very loud from the air rushing in and it gets pretty warm. Basic diving laws state that as air compresses it gets hotter. We were pressurized very slowly - about 1/5 the speed you'd normally descend. You have to equilized your ears during the entire time which took 4 or 5 minutes. When it was fully pressurized we were all laughing because our voices sound like Donald Duck. Several people stood and watch and laughed at us. They have 2 way communications as well as video so the operator can monitor everyone. We stayed at depth for a few minutes and then did a very slow ascent or release of pressure. The air steams up because the temperature lowers pretty quickly. It makes it even more creepy.

Earlier in the day we went over the practice tests we did yesterday and I did very poorly. I'm no too worried however because I think I'll do much better on the next practice and final test. The official program actually starts tomorrow and its a very structured event. Everything is planned out. We'll learn the PADI (certifying agency) way to do things. We actually saw a sample presentation today from people taking a more advanced class. They were extremly nervous. Its very difficult to present material to your peers because they already know the material and they are just watching how you present it. It made us feel better that the higher level more experienced people were nervous too.

The presentations are very scripted and include an introduction, the body and the summary. The subjects are very small portions of material students may have trouble with. They are chosen by the examiners in advacne and you have a night to prepare for them. During the presentation however you must attempt to cross sell additional classes and equipment. Its sometimes hard to work those things in without being real obvious. Anyway its the way it will be done.