Diver exams in Nenagh district

Dromineer was busy early on Saturday morning as divers from around the country converged to begin a day of high-level tests.

Nenagh Leisure Centre and the Abbey Court Hotel were also availed of during the day as candidates for 'Moniteur' 1 (instructor) and 2 (examiner) grades were put through their paces. Several members of the local Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club were involved on the day, which featured a total of 26 divers between candidates, instructors and examiners from Diving Ireland's West, South West, South and South East regions.

At the 8am brief in Dromineer, Jury President Martin Kiely thanked South West Regional Dive Officer Dom Traynor and Course Director Richie O'Donnell (Lough Derg SAC) for their work in facilitating courses over the last few difficult months. Divers were then asked to enter the water and demonstrate instruction in mask-clearing.

The group then moved back to Nenagh for a series of lectures at the hotel. Those being assessed were asked to deliver a presentation to their peers on a diving-related theme. A key topic this year was pulmonary edema, an accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the lungs that can specifically affect divers and swimmers.

After that, candidates were asked to demonstrate care of trainee divers in the swimming pool at Nenagh Leisure Centre. Throughout these activities, instructors were monitored by examiners so that they could in turn make the step up to M2.

The M1 and M2 grades are globally recognised qualifications awarded by Diving Ireland, which is affiliated to the World Underwater Federation (CMAS). Moniteurs rank among the most highly-trained divers in the world. A uniform standard of instruction is required so that the same high level of training is imparted to members of all clubs affiliated to Diving Ireland.

Nenagh and Dromineer previously hosted the final round of tests for the South West region in 2018. Normally the day would be held within each region but, owing to the Covid-19 setback, the course directors opted to run everything together in Nenagh, taking advantage of the availability of high quality facilities and amenities within close proximity.

The Covid situation put a lot of pressure on those organising the course as well as the candidates, but happily Saturday's series of events proved highly successful.

A standout feature was the quality of presentations at the Abbey Court, with much of the subject matter relating to up-and-coming topics have not yet been fully developed, but which may be included in future courses.