What is GUE?

Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) was created to increase the quality and diversity of aquatic education. GUE was founded by conservationists, explorers and educators with a desire to see the mystery of the underwater world explored, studied, protected and shared. Global Underwater Explorers is prepared to redefine the nature of aquatic activity in three specific areas: education, research and exploration.

GUE's educational programs have been designed for the discriminating diver interested in obtaining the best possible instruction. Toward this goal all GUE educational programs combine comprehensive dive instruction, extensive task-oriented educational materials and detailed environmental literature. The Global Underwater Explorers educational program is structured to create the world's most experienced and proficient divers. To accomplish this goal GUE will select only the most dedicated and experienced individuals to conduct their training.

In addition to their unique approach to diver education, Global Underwater Explorers is the first training organization to focus significant resources on scientific investigation. Specifically, their goal is to dramatically increase the quantity and quality of underwater research through sponsorship of original research initiatives and the application of advanced diving techniques.

In addition to their personal role in exploration efforts, GUE representatives are in a unique position to share their experiences with a host of willing participants. By assisting other teams with the development of viable exploratory techniques and sharing in the distribution of available funds, GUE is prepared to drastically expand the nature of international exploration.

Global Underwater Explorers is a complete resource for the underwater enthusiast with a specific interest in seeing the underwater world explored, studied, protected and shared. The future of the underwater world is replete with unique opportunities; regardless of one's specific area of interest, Global Underwater Explorers has created a nexus to bring together the best of sport, technical and research diving in the service of environmental protection and understanding.
(©2000, Global Underwater Explorers) *
For more information about GUE, please visit their site at: www.gue.com

The "Doing It Right" (DIR) system evolved out of the exacting demands of the world's most extreme exploration diving, yet the approach is rapidly gaining favor among all levels of divers. Everyone benefits from a system that makes the underwater experience safer and more comfortable. The DIR system is much more than an equipment configuration. It is a diving style that ensures every aspect of each dive represents safety, fun and efficiency.

Leading explorers long ago realized that a confused or delayed response to emergency situations creates an unacceptable risk. DIR attempts to bring the practical solutions to safety and productivity honed in the world of exploration into the classroom for entry and advanced divers. Risk is managed by streamlining and minimizing gear configuration. Buddy communication skills are refined to heighten awareness of the dive environment. Taken together, rethinking your gear configuration and your approach to teamwork puts you back in the middle of the dive.

Unfortunately, there is a prevailing assumption that standardized equipment, clean configurations and attention to detail are only for "technical" or other rigorous diving conditions. In reality, clean and simple universal configurations are even more beneficial for divers with limited experience. GUE representatives have discovered that training all divers with standardized equipment has been highly successful.

(©2000, dirQuest, Issue 1.1) *
For more information on the DIR philosophy, please visit www.gue.com and www.dirquest.com

* text posted with permission.