14 Mar The 100 Metre Tired Diver Tow: A Divemaster Skill Explained
If you are currently working toward your SSI Divemaster certification, you already know that the watermanship and stamina evaluations are more than just "tests." They are the baseline measures of your professional readiness. Among these requirements, the 100 Metre Tired Diver Tow is arguably the most practical. It isn't just about speed; it’s about control, efficiency, and your ability to manage an emergency situation while fully geared up.
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The Requirement: What You Need to Know
In the SSI Divemaster program, the stamina assessments are designed to ensure you can handle the physical rigors of professional diving. For the 100 Metre Tired Diver Tow:
- The Goal: You must tow an "unconscious" or "tired" diver 100 metres at the surface.
- The Conditions: Both you and the "victim" must be in full scuba equipment (BCD, tank, regulator, wetsuit).
- The Time Limit: You have 8 minutes to complete the full unconsciuos diver on the surface exercise including the towing and the water exit.
Why This Exercise Matters
Many candidates see this as a hurdle to jump over to get their certification. But consider the reality: as a Divemaster, you are the person responsible for the safety of others. If a student or guest is struggling, they won't care about your "fast" swim time—they will care about your ability to keep them calm, stable, and moving toward the boat or shore without exhausting yourself in the process.
3 Professional Tips to Nail the 100m Tow
If you want to pass this with a "pro" attitude rather than just "getting by," focus on these techniques:
- Streamlining: Before you take your first kick, ensure your "victim" is lying flat on their back. If their legs are dragging or they are twisted, you are fighting unnecessary drag. A perfectly horizontal victim creates significantly less resistance.
- Master the Valve Tow: Don't waste energy trying to reach awkwardly for a strap. The most efficient method is often the "tank valve tow." By grabbing the first stage or tank valve, you can keep the victim’s head stable while keeping your own body in a powerful, streamlined position.
- Efficiency Over Power: You have 8 minutes—that’s a generous amount of time. You don’t need to sprint. Use a slow, rhythmic, and powerful kick. Focus on your breathing to keep your heart rate steady. If you panic and sprint, your air consumption will spike and you’ll fatigue before you reach the 50-metre mark.
Professional Training for the Real World
At the Divemaster Internship Academy, we don’t just train you to "pass a test." We train you to work as a professional. We want you to finish the course not just with a certification card, but with the confidence to handle any situation on the surface with ease.
Are you ready to take your diving career to the next level? Whether you're looking to start your Zero-to-Hero training or you’re ready to bridge the gap from Rescue Diver to Pro, we are here to support your journey.
