In this article, we meet tec diver Eveline Verdier-Bollhalder, and learn more about her influence in the technical diving industry. Mesley was interviewed by a member of PADI staff, and this article was originally published on the TecRec blog on February 18, 2013.
What are your PADI/TecRec certifications?
- TecRec Trimix Instructor Trainer
- PADI Course Director
What is your background and current involvement in diving?
I started diving in the lakes of Switzerland (home country) in 1984, but as soon as I had my Divemaster certification, I started traveling and working abroad, like in the Maldives, the Philippines, Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the Seychelles and La Réunion.
As a PADI Course Director and Technical Instructor Trainer, I’m traveling and teaching mainly Instructor and Technical courses in these countries.
How did you get into tec diving?
I started technical diving 15 years ago, and it was for me a natural step in my diving career. So, I did all my technical training (Trimix, cave and CCR) in the United States, as nothing was available at this time in Europe.
One motivation was to visit and to discover deep shipwrecks in the south of France, too deep to dive with air. With Triade, an expedition over several months, we discovered some new eep shipwrecks and wrote a book about them. They are starting to be visited now by other experienced technical divers.
Do have any specialized areas of interest?
I specially love teaching Rebreather and Trimix courses. Deep shipwrecks are still my passion, so I dive them whenever I have some time left.
What do think the greatest challenges are in this kind of diving?
Be honest with yourself. If you have any doubt regarding yourself, your buddy, your equipment or the environment, don’t dive.
What are the most important attributes of a tec diver for the type of diving you do?
Humility, patience, and never stop learning. A tec diver needs to be very disciplined and be in good physical condition. Be aware that we are only guests. Don’t fear the sea, but always respect her.
What are the most likely mistakes a tec diver can make in your kind of diving?
To go deep too fast, especially with a rebreather. One needs to be patient and build up experience to manage the equipment and the conditions.
How do you prepare for a demanding technical dive?
Physically, mentally and also technically. I carefully select and check all my equipment and choose my buddy. Before the dive, I mentally imagine the dive, the possible problems with the best solution. I dive only if I feel physically and mentally fit and feel good about the dive. Use checklists.
What were your best tec diving experiences?
I will never forget my first dive on the Submarine Protée in the south of France over 12 years ago. Everything was perfect, the conditions, the logistics, the team and the dive! To visit this war grave as the first divers (discovered by another small submarine) was very impressing and also a little bit weird. I dove it again in June 2012 with the DIRrebreather Team, and I am happy and proud that we opened this dive site to other divers so many years ago. It’s still a very special experience.
What influences your selection of dive gear?
KISS principle, reliable and safe. I try to find the best configuration for each dive.
What kind of person do you want diving on the same team as you?
People with the same attitude. I don’t like diving just to go deep or attempting to push the limits. Exploration and fun should be the main goals.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into tec diving?
Be patient, built up your experience and enjoy. Choose your instructor carefully; nothing replaces experience. It should be a real professional and not a “part-time” Instructor. Once certified, it’s important to build up experience and frequently repeat the skills. Put all your chances on your side, dive and enjoy.
