NRS Oryx is home to the USNSL Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center ("NDSTC"). We pride ourselves on being the place in Second Life to be trained in the science and art of underwater diving. Our program is challenging and rigorous, combining a mixture of both classroom theory instruction and practical, in-water, hands-on experience.
The NDSTC training program is comprised of three levels. Diving Level I begins with an approximately one hour classroom instruction course covering the components of underwater breathing apparatus (i.e. "scuba") and the function of those components, the basic physics of underwater environments, the use of compressed gasses for breathing and the dangers and risks associated with underwater exposure. The Level I program concludes with an approximately one-hour hands on dive followed by a written test to ensure competency in the core curriculum of the Level I program. The successful student earns his or her USNSL "Scuba Diver" insignia and becomes eligible to: (i) participate in shallow underwater USNSL operations (i.e., operations to 30 feet depth) and to receive additional diver training and education.
Diving Level II begins with an approximately one hour classroom instruction course covering more advanced scuba components, such as a rebreather and dual-tube ventilation system. The Level II classroom instruction takes students further into the science of diving as well, touching on the concepts of compression and alternative breathing gases such as tri-mix. The Level II program concludes with a significant dive (below 30 feet depth) and decompression scenario followed by a written test to ensure competency in the core curriculum of the Level II program. The successful student earns his or her UNSL "Second Class Diver" insignia and becomes eligible to: (i) participate in underwater UNSL operations (i.e., operations to 60 foot depth) and to receive additional diver training and education.
Diving Level III is the culmination of the diver education program. The course begins with an approximately one hour classroom instruction on advanced diving topics, including drysuits and compression helmets, extreme pressure diving in deep water, and the medical risks of deep water exposure. The Level III program concludes with a deep water dive (below 60 feet depth) and decompression scenario followed by a written test to ensure competency in the core curriculum of the Level III program. The successful student earns his or her UNSL "First Class Diver" insignia and becomes eligible to: (i) participate in deep water UNSL operations (i.e., operations deeper than 60 feet depth).
The Master Diver qualification and insignia is awarded to those who complete all of the levels of the NDTC education program, log ten hours of deep water dive time and demonstrate a mastery of diving and a commitment to the development of the NDTC program and USNSL diving operations. The Master Diver designation places you among the elite divers in SL; those who can not only dive with their avatars, but who truly belong in the deep black waters of the ocean.