GUE Fundamentals
The GUE Fundamentals course is by far GUE’s most popular program. It functions as a gateway into GUE training and it is an excellent way to personally experience what GUE is all about.
Some divers use the Fundamentals course as a way to improve on the less-than-optimal training they have received during traditional fast-track entry-level courses. Others see the course as a ticket to participate in GUE projects and activities. Many technical divers and even experienced instructors from other organizations use the course to improve basic skills and gain access to GUE’s cave and tech-training. It is not uncommon to have divers with very diverse backgrounds in the same class, which makes this course completely unique in the diving industry. 
Everybody will benefit, regardless of their current level of certification or experience. Graduating this course with a pass is something to be proud of, as the quality of a GUE Fundamentals diver is recognized all over the diving world.
For many non-GUE divers, the Fundamentals course is an “aha!” moment where everything falls into place. The standardized equipment configuration and standardized procedures are only a small part of the big picture. Realizing how a team-oriented approach can free up resources and increase situational awareness that can be used to maximize safety, efficiency, and fun is often a life-changing moment for Fundamentals students, and they walk away from the course with a completely new approach to diving.
Historically, the Fundamentals course was created to make sure that divers who showed up for more advanced training in GUE’s cave and tech courses were not struggling with basic diving skills. A solid diving platform is based on balance, trim, buoyancy and propulsion techniques. It is pointless to begin more advanced training before mastering these basic aspects of diving. It will only lead to over task loading, stress, and poorly-learned skills. Divers who struggle with personal skills will not be able to contribute to the team, nor will they have the required level of situational awareness needed in cave or tech training.
“This was the best training class that I have received since I began scuba diving. It was the combination of material, standards, and the training/instruction that I received. I did not successfully pass the course at the level I wanted, but I am very satisfied with the outcome. I was pushed with encouragement to complete drills with precision. When I failed, I received actual instruction that was aimed at helping to complete the skill successfully. Michael took the time to explain and show me how to make my technique better. I have taken many courses where the standards were explained but never enforced. It was refreshing to actually have an instructor teach the standards, enforce the standards, and provide training so that a student can achieve the standards. Before taking this course, I was unsure what to expect. After taking this course, I would recommend Michael to anyone seeking actual dive instruction.”
“Excellent class and instructor. I feel like I got a lot out of it and refined old skills while gaining some new ones. The class seemed thorough and well organized. I appreciate the structured and progressive approach to learning and skill-building as well as the high standards that GUE is known for. I would definitely recommend the class and instructor to anyone considering it.”
What you can expect to learn
Course outcomes include, but are not limited to: GUE equipment configuration and use, trim and buoyancy, propulsion techniques including backwards kick, valve management (the course can be done using a single tank or with a double tank configuration), gas sharing, and SMB deployment.
This course will supplement training that divers may have already received and will give them more confidence in their basic skills even if they do not desire to go on for more advanced training. The course also includes the theory and use of nitrox.
Who is it for?
The GUE Fundamentals course provides all divers with an opportunity to advance basic diving skills. It provides the non-GUE trained divers (divers who are already certified with another recognized diving agency) with a gateway into GUE training.
It is a prerequisite for all GUE courses (apart from entry-level courses, Drysuit and Doubles primers).
Course Equipment Requirements
Detailed required equipment can be found in Appendix A of GUE’s standards
The GUE base equipment configuration is comprised of:
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- Tanks/cylinders: students may use a single tank/cylinder with a K-, H-, or Y-valve. Students may also use dual tanks/cylinders connected with a dual-outlet isolator manifold, which allows for the use of two first-stages. Consult course specific standards and your instructor to verify size requirements.
- Regulators:
- Single tank: one second-stage regulator must supply a 5 to 7 foot/1.5 to 2 meter hose (2 meter long hose is required for all cave classes). The first stage must supply a pressure gauge, inflation for the buoyancy compensator (BC), and a means to inflate a drysuit where applicable.
- Double tank: one of two required first stages must supply a pressure gauge and provide inflation for a drysuit where applicable. The other second stage must supply a 5 to 7 foot/1.5 to 2 meter hose and an inflation source for the BC.
- Backplate system:
- Should be held to the diver by one continuous piece of webbing. This webbing should be adjustable and should use a buckle to secure the system at the waist.
- A crotch strap is attached and looped through the waistband so as to prevent the system from riding up a diver’s back.
- The continuous webbing should support five d-rings;
- The first placed at the left hip
- The second placed in line with a diver’s right collarbone
- The third placed in line with the diver’s left collarbone
- The fourth and fifth are placed on the front and back of the crotch strap where divers plan to use advanced equipment like DPVs.
- The harness below the diver’s arms has small restrictive bands to allow for the placement of reserve lights. The webbing and system retains a minimalist approach.
- Buoyancy compensation device (BC):
- A diver’s BC is back-mounted and minimalist in nature.
- It is free of extraneous strings, tabs, or other material.
- There are no restrictive bands or restrictive elastic affixed to the buoyancy cell.
- Wing size and shape is appropriate to the cylinder size(s) employed for training.
- At least one time/depth measuring device.
- Wrist-mounted compass.
- Mask and fins: Mask is be low-volume; fins are rigid, non-split
- At least one cutting device.
- Wet Notes
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- At least one surface marker buoy (SMB) with spool per diver.
- Exposure suit appropriate for the duration of exposure.
Course Prerequisites
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age.
- Be physically and mentally fit.
- Be a non-smoker.
- Be able to swim.
- Obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for use of prescription drugs, except for birth control, or for any medical condition that may pose a risk while diving.
- Be certified, at a minimum, as an autonomous entry-level scuba diver (or equivalent) from a recognized training agency.
- For a full list of course prerequisites, click here.
Get Started
To register for an upcoming Dive Addicts GUE Fundies course will require 2 steps:
Step 1: Apply on the GUE website (links for courses below) for your scheduled class, and pay the GUE Fundamentals registration fee. When the course registration is paid you will find your course materials as a downloadable ZIP archive from the Download Files option on your My Account menu (on the GUE website).
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- May 7th-10th 2025
Step 2: Pay the tuition for your training through the DA online store HERE
Step 3: Confirm with your instructor that they have received your registration and enrollment.
How long will this take?
The Fundamentals course is normally conducted over four days; it requires at least six dives and at least 30 hours of instruction and encompasses classroom time, land drills, and in-water work
How much are the learning materials?
$95.00
Take the Next Step
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