Jungho Kim
Contributor
Thanks all for the comments and lively debate... Lot to think about... cheers.
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This is based... on my experience as someone still quite new to diving and different diving configurations. Not too long ago, 1 1/2 yrs, I was an open water student myself and I would have been confused with different equipment configurations...
Unless PADI decides to lengthen the duration of the OW class, which frankly already is quite short...
A lot of information is packed into a short time in a PADI OW class...
As I've said: I've taught hundreds of students to dive whilst wearing a BP&W. There's never been any confusion.
How do you know that? You've not experienced being taught in that way, so you're making assumptions on a hypothetical situation.
As I've said: I've taught hundreds of students to dive whilst wearing a BP&W. There's never been any confusion.
Is there a way I can explain that real-life experience, as an instructor, any clearer?
Think about what it means to 'teach hundreds of students'. That's quite a large and relevant sample base... and quite a lot of experience.
You did ask the question here. You were given answers, supported by real-life instructor experience.
If you weren't prepared to accept those answers... and want to refute those experiences.... why bother asking in the first place?
I can't help but think you're underestimating the ability of an instructor to convey knowledge... and/or underestimate the ability of a student to absorb that knowledge. Open Water is a pretty simplistic course and there's plenty of scope to exceed the bare minimum requirements of that course for the student's benefit.
You mentioned earlier a perception that the OW course was generally viewed as insufficient "based upon the skill levels of many OW students". And yet, you view 'giving students less' as a solution to this?
You've also stated another inaccurate presumption several times:
Why assume that the course is short? PADI provide a minimum course requirement. There's no limit imposed in respect of time, dives or practice on the course. An instructor has all the time in the world to teach to their own satisfaction and ensure student competence in the pre-designated structure of skills.
IF an instructor/dive operation decide to impose duration/practice limitations on that course, then they do so at their own behest, for their own reasons. I'd suggest profitability and turnover are primary reasons for this.
This highlight a critical variation in perspective... that any potential dive pro should be aware of.
(1) Some instructors/operations provide the minimum required training, fulfilling the minimum standards for certification. 5 confined sessions/4 open water dives - and do the best you can within that strict framework. Nothing more, nothing less. Students pay for x confined session and y open water dives. Everything has to be fitted within that. If it can't be, then it is disregarded, providing the minimum agency requirements are met.
(2) Some instructors/operations provide the necessary training for a student to become a safe and confident scuba diver. Whilst the minimum requirements are always achieved, they will normally go beyond them to achieve a desired end-state in physical and psychological performance. Students pay to become competent scuba divers. Nothing is disregarded. There is no strict structure that limits that development.
So, what does a student pay for?
To become a safe, confident diver?.... or to be provided with the minimum feasible training to satisfy a pre-set and absolutely minimal structure of training, as designated by the agency?
Results orientated or provision orientated? What should dictate how we provide scuba tuition?
Are you seriously suggesting a Knighthawk is that different from a Jacket style BC from the perspective of a new student? The releases are very similar to many jacket style BCs.... e.g. quick-release, cumberbund etc... Whereas a BP&W is quite different... How would the instructor demonstrate skills such as taking your BC on and off at the surface and underwater when the releases are so different? Sure I suppose it can be done but why? A lot of information is packed into a short time in a PADI OW class and perhaps helping the student learn the basics first is the way to go... Then make them aware of different equipment configurations and the benefits of each as they progress...
I was made aware of different BC styles by my instructor when I got my OW... He encouraged me to try different styles while also giving me input into why he dives a BP&W and also a back inflate BC, the LDS happened to have a pool right in the same premises so that is exactly what I did and I have been happy with my choices...
A effective way of teaching is through demonstration... How would you demonstrate the skills effectively when you configuration is so different? Even if you could, why would you add that extra complexity? Isn't DIR all about simplicity and doing the right thing in a given context?