clustersixactual
New
I was certified to dive while in the army in Europe in 1974. I have been a Dive Master since 1992 and an Instructor since 1993. I am now a Assistant Instructor Trainer and help Course Directors teach DM's to be Iinstructors, among other things. I also live in Northern Va near SPLASH. I do not know the Hays but I have been in the shop.
I do want to say this to Jeff and some of those commenting:
1. You were not expecting too much in your training. Calm and collected can still be very rigorous. The Professional level dive training I got as a civilian was superb, with rigorous standards, and was as good as any of the military training I ever received. It was thorough, professional and non-regimented, but rigorous. If you had any doubt about quality you were right to complain. You had the right to demand and expect to receive the best.
2. Those who are not pro's don't understand the role of DM's many times, especially in training. They assume a boat DM on a day boat is in the same role as a DM working instruction. They may have similar qualifications, but the roles are far different. A good training DM is vital to the success of any instructor and the safety of the students, and need instruction and supervision at their level as well. That is how they grow.
3. There are several fine DM programs available in NO VA, as well as where you are now located. You can find them.
4. The best way to research this is by word of mouth. Talk to every good instructor you see and ask for references. Dive with instructors as a DM every chance you can to hone your skills. Before and after every dive discuss everything with your instructor. Try your best to assess the divers (at whatever level they are being trained at) for the signs of possible problems. Problem PREVENTION is the best mark of a good DM and instructor. Solve it before it happens. When I hear "Oh my god I had this dive from h..." from an instructor, I start to worry that the instructor was lackadaisical and "phoning it in". Yes, problems can and do happen, but a culture of safety and professionalism minimizes them. When we are diving with students, whether in a pool, pond or ocean, we are working as professionals and have a literal responsibility for life and death. The students probably will not see it, they will simply feel safe and have a good time. But we will KNOW it.
Also ask your instructor for feedback and a critique after every dive.
5. I heard and believe I read that David Hays was expelled from PADI after a death in May in Lake Rawlings just south of Richmond. I have been there. I have not researched this in depth so I cannot verify. This would be terrible if true, but it might reflect on some of your observations.
I do want to say this to Jeff and some of those commenting:
1. You were not expecting too much in your training. Calm and collected can still be very rigorous. The Professional level dive training I got as a civilian was superb, with rigorous standards, and was as good as any of the military training I ever received. It was thorough, professional and non-regimented, but rigorous. If you had any doubt about quality you were right to complain. You had the right to demand and expect to receive the best.
2. Those who are not pro's don't understand the role of DM's many times, especially in training. They assume a boat DM on a day boat is in the same role as a DM working instruction. They may have similar qualifications, but the roles are far different. A good training DM is vital to the success of any instructor and the safety of the students, and need instruction and supervision at their level as well. That is how they grow.
3. There are several fine DM programs available in NO VA, as well as where you are now located. You can find them.
4. The best way to research this is by word of mouth. Talk to every good instructor you see and ask for references. Dive with instructors as a DM every chance you can to hone your skills. Before and after every dive discuss everything with your instructor. Try your best to assess the divers (at whatever level they are being trained at) for the signs of possible problems. Problem PREVENTION is the best mark of a good DM and instructor. Solve it before it happens. When I hear "Oh my god I had this dive from h..." from an instructor, I start to worry that the instructor was lackadaisical and "phoning it in". Yes, problems can and do happen, but a culture of safety and professionalism minimizes them. When we are diving with students, whether in a pool, pond or ocean, we are working as professionals and have a literal responsibility for life and death. The students probably will not see it, they will simply feel safe and have a good time. But we will KNOW it.
Also ask your instructor for feedback and a critique after every dive.
5. I heard and believe I read that David Hays was expelled from PADI after a death in May in Lake Rawlings just south of Richmond. I have been there. I have not researched this in depth so I cannot verify. This would be terrible if true, but it might reflect on some of your observations.
Doubler:
I did in fact receive my DMC. I don't feel that I should have. The instruction was just too poor to produce a quality DM. With my background I feel I can accurately assess my own level of competency and I'm simply not confident of my training level. I will need some remedial training with a competent instructor prior to acting in a DM capacity.
TSandM:
I have never written an unfavorable review before, whether for a restaurant or anything else. However my review was based on my desire to save future divers and DMC's the trouble that I went through. There are other, more reputable dive shops to seek out their certification from. I'm also aware of three DM's and one instructor who has cut their ties with Splash.
Dr Dog:
Yes I am a professional instructor, but I'm also easily approchable and can adjust my teaching style to meet the needs of the students, whatever their rank or position. Splash isnot laid back, they are unprofessional and incompetent.
Jim:
Excellent post and you are absolutely correct. I went to several instructors to find out the point of the underwater gear swap and it was explained exactly as you say. And I admit, it makes a lot of sense and I understand the need for a DMC to be able to do it. I did my gear swap the first time through even though my 'instructor' informed me that I would fail the first several times because, "nobody ever passes this on their first time through". Thanks for the vote of confidence, coach.