Agency bashing... what is it and why we don't allow it.

[Wookie]

Not for free, for "exposure." Like how people always think photographers and web designers will be happy to work for exposure.

And dive boats. "But this free (for them) trip will be great for your exposure"

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Wont be selling that widget for very long.

Not if you market it properly. Doesn't McDonalds advertise their products as tasty? Compared to a gourmet burger, it isn't close.

Now an agency can claim to have the "highest standards in the industry" which gives me a good laugh. I think that claim goes to a DIR agency, not a WRSTC one.

Not for free, for "exposure." Like how people always think photographers and web designers will be happy to work for exposure.

As a former photographer on the side, don't get me started on that one.

And dive boats. "But this free (for them) trip will be great for your exposure"

Yeah, I laugh at these so called influencers trying to get free stuff from different businesses. Get a real job people.

 

[RainPilot]

And dive boats. "But this free (for them) trip will be great for your exposure"

I told you I'd bring a 2x4 of lumber and a 6-pack of toilet paper, that should have covered the whole trip for everyone....

 

[Searcaigh]

Even if I sometimes get really, really fed up with how PADI seems to treat their students as half-morons.

Well let's be clear, some of them are.

Me and many others probably laugh at the idea of doing a "Boat Diver" course, but my boat trip yesterday proved that most people haven't a clue on diving from boats in particular boat "etiquette" as I tried to avoid tripping over gear that was randomly abandoned around the deck.

 

[tursiops]

Well let's be clear, some of them are.

Me and many others probably laugh at the idea of doing a "Boat Diver" course, but my boat trip yesterday proved that most people haven't a clue on diving from boats in particular boat "etiquette" as I tried to avoid tripping over gear that was randomly abandoned around the deck.

^^THIS^^

People love to make fun of PADI's Boat Diver specialty, as part of the not-allowed PADI-bashing.
But most have never seen the actual material in the specialty. Attached are the Learning Objectives to be covered in the course.

The Performance Requirements for the two dives in the specialty are minimal; the guts of the course are the contents of the learning material. If an instructor does NOT cover that material, then the student has a right to complain. Unless, of course, the student is not actually trying to learn something and just wants the card as an entitlement.

 

[The Chairman]

The next logical question, which no one has asked, is what to do if/when you encounter someone bashing an agency?

DON'T accuse them of agency bashing in the thread...

Report the post, instead!​

Mods will review the thread with an even head.

You will avoid continuing the silt out.
You will avoid hurting anyone's feelings.
Mods earn their salary by reviewing these threads...​

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

The next logical question, which no one has asked, is what to do if/when you encounter someone bashing an agency?

I have many times. If they are PADI bashing I simply challenge them to show me in the standards where things are subpar. It can't be done because the standards are fine.

Once they talk about a particular diver or instructor I point out where they apparently did not adhere to standards.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I have many times. If they are PADI bashing I simply challenge them to show me in the standards where things are subpar. It can't be done because the standards are fine.

Once they talk about a particular diver or instructor I point out where they apparently did not adhere to standards.

Here we go. I personally like to ease open water students to scuba by first getting them to do skin diving skills, so they first get accustomed to fins/finning, mask, snorkel, and equalizing. But per PADI standards, this can be done starting in CW2 or later. Not really subpar as suboptimal. The way to get around this is to give a "free" skin diving course after the swim/float tests. But to have to jump through any hoops is just silly.

I'd actually love for someone to explain to me logically why this limitation is in place.

I have more, but I'll just start with that to see where this goes.

 

[undrwater]

Mods earn their salary by reviewing these threads...

Give 'em a raise!

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Give 'em a raise!

Maybe increase their salary by 10x?