Question Agency vs instructor selection (Netherlands)

[tursiops]

So PADI is just the same as GUE?

You are trolling. The point is to pick the instructor, not the agency.

 

[BoltSnap]

You are trolling. The point is to pick the instructor, not the agency.

No, I am not. Agency makes the difference with its standards, instructor training, quality of training material, etc. The two go hand in hand.

 

[tursiops]

No, I am not. Agency makes the difference with its standards, instructor training, quality of training material, etc. The two go hand in hand.

So you are suggesting it is impossible for a PADI instructor to be any good, and it is impossible for a GUE instructor to have any flaws? I hope not. I hope what you mean is that instructors from both agencies are described by a bell curve, and the peaks are not in the same place. Right? Which is exactly why you choose the instructor...so you don't get stuck with one from the wrong tail of the distribution.

 

[BoltSnap]

So you are suggesting it is impossible for a PADI instructor to be any good, and it is impossible for a GUE instructor to have any flaws? I hope not. I hope what you mean is that instructors from both agencies are described by a bell curve, and the peaks are not in the same place. Right? Which is exactly why you choose the instructor...so you get stuck with one fr I m the wrong tail of the distribution.

No, GUE standards are VASTLY more stringent and rigors than PADI's in every aspect. This doesn't say that one is better than the other, they are just different in how strict and comprehensive, etc. from each other.

 

[Wibble]

So PADI is just the same as GUE?

I'm going to guess that there are some PADI technical instructors who know what they're doing.

But yes, of course you're right. GUE Fundimentals has a deservedly great reputation as being in a way higher standard than any other (mainstream) agency.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I'm going to guess that there are some PADI technical instructors who know what they're doing.

But yes, of course you're right. GUE Fundimentals has a deservedly great reputation as being in a way higher standard than any other (mainstream) agency.

I took a sidemount course with a PADI instructor, and it was the best mainstream agency con ed course I ever took.

But he was both GUE and cave trained. He added A LOT to the course.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I am looking into specialty training, sidemount diving in this specific case. In my area (Netherlands, Belgium), I have access to SSI, TDI, and PADI courses (both 'recreational' 2-dive courses and Extended Range 4-dive courses). Is there any of these agencies that - because of their approach t this specific type of diving - I should avoid or definitely check out?

OR should I be seeking out a good instructor, whatever the agency is under which (s)he is teaching? Bear in mind that here in the Netherlands, it's not very common or easy to find informed reviews on individual trainers (of dive schools, for that matter)...

To my Dutch/Begian friends: any recommendations?

have you thought about ISE? While I don't like their social media presence, they do have some good instructors. Not sure if they still push the Toddy system though.

 

[tursiops]

No, GUE standards are VASTLY more stringent and rigors than PADI's in every aspect. This doesn't say that one is better than the other, they are just different in how strict and comprehensive, etc. from each other.

Gosh, I thought we were discussing whether you chose the instructor or the agency. So you are choosing the agency. OK. I'm surprised. Maybe you are conflating the odds of getting a good instructor if you randomly choose one from agency A or agency B. But, that is not the question on the table.

 

[BoltSnap]

Gosh, I thought we were discussing whether you chose the instructor or the agency. So you are choosing the agency. OK. I'm surprised. Maybe you are conflating the odds of getting a good instructor if you randomly choose one from agency A or agency B. But, that is not the question on the table.

Read what I said in its entirety, they go hand in hand. I look at the agency AND instructor. The agency creates the instructor and sets the standards, the instructor builds on the standards. If the standards are crab, the instructor will be building on crab.

 

[tursiops]

Read what I said in its entirety, they go hand in hand. I look at the agency AND instructor. The agency creates the instructor and sets the standards, the instructor builds on the standards. If the standards are crab, the instructor will be building on crab.

LOL. I can't even find the goalposts anymore.