Attitude

[queentrigger]

Maybe I am missing the point here, but I dont quite understand why all the fuss in comparing courses between dive organisations. As we all know, all standards are as per RSTC minimal requirements. RSTC really represents the needs of the dive organisations. I would also not under-rate the need for a 'good' instructor for any level of certification. In my opinion the OW instructor is the most important. He/she sets the tone not just for your basic skills but your whole attitude towards diving.

What I do not understand is the fixation on getting higher certification. It helps you become a better diver, but too much emphasis is put onto it. I have dived with well organised and trained OW Divers. I have also dived with instructors and divers you have competent skills (that meet the standards) but dont make smart decisions while diving.

A newly certified diver should stop worrying if they should wait 5 dives or 25 dives before going for AOW. Some divers need less dives before getting confortable and some need more.

In my opinion, a newly train diver should undertake a conscious effort to improve on the skills they were introduced to during OW course. Before every dive, the diver should set some targets to improve. It could include
- gearing up quickly before boat exit
- descend quickly instead of bobbing at the surface
- be more aware of environment/buddy/DM/gauges
- practice skills mask clearing while swimming etc
- work on reducing weights by improving bouyancy control and comfort level
- control ascend/safety stop, and not just popping up anywhere and blowing a balloon
- organising equipment as soon as diver is on boat.
- think of other divers

 

[Walter]

Yes, you are.

 

[theskull]

I agree completely.

On the other hand, many people will feel more comfortable moving toward those goals you suggest while under the supervision of an instructor. Therefore-AOW.



theskull

 

[DandyDon]

Plus: Practice, practice, practice - along with study and instruction.

don

 

[Bob3]

Plus: Practice, practice, practice ...

A guy can do all the book learning on bicycle riding but not really know how to do it 'till he hops on one & "Practice, practice, practice".

 

[DA Aquamaster]

An AOW card, or any other advanced certification is nice to have but is not sufficient to make the holder a good diver. That comes with experience and maturity. Some divers in my opinion to get way to concerned with what's in their wallet.

 

[MikeFerrara]

DA Aquamaster once bubbled...
An AOW card, or any other advanced certification is nice to have but is not sufficient to make the holder a good diver. That comes with experience and maturity. Some divers in my opinion to get way to concerned with what's in their wallet.

The reason a card doesn't mean anything is because the standards are eseless and people get cards for staying awake for the class.

If I had my way I'd shut down the RSTC. They represent the marketing needs of the agencies only.

 

[wetvet]

The greatest reason for taking further courses is to learn from others experience. To paraphrase a proverb...."a smart man learns from his mistakes, while a wise man learns from others mistakes". As someone who taught themselves guitar, I can vouch for the fact that instruction will speed up the process. I can't tell you how many times I've had to "unlearn" something once I progressed to a higher level and the way I was doing it wasn't good enough anymore.
The same holds true in diving....a good instructor should teach you something.....hopefully something that wasn't in the book. I agree that the card itself is worthless, but the process of getting the card shouldn't be.

Wetvet

 

[jeadiver]

Its not jsut the standard, or just the instructor, or just the course, or just the any one thing, its the whole experience. The objective for AOW and higher is to learn the new skills so that you can have the oportunity to practice. It allows you to push the envelope of your own experience and training more safely than if you were out there trying new skills in new environments on your own. You will still need to practice the skill in the new environment to become truly comfortable and competent. The only thing I would caution folks to do is to make sure the skills taught in the courses match the type of environemnt you are going to be diving in.

Joe.

 

[Genesis]

The reason a card doesn't mean anything is because the standards are eseless and people get cards for staying awake for the class.

If I had my way I'd shut down the RSTC. They represent the marketing needs of the agencies only.

We have a winner!