Dear Qnape,
might this leave instructors will little to no inspiration to pass the knowledge onto DMs who will remove the need for instructors from an economic perspective? And now that this bit of a gem is out in the open here on the internet what incentive is there for a prospective diver to learn from an instructor?
Not saying that well trained DMs can't do a good job passing on great and perhaps even life-saving experience / knowledge.
Well, in the present example, we are talking about learning about drift and current diving, not cave, cavern or dry suit. Tell me, how many drift diving specialty courses are completed in Cozumel each year? More than in other places I am sure because it is a "capital" of drift diving, but I'd be suprised if there is wide demand for the specialty (although I truly don't know so I could be in error). The cost for the specialty course would probably be about the same as the same number of dives with a private DM if you subtract the course materials and C-card processing (PADI's cut). Frankly, the result is the same if the divers taking the course or hiring a private DM successfully gain the skills and knowledge to dive in the area. Is the provision of a private DM really cutting into instructor's business? Maybe PADI's, a bit. We've all read about how some courses are more useful than others, and I am pretty sure that all the divers I know learned about boat diving, drift diving, and deep diving from other divers and DMs, not by getting the specialty C-card. Of course, many of the best DM's at Coz and elsewhere are actually instructors anyway.
That said, when I decided to go dive in the cenotes, I sought out a cavern
instructor, and the best one I could find. I didn't want the easiest course, I wanted the most comprehensive one. I wanted to spend some time in the caverns, not just get a taste. After deciding I wanted to spend time in the cenotes,
I then sought out the training. That was my original point for new divers or those new to an area / set of conditions. Whether it be from an instuctor or DM, seek guidance
or instruction when diving in conditions other than those in which you were certified. By doing so, you are taking responsibility for yourself as a diver.