A Plante
Registered
Ponder this, Almost 30 years ago when I joined diving it was more like joining a club, not everyone could do it or would do it. The rigors of the training pushed most away. The time, cost and commitment needed to join the culb was significant and considered a right of passage. Those of us who took up the challenge earned entry into this club, the cost was expensive by 70 standards,($185.00),the hours dedicated were numerous (usally took a month or longer to meet the requirements) and the standards were set pretty high, not everyone passed the first time around, they had to go to remediation, but when you passsed you accomplished something speical which bonded you to the sport. Yes, it was a basic open water but you learned (not mastered) most everything needed to dive with confidence and safety. Things like, naviagtion, emrgency procedures, swift current (drifting), Deep Diving, equipment operation, buddying, shore and boat operations, night diving, BC operations, (which was realatively new) weighting and other aspects were all part. Lots of swimming with and without gear, lots of classroom work, hot topics, discussions,and lesson learned. This was the path you took to be able to call yourself a sport scuba diver. Once you passed the course you were able to dive to the sport limit (130'), with confidence knowledge and safety. Albeit novices, we had a pretty good grasp on what was needed and by the time you had your card you already had 8-10 dives or more under your belt. My point is that basics are basics they should never change, Yes expand to encompass technology, new discoveries and such , but keep the rudimentary elements and high standards the same. When you retard those requirements in favor of economic pressure, convience and growth you retard your ability to be a safe and confident diver which is an injustice to the sport, raises the liability and will prompt unnecessary regulatory change. Weak Divers kill the sport. Look new school, old school this debate will endure, the issue is education, advanced or continuing is always good thing and sorely neeed with changing technology BUT only if it builds on an already strong base. I have observed several classes, read numerous boards posting, read advertisments and went to shops, I don't see a strong base being developed, all I see is a fast food approach. A debate has been, a strong demanding basic course would be time and cost prohibitive retricting growth, "too bad that is the right of passage in to this club" If the desire is there, then arrangemnts will be made for time and money, it has happend time and time again, $400.00 for an xbox or $600.00 for a good certifcation course your choice. Remember not everyone can SCUBA or should SCUBA