I cannot help but compare what that listed course entails. I know the PADI standards have really minimalized the DM course, but 12 hours of class time and theory, 4 pools sessions, and 4 sea dives, is just in my opinion, ridiulous, to train a professional.
My course, I just looked up my file, had 40 hours of theory - we covered the standards and then learned full equipment technician work- all types of gear and brands- from maintainance to troubleshooting. We went back over all calculations for gas, management, nitrox, mixing...... We covered much much more and actually had discussion, debate, adn theory that was interactive....
We then spent 6 pool sessions working on all types of skills beyond the basics, troubleshooting class sessions, demonstrating skills, problem solving...
Then we had to sit through the pool sessions start to finish of 2 OW, Adv, and Rescue courses, with two different instructors.
Then came the sea 4 dives for us and our skills and tasks, then came DMC'ing those courses we sat through. Then we had to DMC the recreational boats. All summer.
We dove, and dove, and dove. And boy, we learned. It took time and energy and was worth it.
Granted, my instructor covered everything in standards, but then they went far beyond the limits. They charged according to all the extra they put into the program. We could certainly have made DM without it all, but I was grateful for their extra work. I think it made me a much better DM than others. II also racked up almost 100 dives that Spring and Summer on their boats. Priceless experience and all those free dives.........
I think, upon reflection, that the training I got was worth every single penny.
