Do any agency still have a theory discussion?

[Andypilot101]

I was wondering with the onset of online theory. Do any of the agency’s still require a classroom element to the theory?
I remember back in the day we read the book and then spent time with the instructor going over the theory as a class. Ensuring understanding.
Do any agency’s still mandate a face to face discussion or once the online exams done is it just in water with an instructor?

 

[steinbil]

GUE emphasizes the academic part of instruction at any level, as far as I know. All the classes I have taken have had required reading materials before class starts, additional recommended reading materials, classroom lectures with discussions, written exam with review and discussion of any mistakes/misunderstandings.

The GUE standards for the Open Water class mandates "at least forty hours of instruction, encompassing lectures, land drills, and in-water work", so while it doesn't specifically state how much of the instruction should be in the classroom, it is mentioned as a required part of training, and that also mirrors my experience with GUE classes.

Here are the academic topics from the standards for the recreational Open Water class:

3.1.3.6 Academic Topics
a. Introduction: GUE organization and course overview (objectives, limits, training
requirements)
b. Diving physics supporting knowledge and ability to safely manage:
i. Breathing underwater
ii. Equalization and avoidance of barotraumas including DCI
iii. Buoyancy, trim, and balance; ascending, descending, and underwater propulsion
c. Physical and mental stress while diving
d. Scuba diving equipment overview and operation
e. Breathing gas dynamics
f. Decompression theory, including decompression sickness (DCS, AGE)
g. Planning, including gas management, dive preparation, and pre-dive evaluation
h. Nitrox diving and importance of gas analysis
i. Team diving and underwater communication
j. Environmental considerations while diving
k. Conservation-minded diving techniques