Getting Certified - Instructor Question

[Day-By-Day]

First, good morning everyone (at least it is at the time of this posting...am I getting hooked...yep!)

I posted my first thread last night and was pleasantly surprised how many wonderful, funny and informative responses I received already....so here is another question, a bit on the serious side.

I am dating an experienced tech diver whose handle is "MEMpilot" (I'm told some of you may know him...if you like him great; if not, don't hold it against me...lol!)

Anyway, as I've mentioned I'm in the beginning stages of getting certified (working through the PADI on line lessons and tests), will do my closed water certification in April in Atlanta and my open water certification in May/June at Blue Ghrotto. I also have my first "big" dive trip to Bonaire in Sept. already booked.

MEMpilot as well as his bestfriend Padipro (also an accomplished diver and x-instructor himself) have both questioned the advisability of having an instructor who is also your close friend. At first my initial reaction was that "I would use no one else" and would assume that at the time of certification that we would "put the friendship" aside and become "instructor and student." MEMpilot and Padipro have both said you don't train your own family or friends. Regardless of my relationshipwith MEMpilot & Padipro I know they both want me to get the most out of my classes and are only looking out for my well being.....what do you guys out there think?

 

[El Orans]

Yes, I've heard of them. just kidding

And I agree with them. Get certified with another instructor.

BTW,
:admingreet:
Welcome (Scub)aBoard!

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I also agree with MEMpilot and Padipro.

I'm a former PADI instructor.

My opinion is that you would likely do better with a different well-qualified instructor whom you trust and can relate well with.

(It isn't only scuba. Many (prudent) men would not teach their wives/significant others competitive shooting, motorcycle driving, skiing, or any other activity of a similar ilk.)

We can refine things together afterwards, but my wife learns differently than I teach - and the same appears to hold true for your boyfriend.

In this particular situation, I'd listen to what he had to say and think about it.

Regards, and welcome to ScubaBoard.

Doc

 

[Walter]

It depends on your personalities. Some friendships can handle a teacher/student relationship, some cannot. If there's any doubt in your mind or the mind of your friend, I'd agree it's best to look for another instructor. If you feel comfortable and your friend is as well, it shouldn't be an issue. A more important consideration is the quality of instruction you will receive. I wouldn't recommend a friend just because he's a friend, nor would I give up a good instructor just because he is a friend. Good instructors are very hard to find. If you are still looking for an instructor, you might ask questions.

In Atlanta, I'd recommend Ken Nemeth. In SE Florida, I recommend MB Both are very experienced and both teach excellent classes.

 

[Trixxie]

I think it's up to each instructor. If they don't feel that they could be objective with a close friend/family member, then by all means, refer them to another instructor that they know and that will ensure proper instruction. (this is key!)

I don't think I would have a problem teaching a close friend or family member as long as they followed my directions to the letter.

 

[Colliam7]

If there's any doubt in your mind or the mind of your friend, I'd agree it's best to look for another instructor. If you feel comfortable and your friend is as well, it shouldn't be an issue. A more important consideration is the quality of instruction you will receive. I wouldn't recommend a friend just because he's a friend, nor would I give up a good instructor just because he is a friend.

I fully agree with Walter on this one. Don't rule it in or out just because the instructor is a friend. I have friends who are instructors, and I have even assisted them in classes, but wouldn't take any classes from them nor have my family members do so, because I don't think they go into enough depth. I have other friends with whom I have done a lot of training, and feel it was beneficial - good communication was already established, but we could still put on our instructor and student 'coats' when needed. You also mention doing confined water in Atlanta, and OW checkouts in FL If this is being done because of your location, great. If it is because your instructor friend is in Atlanta, and will travel to FL to do the checkouts, I have to wonder about the convenience. Not at all trying to pry, just wondering.

 

[Day-By-Day]

My instructor lives in the Carolinas and has a close friend who "opens his pool up for certifications" (they've been doing this for a while), the Blue Ghrotto near Gainsville, FL is where he does his open water certifications. I really didn't question him on the certification locations and as I'm from South Florida it won't be convenient, but I just thought I would go where he told me to. We've been friends for almost 12 years and he's been diving forever and keeps telling me that those people who dive with his students always come back and comment how well trained they were and I guess that was good enough for me. MEMpilot and Padipro didn't really want to say anything to me and to come between me and a good friend, but in the end felt compelled to have me "think about it"

 

[Walter]

Bottom line -- it is your choice. Choose wisely.

 

[tedwhiteva]

Bottom line -- it is your choice. Choose wisely.

What Walter said is the bottom line. That said, here is a possible compromise:

Have MEM or PADIpro recommend a good, local instructor for the confined water closer to where you live, and then do the OW with your friend at Blue Grotto.

 

[ReefHound]

I would be concerned about the introduction of bias. No matter how hard we try, it is difficult to be objective with a good friend. Would he, for instance, be willing to fail you if you did not perform a skill adequately?

I would also be concerned about an instructor who keeps telling me how good he is and how his students get raves on how well trained they were. In my experience, really good instructors seldom honk their own horn because they have enough other people doing that for them.