Diver 858, we haven't book our dates yet but that's the timeframe we're looking at being in Kona and I'd be interested in giving DPV a try.
That said, I've never used one. Is it the case that once you've got the cert (presumably from them which would serve as their check-out of your skills), they'd let you rent them without the guide or is it that you always need a guide and/or charter to rent their DPVs?
Here's what their site says "With a little classroom instruction one afternoon followed by a 2 tank morning charter, you will learn to scoot around safely. Once you obtain the specialty you can rent the DPV and scoot around on your next charter! "
I simply emailed Jack's, there was no mention of the course as a prerequisite. Same for scooter dives with 3 different outfits on Maui over several years.
It is one thing to tool around on a scooter, entirely another to take full advantage of its capabilities to find unique experiences. For me, I am interested in the latter (like the image in Aquanomad's post), see little value in renting a scooter without a knowledgeable, experienced guide.
I have no formal training, quick briefing prior to the dive has been more than enough for me. There are some safety considerations, particularly if diving relatively deep - important to watch your depth, do not go up or down too quickly. With that said: my wife did not get it on her first attempt, ended up in a circle, decided to bail, I went out alone with the guide. Like anything else, there are benefits in gaining knowledge and proficiency, would not discourage anyone from first taking the course.
Most of our recent dives on the Big Island have been with
KDC, we have also had a great night shore dive experience with
http://www.divingbellscuba.com, Chad is interested in acting as a guide, trying to help locate scooters. I have not yet asked KDC if they are able, willing to make any such arrangements.