Have training standards "slipped"?

[SpencerJackson]

Actually, they don't. That's merely one option. You can snorkel 300 yds if you can swim and stay within PADI standards requirements.

No kidding...but I was replying to a post that his class only required a 50 yd swim...they also require you to have a snorkel, but we aren't talking about that either.

 

[Azza]

Hey Azza, we are heading to the Land of the Long White Cloud next year.... If you can talk Walter out of them, we can bring them to you.

I'm sure there still under copy write protection

-s

That would be great if he is ok with that but then something like them are pretty historic and I would certainly be worried about damaging them. Photocopies would be better?

How about coming for a dive as well? We have some nice dives sites here

 

[Thalassamania]

Well, I for one, doubt that training standards have slipped that much. I was (first) trained in 1968-1969, and the standards, for my class, were pretty low. The other divers I dove with had similar training.

The class was 3 evenings and two shallow beach dives. First evening was all classroom, covering equiptment, procedures, and tables. The remaining 2 classes were half hour in the class and two hours in the pool. We did basic stuff buddy breathing and so on the first night, and doff and don the second. That was it.

There was no coverage of bouyency issues (of course there were no BCs either, just horse collar vests with manual inflation), no safe seconds, or SPGs. We used J valves, with a 600 lb reserve, and acended when we went on reserve. No discussion of buddy checks, rescue, boat diving, repetive diving, safety stops....

The two ocean dives were similarly lame. First was off shore about 100 ft in 20 ft of water. Instructor got buddy pairs kneeling in the sand, then knocked our masks off and we buddy breathed to the surface. Second was a group dive, led by the instructor, to about 45 ft. That was it.

Later i was told that this class was better than most.. most instructors, it was said, did not do doff and don and let you keep your mask on durring the buddy ascent.

I don't doubt what you are saying, but as far as I know the course that you describe did not meet the standards of any major agency back then.

Pete, at least have the common courtesy to stop putting words in others mouths, we're completely capable of expressing our own opinions without your gratuitous, bizarre, hyperbole.

Believe it or not I have no problem with a well conducted resort course. I was part of the group that was asked to test the concept for then NAUI National Training Director Walt Hendricks Sr. I tested it on a broad range of people, including our University's President and his wife (she went on to take the 100 hour course and do active research, he did not). I recommended to Walt that the course be further developed and put out in the field. With great care and attention to a participant's ears I think it can be great fun for all involved.

 

[The Chairman]

Pete, at least have the common courtesy to stop putting words in others mouths, we're completely capable of expressing our own opinions without your gratuitous, bizarre, hyperbole.

I have done nothing of the sort. However, when you choose to criticise blindly, don't be surprised that you also are the subject of a critique. We call that Karma.

 

[Azza]

I guess what Netdoc is trying to point out...
How many of your 4000 or so posts has a positive vibe to it?
Some of us do enjoy diving...

 

[Mako Mark]

The regulations that govern us are those developed by some of the most knowledgeable and influential individuals in diving without market consideration, they are a consensus of the community, not a choice of a customer.

Yes they are! The experts just attempt to marry the customers wants with what is safe.

The clients say I dont have five days to learn to take a dive course, teh industry accomodates them by splitting courses into smaller more manageable sections and introducing concepts like self study.

I've probably posted hundreds of pagfes on this board outlining this in detail.
.

err, more like 12,500

The real issue that Mike has with the training agencies is the Holy Grail he calls "Neutral Buoyancy". .

And the antichrist.. Kneeling :no

And as Mike says again and again, diving isn't (or shouldn't be) conducted on your knees, or your feet. .

This is true if you dive in muckpuddles in Iowa,

OTOH I think there is nothing wrong with finding a sandy patch on a pretty coral reef, sitting down and watching the underwater world go by or practice some skills. Who says you have to swim around or hover all the time?

Except Mike!

 

[SNorman]

Actually, they don't. That's merely one option. You can snorkel 300 yds if you can swim and stay within PADI standards requirements.

Walter, I know you constantly try to push the idea that PADI has "no swim requirement" and you are only correct in the strictest definition of the term.

I actually know right now, no BS, THREE people who cannot swim. At all. One of them wants to take a SCUBA class, and she will be taking a PADI class. When I told her about the PADI requirements she said "Oh goody, I don't have to swim!"

NOT! LOL... she says "10 MINUTE TREAD???? WTFOMGBQQ??!!" So, I recommended a swimming class for her before taking SCUBA. Toss her in the deep end now and she'll sit at the bottom until you go get her.

The other two also sink like rocks, because see, they can't swim. 10 minute tread? LOL!!!! I have yet to see someone who can float on the water but sink when they try to move.

Actually I have a good idea, I am going to tell each one I am going to throw them in the deep end of the pool and come get them after 10 minutes, and take a picture of their faces and post them for ya!

 

[TheRedHead]

I think everyone should be required to do an 800 yard power swim. If a middle aged woman like me can do it, anyone can do it. No swimming, no diving, IMO. :shakehead

 

[Mako Mark]

I think time is more important than distance or speed really.

 

[TheRedHead]

I think time is more important than distance or speed really.

How so? Timed swim?