Hmmm - I can't speak for OTHER ops - but my decisions for younger divers are not based on what PADI says (or any of the various agencies), nor are my decisions "arbitrary". My decisions are based on many years of experience in this industry both as an Instructor AND as an operator who deals with this on a DAILY basis - from divers of ALL walks of life and of ALL skill levels - both real and perceived.
Policies are made based on real experiences and lowest common denominator. However, it has also been my experience and my practice to use discretion with Junior divers once Pedro and/or Arturo have actually evaluated them in the water and on the boat - not only for physical ability, but for emotional maturity (which is more important than the physical ability) AND how qualified the parents actually are. Does the kid listen to the briefing and follow the dive plan? Does he/she stay with the group? etc. Are the parents competent capable divers or are they new divers or reckless divers with over inflated EGO's and perception of "advanced" they really are.
I would also like to clarify for those of you who think that a private DM requirement is "arbitrary" or is another money making scheme - nothing is further from the truth. Even charging $55 for a private DM - that ONLY covers his/her tanks and wages for the 2-tank trip. It does not account for the space he/she is taking away from a paying diver. So it actually can cost us money - but it is a safety protocol that I strongly believe in and would rather have safe comfortable divers than a few extra bucks in the bank. This has been a policy I implemented and have maintained since I started my operation almost 15 years ago. Even those who were initially reluctant or even challenged me on this policy have thanked me in the end for it. It not only improves the experience of the new/nervous/junior diver - it improves the experience of the other divers on board.
EDIT: I just wanted to add this. I am a PADI Instructor (retired from teaching) and was once an SSI Instructor (chose to let that one go). Some seem to think that PADI is the end all be all and makes the "rules" for diving. For the record, PADI is NOT the only game in town NOR do they make the rules. "Standards" as they are referred to apply only to student divers 99% of the time unless you are an exclusive PADI shop - which again, I choose not to be. Once you are a certified diver, the golden rule of "you are ultimately responsible for yourself" applies. You can do whatever you want theoretically. There are no depth limits, or restrictions on where you can and can't dive, you don't have to have a "Night Diver" certification to dive at night, etc. etc. However, if you want to enjoy full diving privileges under someone else's liability, then you follow their policies and procedures - simple as that.
Jayfarmlaw - Thank you - I have 2 boats - not as many as Aldora but we have two - I open up the second boat only when needed - we also run afternoon boats quite often
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