I couldn't do it.

[o2 clean]

I went into class last night and told my instuctor that I needed to speak with him. Right away he pulled me away from the class with a concerned look across his face. I told him that I was thinking of leaving on my trip earlier, and...... right away he pulled out my reference papers for me.

That had me thinking two things right off the bat.

1) Does he read this board and knew I was going to ask for them?

2) Is the other class he was going to stick me in run by a different instructor?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Anyway, I took my final exam, passed the whole "class" section of my course, but I will be continuing my class with my "MUDDYFOX" and his PADI instructor out in the Marshall Islands. Poor me huh :mean:

I'm crossing my fingers that I will do a great job, so Muddyfox and I can explore the underwater world together! I just hope I don't chicken out :cluck:

 

[Paul168341]

That's actually good to hear, Bee. Put as many miles between you and that loser instructor that you can!
Good Luck!
I'm sure that in a better environment, you'll do just fine!

 

[TCDiver1]

Go easy on yourself, you won't chicken out. Most OW students have one major problem or other in class. Sounds like your headed to a good place to complete your training. Just take it slow and don't push yourself. Don't let any kind of peer or trip expectation pressure get you off track of relaxing and enjoying the experience. It's very easy to go to a cool place like your going and have the expectation that everything will go just right, eg: you finish OW training with no hitches. If doesn't, don't worry about it, go as far as your comfortable going, the rest usually takes care of itself.

I'll bet a chilly mind set will get you through OW training with flying colors. Best of luck & yes i'm jealous of where your going!!
;-0 Have a great trip!

 

[o2 clean]

I've been waiting for this trip for a LONG, LONG, LONG time, and I'm glad that it's just around the corner now.

I feel as though I will be more at ease learning there since I will have my boyfriend and the instructor in the pool, so it'll be sort of a "one on one" training. Both of them will tell me what I'm doing wrong, how to breathe properly, etc., which will set me down the right path. Besides, Muddyfox is always in the water, so he'll be happy!

From now until then, I am making many trips to the pool, re-reading my booklet, as well as the bathtub practices to get myself familiar.

 

[Roooter]

Good for you Bee!

being comfortable in the water, whether it's with your instructor or dive buddy, makes all the difference in the world. you've gotten some great advice here.
I think I'd still file a complaint with PADI...you don't know how many others may have been before you.
good luck with your diving...you WILL 'get it'. most of all, remember this is a fun sport. don't let anyone pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with.

 

[chiara]

Now that you have the guy out of your way, write a nice letter to PADI, you never know whose life you might save by signaling his (and his wife's, don't forget that as a Dive Master she's a pro, too) attitude and total lack of professionalism.

On the other hand, sometimes having your own boyfriend as a working helping hand in the course might not be the best of ideas.

I'm not saying he has no right to be there, but make sure that if for any reason you feel unease with him around to tell him so, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy diving together after you are certified.

 

[o2 clean]

PADI will be definately receiving a letter of some sort sooner or later. This is a serious/important class and you must take every part of it serious, rather than be distracted any way.

As for my boyfriend assisting me in my training, I couldn't feel more comfortable with that fact. He's very calm, and he will help assist me during my difficult tasks. I guess it all depends on who the boyfriend might be, but in my case I have nothing to worry about.

Thanks for your concern though.

 

[Diversauras]

PADI should get a copy of this whole thread, every commentor is a diver and therefore someone in whom PADI should have an interest. Since the public is behind you perhaps it will add weight to your complaint.

 

[exnewwavedivers]

Should a letter or email be sent to PADI, I seriously doubt if PADI will take sides on the issue of payment. This is solely between the dive center/instructor and the student.

The issue on divided attention while doing the pool session, on the other hand, will most likely be looked into by PADI. Let's see, I wouldn't mention money issue with PADI so they would not think the precursor is the issue of money.

As for referral, the instructor should do so. If a student has paid for a course already in full, and there were no prior agreement on such possibility, sometimes it results in disagreement on what is a fair amount to refund.

In our case, we usually classify the open water diver course into 14 sections. (5 academic, 5 confined, 4 dives) What we do is:

course fee / 14 * number of sections completed.

Referral is handed out at no additional expense.

As for the USD70 pool session, that is expensive, isn't it. Again, it goes back to having no prior agreement. In this case, a student is being charged more than what most other... maybe all other dive centers in the world, and having no choice, decided to take her business elsewhere. Not to mention, student having already lost faith in the instructor.

For more information, visit the PADI homepage and look for Quality Assurance.

 

[sea nmf]

Bee,

One of the concerns many professionals have with having a significant other "help" is that the person they are helping sometimes ends up relying on the helper too much. This can end up being a safety issue later on.

We don't know you or your boyfriend so we can only comment on what we have seen other people do. We cannot say that this would be the case with you two.

Really, just be sure that no matter who is helping you, you develop independence and self-reliance skills for diving. You may need to assist your buddy (boyfriend) one day.

And, I might add, you are one lucky gal to have a patient boyfriend.

Have fun! Let us know how it went when you return!

-becky