Instructors as role models

[Diver Dennis]

I agree that you have to maintain a responsible attitude, especially if other divers know you are an instructor. The bounce dive thing was an excellent example of how not to behave. Going out for a few beers on holiday? Not so bad in my opinion. Good question Lynne, I'm looking forward to hear some opinions.

Equipment or pre-dive check mocking is just stupid. If someone's equipment might pose a danger, then help them out and get them set up properly.

I wonder if a lot of instructors let the dive op know they have that level of certification on trips? Would there be an insurance issue? Would they have other divers relying on them too much and would they mind that responsibility?

 

[jeckyll]

I dive with some instructors from my LDS 'socially' and don't expect them nor want them to act like 'role-models'. I would expect them to be safe and competent buddies. I'm sure for some that for some that would mean role model, but I would not expect those people to think "I need to act like a role model".

Edit: That made more sense in my mind than when I typed it out

 

[do it easy]

In your specific example, I think the instructor's behavior was unprofessional. If you want to do a pre-dive safety check to increase your safety, that is your business.

In general, I think there is certainly a fine line between personal choice and professional responsibility. Certainly, if acting as an instructor or a dive professional, all the rules apply. But if diving on their own and only risking their own neck, then I think they should be left alone. Bragging about it is unprofessional, but doing it is their choice. If their buddies are making an INFORMED decision to dive with them, that is also their choice.

I think the recent tragedy in Puget Sound is an extreme example, but I'm not sure all the buddies were making an INFORMED choice.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

When I'm around students, customers, or possible students or customers I'm careful to not act in ways that would cast a negative light on me, the shop, my instructor, or agency. Now some may question my license plate ("SOLO DVR") but if it comes up I'm familiar with my agency's position and can explain it and my choices. My behavior on the other hand is a different matter. I rarely swear around people I do not know, women, kids, or my elders( unless they start it. I'm 46). I keep my gear in top condition, always do predive checks, and make sure that if around students or newbies to do them slowly and methodically. Alone or with regualar buddies I may go a little faster but still do the same checks. It's like doing a skill. If I'm clearing my mask it takes a second. If demoing it it takes a little longer and the movements are more exaggerated and deliberate. If diving with one of my regualar buddies for fun the language, and humor may be a bit or alot coarser depending on the situation. I would never deride or degrade a student or new diver publicly. I have pulled them aside and suggested things and have even flat out told them that what they are doing is dangerous, not smart, or needs to be changed or modified but never in front of a group. Any pro who does this IMO is a clod.

 

[PfcAJ]

People who criticize others for doing the right thing are immature.

I try to set a positive example whenever I dive, be it at a pool, cave, or open water. I try to be respectful, tidy, and I help out when I can. I don't argue philosophy on diving (I've diffused a potentially volatile coversation once or twice), but I will answer questions when asked.

I do not teach, but I believe that divers should behave in a manner that is not respectful to others, regardless if they are instructors or "just another diver".

 

[grazie42]

Some instructors are instructors 24/7 others are clear when they´re wearing their "instructor hat" and when not. Both of which is ok, IMV. Those who take of their "instructor hat" and make it clear that a particular instance is about "do as I say, not as I do" are fine, IMV. Instructors deserve to and should be able to do "fun dives" just like everyone else, otherwise someone should be paying them for their efforts.

The people that´d bother me are those who walk on a boat and tell their OW-instabuddy with 5 dives that "I´m an instructor so don´t worry son, lets hit 150ft and se whats there, just wave at me if you run out of air"...Deriding/degrading anyone is never ok, regardless of your qualification (specially not when they´re "doing it right" and you´re too lazy to do so yourself).

 

[GlazierB]

Everybody is their own person... If those people who did the bounce did it under their own discretion... The instructor wasn't responsible for them... They can only look at themselves for their dumb decisions and be happy that someone who has some training to rescue them was along with them.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Yes, I uphold standards no matter who I'm diving with, or in what capacity...to a certain extent. I don't do what you described. I would never mock anyone. But I also don't necessarily do a text book buddy check for recreational dives. My wife and I have done lots of dives together and the routine has become more of a silent one. For technical dives, we still do the verbal predive check. I also don't have a problem doing solo dives in front of other divers, but they are done in a safe manner and a safe environment. And anyone who wants to discuss the pros and cons of solo or tech diving is more than welcome to ask. I will openly discuss these things and hopefully teach them something, even if it's to keep an open mind about diving because what's taboo for someone might not be for everyone.

 

[riguerin]

Well, the thread came up as a result of the instructor who accompanied a group of divers without any advanced training on a bounce dive to 200 feet.

The instructor we were unhappy with had mocked us for doing a pre-dive equipment check, and had boasted of falsifying information on a dive log required by the ship.

All of these are behaviors I think are unprofessional. I'm sure people can come up with more. But I guess I'm getting at instructors who demonstrate behaviors when not teaching that they would find unacceptable if shown by their students.

Well Lynn, that certainly does sound like a good case of setting a poor example. However, without knowing more about all the individuals involved, and there actual dive experience, it's difficult for me to pass judgment on the people involved.

I'm not sure what your motivations are for starting this thread ... other than to spark some lively discussion. However, the door does swing both ways

For example, there was a recent incident here at the Casino Point UW Park that would also qualify as setting a poor example for less experienced divers. In fact, it was very well publicized , in graphic detail, here on SB. It involved a group a highly respected local GUE trained divers who took off their fins and starting tromping all over the bottom ... jumping off the dive platform. Some are even active members of the local Reef Check chapter.

As the father and mentor of JROW diver, this goes against every example I've been trying to set for him. I don't believe any were dive professionals ... none the less, the example set can certainly be questioned. In fact, without mentioning any names (out of respect for the perpetrators ... some are my dive buddies), I showed him the pics that were published here on SB. At a mere 11 years of age, he know this was very wrong ! He very succinctly expressed his feelings of disgust and dismay. He could not believe that someone would actually disrespect the ocean in this manner.

This is in no way is intended to be a poke on GUE or the people involved. Personally, I thought it looked like fun. I don't hold it against any them. They're still good divers, I wouldn't hesitate to dive with any of them. Just not sure I'd let them dive around my kid

 

[bet63]

Not sure about all agencies but the NAUI code of ethics states
"COMMITMENT TO THE PROFESSION - NAUI underwater instructors recognize that the quality of their services influences the attitudes of other water users, the public in general and governmental bodies. The NAUI Instructor pledges to:
raise professional standards.
improve instructor services.
encourage qualified and interested persons to pursue the profession.
contribute actively to the support, planning and programs of the Association. In fulfilling this obligation to the profession, NAUI instructors shall:
instruct in conformity with course standards and policies established by the National Association of Underwater Instructors, as amended and supplemented.
accord just and equitable treatment to all members of NAUI.
cooperate in a professional inquiry if and when requested by the Association.
accurately represent their professional qualifications.
when requested by the Association and, for good cause, accurately evaluate performance and qualifications of other instructors.
avoid endangering the life, physical well being or property of any student, member or the general public. "