Is the PADI "Drift Diving" course worth it?

[lamont]

Last time you and I were diving together, we saw a 45' whale next to the boat! So I think diving with you is lucky! I'll take you drift diving in Palau when you teach me your Tech-1 Preparatory class!

woulda been cooler if we saw the whale underwater...

wait on the course until i actually pass tech 1, the *** kicking is scheduled for feb 1-5th..

 

[Doc Intrepid]

That sounds to me like a direct response to the OP - saying that "NO - the PADI drift diving course ISN'T worth it" Maybe not those exact words, but that's the message I get from it.

I'm not sure how you're getting this message, Howarde, given that the quote which precedes my statement is that of String.

Lest you remain unclear, however, let me be specific. IMHO, a well-taught course in nearly anything can result in a better-informed, safer, diver. Key words are "well-taught". Drift diving is no different. There are many aspects of drift diving that can be amplified and reviewed in depth to create a safer diver.

That's all I was saying. A good instructor can make a course very worthwhile, and I encourage Steve, the OP, to determine for himself whether the course being offered is being offered by a good instructor.

Regards,

Doc

 

[Doc Intrepid]

woulda been cooler if we saw the whale underwater...

wait on the course until i actually pass tech 1, the *** kicking is scheduled for feb 1-5th..

Good luck with that, dude. I'm sure you'll be able to teach me a thing or two the next time our paths cross again!

Doc

 

[pupdiver]

Whether the PADI formal syllabus is, as published, adequately complete or not is not the issue. The issue is that in the hands of a competent diving instructor, a course in Drift Diving can be a tool that can result in safer, more enjoyable drift dives.

And thats the point.

I am confused by this whole discussion.

The OP wanted to know if the PADI course is worth taking. You posted a list of topics that looked pretty worthwhile, but now you are saying that whether the PADI syllabus is adequate is not the issue. That leads me to believe you are implying that the PADI course is not worthwhile, but that a good and relevant course could (and maybe should) be taught if the instructor has the right experience.

So, are you advocating for the PADI drift diving course or recommending he go somewhere else?

 

[HowardE]

I'm not sure how you're getting this message, Howarde, given that the quote which precedes my statement is that of String.

Lest you remain unclear, however, let me be specific. IMHO, a well-taught course in nearly anything can result in a better-informed, safer, diver. Key words are "well-taught". Drift diving is no different. There are many aspects of drift diving that can be amplified and reviewed in depth to create a safer diver.

That's all I was saying. A good instructor can make a course very worthwhile, and I encourage Steve, the OP, to determine for himself whether the course being offered is being offered by a good instructor.

Regards,

Doc

I don't dispute that your course outline is great, and worthy. I am only saying that your course outline has nothing to do with the PADI syllabus for drift diving, and that it's highly unlikely (dare I say - there isn't a PADI instructor out there) that would offer your course outline for the price that they would charge for a simple drift diving specialty, for a shiny new drift diver C-Card (virtually worthless) - which counts towards the all important "Master Scuba Diver" certification from PADI (also worthless IMHO)

 

[Rainer]

I am confused by this whole discussion.

The OP wanted to know if the PADI course is worth taking. You posted a list of topics that looked pretty worthwhile, but now you are saying that whether the PADI syllabus is adequate is not the issue. That leads me to believe you are implying that the PADI course is not worthwhile, but that a good and relevant course could (and maybe should) be taught if the instructor has the right experience.

So, are you advocating for the PADI drift diving course or recommending he go somewhere else?

Wow, he clearly states he was responding to String's silly post (even gives String's quote). He was NOT responding to the OP. Couldnt' be clearer.

 

[Rainer]

I don't dispute that your course outline is great, and worthy. I am only saying that your course outline has nothing to do with the PADI syllabus for drift diving, and that it's highly unlikely (dare I say - there isn't a PADI instructor out there) that would offer your course outline for the price that they would charge for a simple drift diving specialty, for a shiny new drift diver C-Card (virtually worthless) - which counts towards the all important "Master Scuba Diver" certification from PADI (also worthless IMHO)

Again, try reading his post CAREFULLY. He wasn't responding to the OP, but to String's general message that NO Drift Diving course is worth money.

 

[HowardE]

Again, try reading his post CAREFULLY. He wasn't responding to the OP, but to String's general message that NO Drift Diving course is worth money.

And? Is there one?

 

[timle]

A common PADI drift diving course description I see online is

* The planning, organisation, problems and hazards of drift diving;
* Special equipment - floats, lines, reels;
* Proper procedures for buoyancy-control, navigation and communication;
* Site selection and an overview of aquatic currents causes and effects;
* Techniques for staying close to a buddy or together as a group.

I see lots of arguments on this board about how inadequate many courses are and then the same people seem to recomend a course even knowing its inadequate. Seems like you would be much better drift diving with someone who is familar with it and does it alot then taking a half-hearted class.

BTW - I have OW - required to dive, AOW - required by lots of boats for lots of dives, rescue - generally recommended. I can't imagine I'll ever have a speciality. I'll take cavern and cave but these are through agencies who specialize in teaching these topics.

my2cents

 

[Rainer]

Yup. Pay DI some $$$, and he might give you the answers to the excellent questions he laid out in his post. I'm sure you would learn a lot, as I know I would. Now, is there such a course being offered by any of the major agencies? Not that I know of. Doesn't change the point, however, that learning about drift diving could be important and worth paying for (both points which String denied).