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I tend to pretty much agree with everything here. Of course, DSDs have been discussed a lot on other threads. I personally agree that the best way to go is just go right into the OW Course. Of course, I figured that I definitely wanted to do this before even stepping into the pool. As well, I mentioned before that I recall reading in PADI material some time ago that the accidents/incidents in DSDs is about double that of any other PADI course. Can't recall when I read that.Thank you all for your constructive comments, esp. from the folks who are diving professionals as they have probably seen situations like this first hand, esp. here in Asia. I really appreciate it. So my takeaway is this:
When I got OW certified seven years ago in Thailand, I didn't have pool sessions for the first few dives. We did it in shallow water, 6-8 meter depth, with sandy bottom. And yes, I'm sure I looked awkward, too... I really started to get better, with buoyancy and breathing, after my first 15-20, or so dives. So, now closing on 200 I can definitely see how I have progressed and became better, esp. with the ability to breathe at ease underwater and last lot longer, too. I could barely last 35-40 minutes on 11 liter Luxfer 80 alu tanks whereas now I can go easily 1 hour on similarly profiled dives... I know I still have plenty room for improvement, too. I agree with what some of you said that if this was an OW certified diver, he/she had no business being in open water. Just practice a little more in a pool or shallow water in a supervised setting and get it fixed.
If this was a DSD dive, then I think it is a bit reckless from the agencies to push these onto people. I guess in a vast majority of DSD dives nothing happens but this is a little 'weird' way to introduce people to diving. Maybe I am old-fashioned but you got to earn to dive through proper training. It would be just so much better if newcomers to the sport were made aware how much better and more enjoyable, it is to get properly certified. It can't be that much more expensive and you become a safer diver. I also agree there might be cultural differences and expectations in Asia of some divers giving their safety and trust completely away into DM's hands.
OTOH, it begs a question, how profitable are DSD dives to diving outfits? More than OW courses? Somehow, I doubt it... Plus, I guess, it is too late now, since the agencies opened the DSD 'floodgates' and people take advantage... If you refuse these divers, they just go somewhere else and responsible shops would lose money. I just doubt DSD divers fully understand the risks of what they are doing and many shops do go into details to explain them properly. They just let divers sign the release form, in case s**t happens... I think a glass bottom semisubmersible might be safer place for these divers to explore the wonders of underwater world
The argument in favour of DSDs is that many have said if it weren't for taking a DSD they never would've gotten into scuba, and that it was a great and safe experience. So it's up to each person to decide on it--but, I doubt many who take it have done any research on it. Most probably haven't even heard of scubaboard. DSD is not something I would've done back then. In fact, I believe it was offered on a cruise we took in 1999 (or some form of DSD). I thought....hmmm. not for me. I may get fully certified some day though.
I do agree with whoever said this picture just looked weird--I hadn't ever seen this before, like the first time I saw a bicycle kick--what is that?