Master scuba diver - why the negativity?

[boulderjohn]

I believe (without clear evidence) that the theory for the card is that it is an incentive to get the specialties. I do know (based on an article I read years ago) that the model for the system was the Boy Scout merit badge system. If you get 5 merit badges, you become a Star Scout. You advance through other ranks the same way. Some merit badges are required, but most are up to the interests of the person seeking the merit badges.

I am also one of those who believe the card would have more benefit and would be even more popular if there were valuable advanced skills and knowledge required to achieve it.

 

[divad]

I like the second one. PADI should rebrand it as "Diving Overlord".

I like #4; Postmaster Diver.

 

[Walter]

Actually, definition number Verb.4 is the closest to how PADI describe it. Their course and instructor guides consistanly refer to "mastery consistent with course requirements".

How can one achieve mastery consistent with course requirements when there is no course?

Are you not referring to courses that PADI actually has that do not have "master" in the title?

 

[Dhboner]

C-cards are a curious thing. I was open water certified in 1973 and never took any formal training beyond that level. Over the years I logged thousands of dives in a variety of different conditions including deco dives. Last year I wanted to go on a charter with my newly certified sons but the boat operator insisted on a PADI Advanced card. Despite my diving experience I had to take the PADI Advanced course.

I know it wasn't the boat charters fault (I suspect insisting on the certification mitigates their liability a bit) but there were people on that charter with 12 dives total in their career. My point (if I even have one) is that 50 dives and 5 specialties does not make anyone a Master diver and I have seen and dived with people who, armed with that card behave like they have been commercial divers since birth. If you want the card by all means go for it but for God's sake don't let the title fool you into thinking your training is done!

 

[Walter]

I know it wasn't the boat charters fault

Of course it was. They set their own policies.

I suspect insisting on the certification mitigates their liability a bit

They were not insisting on certification as they wouldn't let you dive even though you had one. They were telling people they were qualified to make a particular dive because they had an AOW certification. I don't see how that could do anything other than increase their liability.

 

[theduckguru]

It seems to create a lot of debate. If someone advances their training and wants to have something to show for that - why do people have a problem?Not everyone has the want/desire to become a dive master or instructor so having a final cert for rec divers seems appropriate.

Because it demeans their higher, but also meaningless, instructor certs.

 

[merxlin]

One day somebody is going to start a thread describing how they got separated from their buddy because they silted up the area with split fins. They end up losing sitautional awareness and have an OOA incident, partly due to their wireless air integrated computer losing a signal.
They will go on to describe how in what they thought might be their final moments, a diver appears.

This mystery rescuer will save their life by donating a spare air bottle and escort them to the surface. Stopping for 3 minutes at the hang bar under the boat.

They'll conclude the story of their rescue by revealing that their rescuer was a PADI Master Diver. A fact they were able to confirm by the "PADI Master diver" tab sewn on the shoulder of their wetsuit.

When a thread like this one get posted, all of us "haters" will be eating our words.


-Mitch

Not exactly the same but this is close (saved you all the search): http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3443054-post47.html. Enjoy!

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I've read it before. He has another one on metric vs. imperial, that was awesome!

RJP is the man!

-Mitch

 

[Jax]

Not exactly the same but this is close (saved you all the search): http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3443054-post47.html. Enjoy!

A masterful response!






:yuck: How do you get taste of pun out of your mouth?

 

[SelkieDVM]

I really don't think most people truly have a problem with it. But you know how we like to debate things here on SB. If someone is so insecure as to really feel threatened by it, they have bigger issues that having nothing to do with you. If you want the card, get the card and be proud.