And a solid course that is based upon the introduction to that mindset is exactly what I would like certain divers to experience. In an honest way, not by pretending to start down the road to tech and then bailing out after a crossover course.
The Deep Diver course... could'a, would'a, should'a...
If not that, what purpose does it really serve? Other than to provide a piece of plastic to get you on dives (
precisely the mindset that one would hope to discourage).
I started this thread with an imperfect approach to an ill-defined problem hoping to get some thinking done out loud. The first step in problem solving is to clearly define the problem. I just now feel that this has been done. This is the power of a global discussion that includes a diverse collection of opinions and experience.
I'm not of the opinion that new courses should be created to fill this void. The void, itself, stems from a failure originating in the existing courses.
If (more) agencies recognized deep, wreck (and some others) as advanced recreational activities, then the scope of that training could increase. Cavern is often touted as a worthy 'advanced' recreational course for diver development. What differentiates cavern from deep or wreck? In practical terms, or in respect to increased risk, nothing. In reality, it is industry regulation and community acceptance... 'caves and caverns' are sanctified... you need 'good' training... you need redundant gas....you need drills and skills and protocols... you need training.
Designating 'advanced' recreational activities solves that conundrum. It recognizes a consistency of increased hazard and a requirement for higher level recreational diving skills, knowledge and experience.
Exemplary instructors already treat these courses with that respect. A minority of agencies do so also... but, where that exists, it is mostly driven by an anticipation that the particular training is a step on the ladder towards higher levels. Other agencies, the major ones, don't have that ladder.... they plateau. Open Water...flat level. AOW/Specialties/Rescue...all exist on a single flat level. And then the leap to technical... a vast stride, for which many students are unprepared (
by training, if not by experience).