NAUI Course Director - What's That?

[Twinklez]

Just curious. My local dive shop (Scuba Steve's in Tyler, TX) just made an announcement that they've hired a NAUI Course Director and that's he's the only "active" one in the DFW area. I have no idea why that's such a big deal. We have Instructors, and Instructor Trainers I think (they train the instructors right?), but not so many that they need a daily supervisor. So what does a Course Director do that makes bringing on this Rick Golden guy such a big deal? How will having a person with title benefit the shop's divers?

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[fishb0y]

Just curious. My local dive shop (Scuba Steve's in Tyler, TX) just made an announcement that they've hired a NAUI Course Director and that's he's the only "active" one in the DFW area. I have no idea why that's such a big deal. We have Instructors, and Instructor Trainers I think (they train the instructors right?), but not so many that they need a daily supervisor. So what does a Course Director do that makes bringing on this Rick Golden guy such a big deal? How will having a person with title benefit the shop's divers?

Inquiring minds want to know!

The long/short of it is that a course director is the person who actually certifies instructors.

 

[scubatoys]

Well Rick is not the only active Naui Course Director in the DFW Area... I'm a course director, so is another friend of mine... Mike... And so I know of at least 3.

Having a course director on staff just means you have the ability to take someone all the way through instructor without them having to go else where to finish their courses.

The way it works is when you become an instructor, an instructor trainer normally does most of the training with you, then the course director double checks your abilities and signs you off as an instructor... So actually a course director trains the people who train instructors.... but you get the idea.

And BTW, Rick is a good guy... known him for years.

 

[Twinklez]

That's interesting. I'm still not sure what the excitement is then. It sounds more like an expense. How does that position pay for itself unless it's cranking out a lot of instructors? I know Steve's shop has a very large DM class right now, but think that I'm the only person currently expressing interest in the instructor track and I'm just starting rescue. I'm figuring a year before anybody needs any signing off???

I've met Rick once at the Tyler State Park pumpking carving and chili cookoff over Halloween last year. He brought out the Mares She Dives BCD for the ladies to check out. Couldn't talk him into the water with us though. He has a nasty jar of jalapeno peppers you should ask about if you get the chance.

 

[padiscubapro]

Just curious. My local dive shop (Scuba Steve's in Tyler, TX) just made an announcement that they've hired a NAUI Course Director and that's he's the only "active" one in the DFW area. I have no idea why that's such a big deal. We have Instructors, and Instructor Trainers I think (they train the instructors right?), but not so many that they need a daily supervisor. So what does a Course Director do that makes bringing on this Rick Golden guy such a big deal? How will having a person with title benefit the shop's divers?

Inquiring minds want to know!

understandable question.. NAUI's definition is unique

For Naui a CD certifies instructors compared to PADI where a CD trains the instructors but an IE certifies them.

For most agencies the Instructor trainer is the one that Trains and/or certifies the instructor..

 

[Twinklez]

understandable question.. NAUI's definition is unique

For Naui a CD certifies instructors compared to PADI where a CD trains the instructors but an IE certifies them.

For most agencies the Instructor trainer is the one that Trains and/or certifies the instructor..

I noticed in your sig line it says "ANDI"; is that another SCUBA organization like NAUI and PADI?

 

[padiscubapro]

I noticed in your sig line it says "ANDI"; is that another SCUBA organization like NAUI and PADI?

Yes,
ANDI is one ofthe original supporters and trainers of nitrox and technical diving.. Most of the currents heads of the other technical training organizations began their training with ANDI.. (the first 2 nitrox agencies were IAND and ANDI).. Those were the days when PADI, DAN, skindiver magazine and the other agencies said nitrox was going to kill lots of divers..

ANDI started in 1988, and unlike any other international training organization we have never had a lawsuit against our insurance for a training/supervisory problems.

With ANDI, I am involved in writing new programs and training/certifying instructors and instructor trainers..

 

[Twinklez]

Thank you for explaining. I see there is a whole lot for me to learn.

 

[Mr.X]

That's interesting. I'm still not sure what the excitement is then. It sounds more like an expense. How does that position pay for itself unless it's cranking out a lot of instructors? .

Instructional institutions have hierarchies. Course director/IE’s are at the upper end of the scuba educational chain. Higher you go, the more commission you make on instructor courses, or perks. These titles (as mentioned) can cover a lot of certifying territory and expedite the instructor cloning process. Is it a big deal? Depends on how you view this business. It is after all a business, albeit a teeny, tiny one. BTW, it is no big deal unless course directors actually affect world politics.


ps: the certification process often involves a lot of time and energy. Getting qualifed can be stressful and knowing a multi-level assessment is being conducted often creates stress & student buzz.