PADI 2 day OW class

[loosebits]

I don't think I have the qualifications to start a new agency but I feel I am contributing. By raising awareness to the issue, I am making a small difference.

I've gotten many PM's from future divers asking for advice on finding a class and hopefully a lot of them have gone through an extended university program, the YMCA or found a private instructor. Even those who end up taking the standard OW class, at least the will know what they will likely need to continue to improve on after class.

 

[mjatkins]

I've gotten many PM's from future divers asking for advice on finding a class and hopefully a lot of them have gone through an extended university program, the YMCA or found a private instructor. Even those who end up taking the standard OW class, at least the will know what they will likely need to continue to improve on after class.

That seams like a reasonable approach. If I understand you, you are not against a system where an entry level diver may not have to learn and master diving to an advanced degree, as long as they are made aware of the limitations of their training, and encouraged to continue their education before moving on to situations that warrant it.

Matthew

 

[PerroneFord]

I mentor new divers at least one weekend a month, and try to do it more often. Four of them are SB members. I also AI with my instructor and he is doing his best to get me to get my instructor rating though I probably won't. Currently he has me in the water with his CCR students working on trim, and propulsion, and general cleanup.

I'm doing what I can, and helping divers as others have helped me.

 

[waynel]

Well said, Matthew. I applaud you're understanding and professionalism.

 

[mjatkins]

Well said, Matthew. I applaud you're understanding and professionalism.

Thank you.

 

[drew52]

it seems you are talking about half an Open Water Course. Unless there is a new certification that doesn't require Open Water dives. So I guess the heading should read Open Water course in 4 days or half an open water course in 2 days.

 

[jviehe]

And we wonder why new OW divers have no buoyancy, no trim, can't fin, and have no idea of weighting requirements.

It's a shame really.

I didnt wonder. I knew that the reason was instructors not meeting standards. There is nothing wrong with the standards, only in how they are implemented and enforced. Ive had several students that were natural divers, and could have learned everything in 1 day. Some need 10 days.

 

[mjatkins]

I mentor new divers at least one weekend a month, and try to do it more often. Four of them are SB members. I also AI with my instructor and he is doing his best to get me to get my instructor rating though I probably won't. Currently he has me in the water with his CCR students working on trim, and propulsion, and general cleanup.

I'm doing what I can, and helping divers as others have helped me.

Your public profile offers no information about your credentials, but if I understand your post correctly you are a certified and renewed Assistant Instructor? If you don't mind me asking, what agency are you a certified AI with? Also, just out of curiosity, what made you decide that you wanted to be an AI but not go forward from there to become an instructor?

Matthew

 

[jviehe]

I know you should take a class that is as long as possible so you have the most time to absorb the info. I was just wondering what is the makeup of these 2 day courses? I know everything is pretty much read the book before but how does the class actually go? 1st day review watch movie and test /2nd day all pool dives or am I totally off? Just don't know how they can expect some people that have no clue about snorkeling more or less scuba to be able to come in and perform all the drills in one day.

Standards require that students master knowledge by passing the quizzes and the test. They must also pass watermanship tests, and master all the skills through 5 confined water sessions, and 4 open water sessions. An instructor can do all the confined water and 2 OW dives in a single day, and the final dives on the second day. More likely, what I would do is go straight to confined water 1-3 in the morning, 2 OW dives in the afternoon, dinner, then the quizzes and test. Day 2, confined water in the morning, OW dives in the afternoon. Done. This assumes the student has no issues. They can read the book and watch the video at home before showing up. Diving simply isnt rocket science. PADI is also implementing completing the ENTIRE academic portion online.

 

[PerroneFord]

I didnt wonder. I knew that the reason was instructors not meeting standards. There is nothing wrong with the standards, only in how they are implemented and enforced. Ive had several students that were natural divers, and could have learned everything in 1 day. Some need 10 days.

Jon,

I know there are some out there like you who try to do a good job. And I applaud you for that. But for every one of you, it seems like there are 100 others who just don't care. Watching the instructors in the water, you wonder if THEY have ever heard of buoyancy or trim. I watched a class a couple of weeks ago, and the instructor never got neutral. Was finning up the entire time I saw him.

You are right about some people being "naturals", but I think good instructors can find ways to help people who aren't. It shouldn't take 10 hours to get neutral and in trim. I'm not an instructor, and the people I've worked with have accomplished that feat in 2 hours in the pool. It's not rocket science. And they all say the same thing.

WOW, I didn't know diving could be like this. One had finished OW less than 2 weeks prior. Her OW instructor (not PADI) had taken the class into a cavern!? She couldn't get neutral at Ginnie when I took her. People die from foolishness like that. And I wish we could trip instructors of their cards for turning out students like that, and for putting them in life threatening scenarios.