PADI responded to their OW swim requirement...

[SparticleBrane]

I'd debate this some more, but I'm off to work with an open water class and then my scientific diving class.

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

I'd debate this some more, but I'm off to work with an open water class and then my scientific diving class.

Yeah, I've got to get some work done. I will not check ScubaBoard. I will not check Scubaboard.

Heck, I'll be back in a few.

 

[MikeFerrara]

What ansi or RSTC standards do...

One good example is the ansi communication protocol. If I design a device and you design a device and each of our devices follow the communication protocol, they should be able to talk to each other even though they may have completely different hardware and software and serve completely different primary functions. Does this mean that either device is any good? No. Does it mean that the ansi protocol is the best choice for either application? No. It only means that they can talk to eachother.

So, agencies that use ansi dive training standards (the RSTC standards) should be speaking the same language when they talk dive training to each other. Does that mean that the training is good or safe or appropriate for the application? No.

 

[Thalassamania]

What you (in your feigned arrogance) fail to grasp is that I couldn't care less.

You have a right to through life happy in your ignorance. At least as a marathoner its not fat. dumb and happy.

 

[Walter]

I think that what thal quoted for requirement to his entry OW class exceed that requirement for divemaster program in many cert org.. And greatly exceed NAUI's OW requirement (which is not actually too tough).

Yes, but that does not make it a macho thing, it actually makes it easier for the weaker students.

Has anyone mentioned that ALL the agencies base this req on the WRSTC standard?

Why do you think that? It's simply not true. Swimming requirements in SCUBA certification agencies' standards predate the RSTC by over 30 years. RSTC swimming requirements were originally based on the swimming requirements of the original member agencies with the least requirements. Members of the RSTC do not all have the same swimming requirements in their standards. They range from those allowing non-swimmers to become certified to those who require a 300 yd swim.

Somehow it would still be PADI's fault that the WRSTC made the requirements so easy.

Sorry, but the WRSTC does not write the standards for the individual agencies. Each agency writes their own standards and must accept responsibility for them.

 

[DBailey]

Why do you think that? It's simply not true. Swimming requirements in SCUBA certification agencies' standards predate the RSTC by over 30 years. RSTC swimming requirements were originally based on the swimming requirements of the original member agencies with the least requirements. Members of the RSTC do not all have the same swimming requirements in their standards. They range from those allowing non-swimmers to become certified to those who require a 300 yd swim.

And looking at the history of diving, 30 years ago a vast majority of the instructors were ex-military. These instructors carried over their military training to the recreational diving standards.

Sorry, but the WRSTC does not write the standards for the individual agencies. Each agency writes their own standards and must accept responsibility for them.

After reading this thread, it appears that there are many instructors out there that are writing thier own standards, but still billing it as an agency certification.

 

[Walter]

Sorry, but I missed your point.

 

[Lead_carrier]

There's truth to that, especially when it slow and relaxed, with good technique.

or is that extra. Some of us weren't lucky enough to ever learn technique. We got thrown in the river or lake and told "sink or swim". If you think I'm kidding I can show you to exact spot where I almost met my maker and the marker of a friend that did. We survived because of being young and good physical shape and the ability to muscle our way through. As we grew a bit older and the shape changed so did some of our muscles. Can I do your test. Yep but not on your time limits and probably not with a swimming stroke that you approve of.

 

[sweatfrog]

Swimming requirements in SCUBA certification agencies' standards predate the RSTC by over 30 years. RSTC swimming requirements were originally based on the swimming requirements of the original member agencies with the least requirements. Members of the RSTC do not all have the same swimming requirements in their standards. They range from those allowing non-swimmers to become certified to those who require a 300 yd swim.

Back in the 80's before the RSTC came into the picture, the swimming requirement was dropped by some agency's. When the agency's started talking about the RSTC the YMCA was adament about proving the student had watermanship skills. PADI on the other hand wanted to make using the Alternate Air source mandatory. A comprimise was struck, however the YMCA and NAUI didn't join the RSTC. Those standards had already been implimented with other agencies.

I don't know of any agency in the RSTC that allows non-swimmers to become certified.

Sorry, but the WRSTC does not write the standards for the individual agencies. Each agency writes their own standards and must accept responsibility for them.

All the RSTC writes are guidelines that each agency follows within their standards. That actually keeps the players on the same page, contrary to technical diving which is all over the board.

 

[Walter]

I don't know of any agency in the RSTC that allows non-swimmers to become certified.

There are two, and it's OK under RSTC guidelines, they allow it as well.