Point-for-point on what's missing from OW Classes

[DiverBuoy]

WW PADI already thinks you can create an advanced diver with only that many dives. I'm proposing a new course which content might actually make those dives count. I've already stated this but since you need it spelled out WW:

The new AOW class:
Classroom time:
Cover gas blending, enriched air, additional buoyancy physics. Add quizzes and exams to cover these new areas and to cover the content of the electives dives and required dives. And of course the knowledge reviews and discussions from the adventures in diving manual.

Pool sessions:
Performance requirements include valve manipulation, trim, PPB skills, finning techniques, buddy scenarios (including OOA scenarios.) In the pool cover everything in the PPB course.

OW Evaluation Dives
Planned according to the local environment. Task load includes all local environmental awareness requirements. Passing the course hinges on students ability to maintain these requirements through out all AOW dives. Could even make every dive on Enriched air.

 

[sillygrendel]

I'm not going to comment on the content... Yet.

How long do you suppose such a course would take??

 

[DiverBuoy]

I propose and advanced course that lasts at least as long and is at least as involved as OW - 2 weeks for example.

 

[WreckWriter]

DiverBuoy once bubbled...
Once again the content is the critical part not the quantity of dives. I've already stated this but since WW needs it spelled out:

Is how YOU can create an advanced diver at all.

No, actually its at least partially experience, not teaching that makes an advanced diver. There's a lot more to it than doing a few dives on nitrox.

Experience is the only way to become an advanced diver. Experience under varying conditions, in varying environments, with different dive buddies, that is how divers become good, not listening to someone preach and practicing for a few hours in a pool.

I'm sure you'll resist this concept since you have so little experience yourself but many will recognize that its true.

WW

 

[WreckWriter]

DiverBuoy once bubbled...
WW PADI already thinks you can create an advanced diver with only that many dives.

Yea, and that particular course is the laughing stock of the industry.

You should get your posts right the first time. Every time I post a reply I find you've edited your post in the meantime.

WW

 

[sillygrendel]

DiverBuoy once bubbled...
I propose and advanced course that lasts at least as long and is at least as involved as OW - 2 weeks for example.

So you're saying that you feel you could fully prepare a diver for OW in a month or less. (I think I remember you saying that your OW class is a week in duration.)

If such a class existed what limits would you impose on _just_ OW students??

 

[sheck33]

DiverBuoy once bubbled...
WW PADI already thinks you can create an advanced diver with only that many dives. I'm proposing a new course which content might actually make those dives count. I've already stated this but since you need it spelled out WW:

The new AOW class:
Classroom time:
Cover gas blending, enriched air, additional buoyancy physics. Add quizzes and exams to cover these new areas and to cover the content of the electives dives and required dives. And of course the knowledge reviews and discussions from the adventures in diving manual.

Pool sessions:
Performance requirements include valve manipulation, trim, PPB skills, finning techniques, buddy scenarios (including OOA scenarios.) In the pool cover everything in the PPB course.

OW Evaluation Dives

Planned according to the local environment. Task load includes all local environmental awareness requirements. Passing the course hinges on students ability to maintain these requirements through out all AOW dives. Could even make every dive on Enriched air.

You say PADI already 'thinks' they can produce competent divers in as little as 9 or 10 dives. Obviously that is a lot of BS. The scenario you descrive above has a lot of aspects covered in DIR-F. I found out about DIR just in time not to waste $$$$ on the PADI IDC. So why dont you do your students a favour and leave PADI? You know PADI is not going to change their ridiculously low standards, PADI will continue to provide what most people want, cheap, easy fast c-cards. Teaching according to PADI 'standards' is doing students a great disservice.

 

[sheck33]

DiverBuoy once bubbled...
My thought is the curriculum must accomodate beginners with no addition dive experience beyond 4 open water checkout dives.

Why Why on earth should the curriculum accomodate beginners with no more than 4 dives??? Lets make it as easy as possible shall we. What is wrong with requiring 10 20 or 30 dives in addition to the 4 OW checkout dives before going on to AOW? By allowing them to continue with only 4 dives new divers tackle new skills without ever getting the basic skills down in the first place. This again is this lowest denominator crap so characteristic of PADI. :upset:

 

[DiverBuoy]

Turn away if you don't want to see the DARK SIDE.

WreckWriter I've tried hard not to engage you in the directed commentary. But alas the temptation has overwhelmed me. You insist on wasting mine and the the other member's time with your useless drivel.

Anyone can search this board, they don't have to guess, at how long I've been in Scuba. I've directly answered the question on 3 occasions - I found these posts while doing a basic search.

I'll I've done is eat, sleep, drink, dive and teach scuba since I started this wonderful sport. I've participated on this board making every effort to contribute and enrich the other members. To seek solutions, and solve problems associated with our industry.

And you know ... I've done in 2 years and 4 months what millions of divers haven't done in a lifetime! But on this board it's really irrelevant, this board is about opinions and feelings and thoughts about scuba. It's about sharing ideas and striving for personal improvement and possibly even making a difference in our industry too. As a PADI professional, I have something to contribute, something to add to our virtual diving home. But more importantly as a diver who loves the sport.

WreckWriter when will you actually contribute something valuable to any thread on the scubaboard? When will you make suggestions on how to improve the problems, rectify the wrongs, and contribute solutions. Your reputation as a writer of 2 scubabooks and as a 30-day regulator burn-out is wearing thin.

So... besides complaining, typing bitter posts, and directly insulting and attacking board members, WW, what have you done for all of us lately? When will you get back to sharing some of the experience with us and enriching our experience here?

 

[DiverBuoy]

sillygrendel once bubbled...


So you're saying that you feel you could fully prepare a diver for OW in a month or less. (I think I remember you saying that your OW class is a week in duration.)

If such a class existed what limits would you impose on _just_ OW students??

I only said that from time to time one of the LDS's I teach for offers a one-weaker. (emphasis on the spelling BTW )