I was diving in Cozumel with a respected buddy of mine who just happened to be a divemaster. In any case, once we got back to the boat, I was taken aback by one of his fellow divemasters commenting on the fact that this was his "FIRST" dive from a boat in the open ocean! As circumstances would have it, this divemaster had never been diving in the ocean or in a body of water large enough to require a boat. By thier own admission, they went from OW to DM in the very same quarry in less than 2 years. Now, before anyone accuses me of snobbery or being unfair, I will state for the record that this guy's dive skills where " spot on". Truth be told, there where people on this very same dive with dozens of ocean/boats dives in their logs books (or so they claimed) who looked like they learned to dive via correspondence (puh-leeez.. no comments about the new online PADI classes).
Anyway, I am not too sure how well this whole thing sets with me. When I brought it up at a "gathering" of fellow divers I was suprised by the diversity of commentary I received from the audience. So, that being said, I figured it might spark just as much interest and conversation here. So what do you guys think of a divemaster (or higher certification) who's practical experience is limited to a rock quarry?
Robway
PADI DM
Anyway, I am not too sure how well this whole thing sets with me. When I brought it up at a "gathering" of fellow divers I was suprised by the diversity of commentary I received from the audience. So, that being said, I figured it might spark just as much interest and conversation here. So what do you guys think of a divemaster (or higher certification) who's practical experience is limited to a rock quarry?
Robway
PADI DM