Recommend independent instructor

[DBF]

I am looking for an independent instructor in the Melbourne area to help in improving my skills

Any recommendations?


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[bracko]

I would suggest trying to hook up with a social dive group and diving more first. Generally experienced divers will be more than happy to help and you don't need to pay by the hour.

 

[robertarak]

I would suggest trying to hook up with a social dive group and diving more first. Generally experienced divers will be more than happy to help and you don't need to pay by the hour.

So tired of this answer every time someone asks for an instructor! Scubaboard seems to feel that experienced divers are by definition good instructors. How many of those have we read about in "accidents and incidents"? Most "experienced" divers are nothing more then people diving with poor habits for a long time. An experienced diver is NOT a substitute for a qualified instructor.

Sorry I am unable to help with a recommendation in your area.

 

[DBF]

robertarak

I am in full agreement with you, I have given up asking "experienced"divers for help as some have worse habits than mine


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[bracko]

So tired of this answer every time someone asks for an instructor! Scubaboard seems to feel that experienced divers are by definition good instructors. How many of those have we read about in "accidents and incidents"? Most "experienced" divers are nothing more then people diving with poor habits for a long time. An experienced diver is NOT a substitute for a qualified instructor.

Sorry I am unable to help with a recommendation in your area.

In Australia most social dive groups run by shops have a DM leading the dive, hence the suggestion.

OP if you're wanting one-on-one feedback a DM should be more than capable of watching you dive and correcting whatever it is you're after, that's one of the core skills of a DM when assisting.

 

[SanDiegoSidemount]

Passing an IDC to become an instructor is a good indication that someone not only dives well, but can teach well. As other posters have noted, there's a difference between the two.

 

[MA]

I inderstand why the op might want an instructor. But why is an independent one required?

my experience with dive clubs in melbourne is similar to brackos. There's plenty if Dms and instructors at the club who I also dive socially with and are always happy to share knowledge.

pm me if you wNt a recommendation of dive shops or clubs for firther instruction!

 

[DBF]

I currently dive with a club and have dived with a few different in the past. Dm's and instructors when on social dives have almost always been helpful.


But I don't believe it is fair to them to have them working for free on their down time. I don't like doing it in my line of work.


The reason I am looking for someone who is independent of a shop is that I want, three things - to be flexibility on learning the skills that best suit the condition ie not trying to nail down buoyancy in 10 knot current because this is what is booked

To have the attention that I paying for and not compete against 8 others on a dive because 1 hour dive 8 people = 7.5 min with an instructor not value for my $100

I also don't want the mandatory walk through the dive shop when I get told that my gear is no good and I need have this new toy ( true story a LDS tried very hard to sell me a $1500 can light when all I need was a small torch)

It is not about card in my wallet but improving skills


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[Teller]

Passing an IDC to become an instructor is a good indication that someone not only dives well, but can teach well. As other posters have noted, there's a difference between the two.

I think its an indication that you can afford to take an IDC. Ive met several instructors whos basic skills are subpar in my opinion.

 

[SanDiegoSidemount]

I think its an indication that you can afford to take an IDC. Ive met several instructors whos basic skills are subpar in my opinion.

As always, YMMV. Some IDCs pass subpar candidates, but it's at least some semblance of quality control. Caveat emptor.