As an assistant instructor, I'm a little fed up with ITC's saying "you must have all your own gear" as a prerequisite for the Instructor Training Course.
In my honest opinion, and in the opinion of many instructors I've talked to, an instructor using the same equipment as the student during a course is not only a matter of comfort and understanding for the student, but also a matter of safety.
So why should I have all my own gear before I get my first job? Shouldn't I use the same gear as my students?
Why do so many dive centers require instructors to bring their own gear if it is a potential safety issue?
Is it merely a matter of expenses paid and wear on equipment?
Is it reasonable to require your staff to have their own gear if they are teaching?
Are instructors not going to take better care of your equipment if they are required to use it alongside the customers?
In my honest opinion, and in the opinion of many instructors I've talked to, an instructor using the same equipment as the student during a course is not only a matter of comfort and understanding for the student, but also a matter of safety.
So why should I have all my own gear before I get my first job? Shouldn't I use the same gear as my students?
Why do so many dive centers require instructors to bring their own gear if it is a potential safety issue?
Is it merely a matter of expenses paid and wear on equipment?
Is it reasonable to require your staff to have their own gear if they are teaching?
Are instructors not going to take better care of your equipment if they are required to use it alongside the customers?