Should extra training be free?

[Darian Dunn]

I will agree with whom ever said, “They are paying for the class, not the Cert.”

I think the customer should know what they are purchasing and what it costs for extras.

If a dive instructor wishes to build in extra time into the cost of the course that is their option. It spreads out the cost to the entire group of students.

 

[flyerfan22]

I think this is a very interesting topic, mainly b/c I am in exactly the situation described. I am new to scuba (completed class work and pool time). OW dives are supposed to take place in April or May (depending on weather).

My LDS said that we are welcome to spend time in the pool on our own anytime they are teaching a class. We did this once, and a DM in training kept an eye on us.

For my husband, this was fine. He could practice skills learned in class at his own pace. For myself, it wasn't enough. I really need extra instruction. The LDS agreed to give me private instruction in the pool the next time they are there for a nominal fee.

I think this is a very fair system. I can't expect private lessons at no additional charge. Hopefully, they'll be able to get me to be comfortable in the water and I'll be on my way to OW certification.

 

[JamesK]

In a word no.

In a lot more words, no again, and here is why. Let's say I wanted to learn to play piano. I go out and find an insturctor, and pay for 50 1 hour sessions. At the end of my training, I can still barely play chopsticks, and can keep a beat about as good as a toddler playing drums on his mothers pots and pans. Sould the instructor have to give up there time, and yes time is money, simply so I can learn Beethoven? No. You are not entitled to anyones money, and their time is their money. I paid for piano lessons, and could not learn. Just like if I paid for scuba lessons and could not learn. Neither owe me anything.

However, if an instructor makes his own choice to give you some of his time, that is all the better. If within reason, they can spend a couple extra minutes before and ater class with you, that is great. I feel this is what makes a good instructor, giving the little extra to help his students. Should he be required to do this? Of course not. However, you are also not required to take his class, and cna find an instructor who better suits your needs. If an instructor allows you to come to another already scheduled pool session for free, that is even better. However, you should not be a burden to his new class.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

Many marginal students can be identified in the initial swimming evaluation; however, experience has shown me many individuals who struggled with the swim test yet proved to be very level-headed & competent underwater. Conversely, we see the occassional strong swimmer who struggles with s.c.u.b.a..

To address the needs of marginal students & those who are ill-prepared yet motivated we have developed the following policies:

> If their swimming skills are inadequate, it is their option to quit the course, bring their swimming skills up to standard & return when ready; or, continue on with the course with the understanding that they must complete their swimming requirement prior to attending an o/w session

> They have until the end of confined water training ( read: the end of the indoor teaching season ) to complete the course to standard. We have a large stable of A.I.'s who are available to work with individuals to improve their skills during future courses
( conditional on class size )

> Students unable to complete the program within the confined water training season & wish to continue trying must pay to repeat the course the following year.


We feel these policies to be very fair. They provide individuals, who might otherwise get frustrated & give up, several options to consider in order to achieve their goal.

Regards,
D.S.D.
N.A.U.I. #33649

 

[WetDane]

D.S.D

Your policies are very good - and I bet it pays of for you too - I think that if a shop can setup policies and use available resources to that purpose, they have probably come a long way.

I'm guessing that your outfit is not the smallest one on the block and I am going to guess that there are individuals out there who can not dedicate resources to allow people to work through the confined season.

I think this comes down to a personal or shop policy - much like what you have in place - to either state that you take the class and get the instruction and pass it - or you will have to take the class again - just like college - you get to pay again OR like in DSD's case, setup a policy that allows students to keep training, A.I.'s is a great way to do that - not loading the instructor.

I have enjoyed this thread and to me at least, I have some new ideas that I will have to try out.

Cheers,
Big T

 

[ScubaKid59]

Extra help should be free!

 

[Rooster1]

Instuctors charge by the course. They are not just teaching divers how to dive they are teaching divers how to stay alive, so I say take less students per class to give proper instruction. If need be charge more. Quality is more important then quantity when it is about diving.