So what is a basic certification today?

[TSandM]

My goodness, I read Mike Ferrara's and Walter's descriptions of their checkout dives and think back to mine . . . Throw skills at me during the tour? My tours were done holding my instructor's hand, and I was bewildered and disoriented through the whole thing. I think if I'd had to take my mask off while swimming, I would have quit diving right there. You guys must be doing a WHOLE lot better job of preparing your students to dive than I got -- although Walter has the advantage of not teaching in ice-cold, thick, green water.

 

[cerich]

My goodness, I read Mike Ferrara's and Walter's descriptions of their checkout dives and think back to mine . . . Throw skills at me during the tour? My tours were done holding my instructor's hand, and I was bewildered and disoriented through the whole thing. I think if I'd had to take my mask off while swimming, I would have quit diving right there. You guys must be doing a WHOLE lot better job of preparing your students to dive than I got -- although Walter has the advantage of not teaching in ice-cold, thick, green water.

I've taught similar to what they describe in both the great lakes (fairly cold) and Carib (fairly warm). There is no reason an instructor can't teach this way anywhere.

 

[Walter]

My goodness, I read Mike Ferrara's and Walter's descriptions of their checkout dives and think back to mine . . . Throw skills at me during the tour? My tours were done holding my instructor's hand, and I was bewildered and disoriented through the whole thing. I think if I'd had to take my mask off while swimming, I would have quit diving right there. You guys must be doing a WHOLE lot better job of preparing your students to dive than I got -- although Walter has the advantage of not teaching in ice-cold, thick, green water.

There's nothing difficult (for either the instructor or the students) about preparing students to actually dive, but it takes more time in the pool and more skills than you'll get with a typical PADI class. I think that's the point of this entire thread, most students are not ready to dive when they complete their check out dives.

 

[cerich]

There's nothing difficult (for either the instructor or the students) about preparing students to actually dive, but it takes more time in the pool and more skills than you'll get with a typical PADI class. I think that's the point of this entire thread, most students are not ready to dive when they complete their check out dives.

Actually Walter it is easier for the instructor to teach students to actually dive. Less stress....

Problem is lots of "instructors" don't know how to actually dive.

 

[Walter]

Actually Walter it is easier for the instructor to teach students to actually dive. Less stress....

True, but it takes more time and they can't run as many through as quickly.

Problem is lots of "instructors" don't know how to actually dive.

.......or teach.

 

[Charlie99]

For the last few years I've been resenting dive charters in general. Why? ...because they attempt to treat me like I am retarded.
......

It had been a while since we were in the boat, at the end of our first dive I was told that now they have to hold my tank-valve while I go from the platform to my spot.

Shocking! Truly Shocking! I guess we should have a thread about all those parents that fail to teach their children how to walk properly.

---------------

As for the students not having timing devices, that's simply a symptom of a more basic, root problem ---- that of students not taking responsibility for themselves. By that point in the class, they have been taught tables, and know that they are supposed to plan and track depth and time.

While there may be a problem of them just being overwhelmed by all of the new stuff, this sort of attitude by instructors and students is likely to lead to divers that are too dependent upon boat crew and DMs once they have certified.

 

[captain]

As a newbie diver, I am going to climb onto a high horse here that I don't own. I hope you'll forgive the indulgence.


1. If you can't afford a dive watch that is good to 100ft, you don't need to have SCUBA gear on your back. One of my dive watches was less than $7 at Wal-Mart, and yes I DID take it to 100ft.

2. If, as an instructor, you don't require your students to have a means to time their dives and work the tables BY HAND, you should have your instructor card removed on the spot. Period. I don't give a rats ***** what agency you instruct for.

3. As a student, if you leave dive class without a fundamental understanding of how to follow the dive tables, you don't need to be a diver. This is like taking a driving course and never learning how to use the brakes. Foolhardy, and potentially deadly.

4. It is *MY OPINION* that EVERY OW diver should have to learn to dive with a depth guage, a watch, and an SPG as their only instrumentation. I did my first 30 dives this way.


I could go on, but these are my huge pet peeves. Hopefully I don't piss anyone off too badly with them, but that's just the way I feel.

Again, thanks for your indulgence.

My thoughts exactly. I started diving before the SPG,BC and a lot of other gear was ever invented but I always had a watch, a depth gauge and a set of tables. I use a computer but always also carry a depth gauge, watch and a set of tables.

 

[captain]

Yeah, it is a legitimate issue, but I don't have a horse (even though I know how to ride one) just in case my truck breaks down, or a manual typewriter (even though I know how to use one) just in case my computer kicks the bucket. My dad walked up hill both ways in snow to school, but now we have busses. Doesn't mean my kid doesn't know how to walk, just means that times are changing.

Yea, but none of those examples will kill you.

 

[Ana]

Ana, try going out on sea Diver. The mostly book through Panama City Dive Center, or you can call Mary at 334-774-3483.

You won't see that happen on Sea Diver.

thanks... I'll check them out. I have a few numbers of operators that are suppose to be pretty good but they go from Tyndall, you'll think being in PCB I wouldn't have to drive one hour for a dive. I know... I'm spoiled. Just because I live about 5 minutes from a dozen marinas, it would be a radical concept to think a decent dive operation would be handy.

 

[Ana]

Shocking! Truly Shocking!

While there may be a problem of them just being overwhelmed by all of the new stuff, this sort of attitude by instructors and students is likely to lead to divers that are too dependent upon boat crew and DMs once they have certified.

That was my point... I don't think it is reasonable to think that every diver will have perfect bouyancy the day of his check out dive; but if keeping track of time is overwhelming maybe jigsaw puzzles is a better choice of activity