I have over my time on SB read several threads suggesting that one agency is better than the other. The truth is one agency may be larger than the other but when it gets right down to it no one agency is better than the other. The models from which we base our opinions are often subject to the many individual divers whom we see out at the different dive sites. The agencies all have their standards and wether we agree or agree to disagree, the standards are themselves subject to the interpretation of the instructor. All agencies require that the student diver "MASTER" a skill set. Here is where the differences lay; in the human factor. What one person will consider as suitable compared to another is the difference. Quite often the instructor can only base their assessment upon what they themselves have experienced. I have seen good instructors and bad instructors from all agencies. This judgement of them is of course subject to my interpretation as I am subject to theirs.
The other side to this delima is of course the individual divers themselves, the models to which we base the performance of the agency. Some divers appear to have no need or desire to improve their skills, while others take it as a personal challenge to better oneself.
To the divers whom I believe to be quality divers I have learned that you either fit into a category of having received good training or you have a personal desire to improve yourself or perhaps both.
To prospective divers out there looking to get into scuba, I open my arms to you and welcome you to this wonderful activity. I recommend that you seek out an instructor who will meet your needs and expectations. Do not be looking for the quick and get it done class but rather look for the instructor who you feel will be thorough and fulfilling of those expectations. Do not judge the class's duration/time frame against its quality of instruction, sometimes for some people a longer class is required and for some others it is not. A good instructor will be able to adjust to ensure you learn a skill set without allowing a lacking of quality or mastery of skills. Your class may be intense or it may be laid back, quite often this is determined by the student and their expectations. Other times by the instructor's teaching style. Be leary of instructors who are quick to put down other teaching agencies or other instructors. I would suggest to you that this mindset does not demonstrate a professional image and possibly a lessor quality of instruction. Buyer beware. Seek out the recommendations of others who may have taken training with the instructor you are thinking about AND other instructors. From their comparison you will become better educated as to which instructor you want to teach you. Be objective in your search, ask questions and state your expectations and goals.
Once you have received that certification card regardless from what agency it comes from continue to improve yourself and by all means enjoy the aquatic realm. It is not so much as from the agency that you receive the certification card as it is from your instructor.
Have fun, keep learning and keep diving.
The other side to this delima is of course the individual divers themselves, the models to which we base the performance of the agency. Some divers appear to have no need or desire to improve their skills, while others take it as a personal challenge to better oneself.
To the divers whom I believe to be quality divers I have learned that you either fit into a category of having received good training or you have a personal desire to improve yourself or perhaps both.
To prospective divers out there looking to get into scuba, I open my arms to you and welcome you to this wonderful activity. I recommend that you seek out an instructor who will meet your needs and expectations. Do not be looking for the quick and get it done class but rather look for the instructor who you feel will be thorough and fulfilling of those expectations. Do not judge the class's duration/time frame against its quality of instruction, sometimes for some people a longer class is required and for some others it is not. A good instructor will be able to adjust to ensure you learn a skill set without allowing a lacking of quality or mastery of skills. Your class may be intense or it may be laid back, quite often this is determined by the student and their expectations. Other times by the instructor's teaching style. Be leary of instructors who are quick to put down other teaching agencies or other instructors. I would suggest to you that this mindset does not demonstrate a professional image and possibly a lessor quality of instruction. Buyer beware. Seek out the recommendations of others who may have taken training with the instructor you are thinking about AND other instructors. From their comparison you will become better educated as to which instructor you want to teach you. Be objective in your search, ask questions and state your expectations and goals.
Once you have received that certification card regardless from what agency it comes from continue to improve yourself and by all means enjoy the aquatic realm. It is not so much as from the agency that you receive the certification card as it is from your instructor.
Have fun, keep learning and keep diving.
