They cancelled my certification course. =(

[RS]

I just finished training as one of two students. And on our ow checkouts, my instructor brought along a divemaster, and we hooked up with another instructor that had one student. So we had two instructors, one DM and three students. It was a really great weekend, and I'm going to be sure to keep in touch with all these guys. Basically, they paid to stay in Monterey so they could be there for my check dives.

Which leads me to another topic: tips.

I'll start a thread...

 

[oly5050user]

Hey everyone. I just learned today that they have cancelled my course that was supposed to start Sunday because they didn't have enough people (They had like five?). Now I am really bummed.

Anyway, thats all I have to say. I guess it will just have to wait.

they had 5 students and canceled for too small a group???
At my lds we would be happy to run with that.As I see it the days of running with a big class are long gone(8-10 students)..Most times it is 3 to 6 people..Do not know where you are but have one starting soon in NY..pm if interested..

 

[doghouse]

Heck I had 2 in my OW class and I am the only student in Stress & rescue. Let me guess the class also costs around 250?

 

[TimAZ]

Whaaaaat? Since when was 5 people not enough for a class?

No kidding, Five is plenty. At my LDS we'll run ONE student through class and pool if it's scheduled (fortunately it rarely comes to that). Open water can be a different story at least if they insist on going to the ocean (6 hr drive) instead of the lake (2.5 hr drive). Specialties we teach pretty much on demand ("you want a nitrox class? Sure, how's tonight?")

I'd look for another shop. There are plenty out there who understand they need to work hard to develop the kind of relationship where you dont go to another LDS or even (gasp) shop online.

 

[TimAZ]

BTW - what do they want to make a class run? Here, we cap at eight. Anyone beyond that, we start a waiting list and at three a new class is born.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Wow, all the sops around here will run with even 1 person, they will just charge the one a private lesson fee to cover the private pool cost.

 

[Eskasi]

I did private tuition simply because there were not enough students and I needed to do my OW course within a certain timeframe and on certain days (was on holidays).

Yes, you do pay more....but compared to the cost of gear and the cost of diving in the future, it is not too bad.

Plus the one on one time really increased my confidence and allowed more instruction (instructor was watching my every move and giving me advice all the time...instead of eyeing a group).

Consider it.

 

[DiverToBe]

1) I do not know the full story. Originally when I signed up, I thought I saw 5ish people on the list. However, it might have ended up being just me or something, and they didn't want to run it just as that.

2) They expect to start again in 3 weeks, which I don't really mind, except that I was so pshyced to get certified. Oh well.

3) I was getting the certification through a New Hampshire shop, no more specific details other than that for certain reasons. It's not that I don't trust you guys.

To Awap: I agree, I wish that I had one that gave me service that I want, but again, I don't know the whole story. A trainer might have been killed or something - Now I am going to hell for complaining. Great.

Again, I don't mind waiting, but I am still bummed.

Thanks for the comments on my photography, too. I hope to get into underwater photography as soon as my wallet allows.

 

[rakkis]

The ocean will still be there. It doesn't appear as though it's a big issue for you, so don't worry.. be happy

 

[realdiver7]

A three-week wait is not that big of a deal, especially if you ended up being the only one left who wanted the course. Just hang in there and don't get discouraged. Ask the shop if you can go ahead and get your textbook so you can start reading, or borrow a book from someone. Get a Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) and familiarize yourself with it. You will have three weeks to get ahead, which is a great start.

I have taught courses with as few as one or two students, but for a lot of shops and instructors, it's just not profitable, or even practical depending on the costs involved, teaching styles, travel, pool access, open water access, shop policies and procedures, and many other factors, etc.

Channel your disappointment energy in a positive and productive direction. You will need to do this for many things in life in the future. Worthwhile ventures are worth the wait! Go for it!