To those considering an OW class...

[Thalassamania]

I think that Mike is trying to say that it would be nice to have a new certifying agency that would really teach skills and have standards and not serve kool aid, but maybe that's not possible, maybe we'd just like a different flavor.<G>

 

[Diveral]

Well see? I believe that you would read my book and I'd probably read yours. We've proabaly already read most of what the other has to say though and we're still discussing the subject.

Who else would read it? Agencies, big shops that certify hundreds of divers every year, potential new divers? Would it amount to preaching to the choir?

Guys, I actually think this is a good idea. There is a need for a "Guide for Safer and Better Diving". Or maybe "The New Divers Handbook"? What kind of book would you write? I'm sure a publisher can be found.

If you start your own certification agency I'm sure it would be the premier dive certification agency in the world. I took a YMCA OW course through the university in the early 80's. I know that format does a better job a teaching scuba diving that today's weekend course.

AL

 

[MikeFerrara]

I think that Mike is trying to say that it would be nice to have a new certifying agency that would really teach skills and have standards and not serve kool aid, but maybe that's not possible, maybe we'd just like a different flavor.<G>

Actually, as things are right now, I'd be just as happy with no agency at all. Do you need an agency to help you teach a class? I don't either. LOL

The agencies need to get on the leading edge rather than the trailing edge or they're just dead weight.

 

[Thalassamania]

No, I don't. There was something to be said for the old days. You see, what folks forget is that it is the Instructor who certifies, not the Agency.

That's how it started. Paper cards that said, "I Joe Blow Instructor CERTIFY that So-and-So Diver meets that standards of the Whatever Diving Association."

For more than thirty years I issued paper cards like that, sometimes with a University's name and seal on it, and you know what? No one ever came to me and said that they had trouble getting a fill or buying gear.

 

[jbichsel]

Explain please?

I had to grin as I considered the best way to eat an elephant.

Come on, Mike. One bite at a time.

 

[MikeFerrara]

No, I don't. There was something to be said for the old days. You see, what folks forget is that it is the Instructor who certifies, not the Agency.

That's how it started. Paper cards that said, "I Joe Blow Instructor CERTIFY that So-and-So Diver meets that standards of the Whatever Diving Association."

For more than thirty years I issued paper cards like that, sometimes with a University's name and seal on it, and you know what? No one ever came to me and said that they had trouble getting a fill or buying gear.

Now 'we're cookin with gas!

Some friends of mine have trimix cards issued by Sheck Exley. The cards look like something that he printed out himself. If they have ever been denied a trimix fill, I never heard about it.

I have LOTS of cards and they all have agency names in big letters on the front and student and instructor information in small letters on the back. Wallet sized bill boards advertising someone who wasn't even there for the class!

 

[jbd]

No, I don't. There was something to be said for the old days. You see, what folks forget is that it is the Instructor who certifies, not the Agency.

That's how it started. Paper cards that said, "I Joe Blow Instructor CERTIFY that So-and-So Diver meets that standards of the Whatever Diving Association."

For more than thirty years I issued paper cards like that, sometimes with a University's name and seal on it, and you know what? No one ever came to me and said that they had trouble getting a fill or buying gear.

I designed my own certifying card last year. The thought is really tempting.

 

[DrSteve]

I designed my own certifying card last year. The thought is really tempting.

Now you are tempting me to make up a card - quad-mix gas diver...nitrogen, oxygen, helium and um neon. It will be interesting to try that in a shop which doesn't know me.

Hehehe

 

[jbd]

Now you are tempting me to make up a card - quad-mix gas diver...nitrogen, oxygen, helium and um neon. It will be interesting to try that in a shop which doesn't know me.

Hehehe

Mine was actually for certifying students. It would be interesting to see the response
you would get.

 

[BiggDawg]

Now you are tempting me to make up a card - quad-mix gas diver...nitrogen, oxygen, helium and um neon. It will be interesting to try that in a shop which doesn't know me.

What would be surprising?

I walked into a shop last weekend. I had never been in the shop before, and they certainly didn't know me.

Plunked down some cash, and walked out with an AL-100 charged to 3300psi.
Not only did they not ask for any kind of certification card (I told them I was going diving), they didn't even ask for any identification.

B.T.W., they were advertising courses and had logos from more than one certification agency, so I assure you, no agency can say "Wasn't us."

(hmmmm, maybe it's the neon. "We don't sell that here. You want to glow in the dark?")