Two day cert course?

[major111]

Just my two cents as a new instructor in the Crytal River area of Homosassa.

If I understand correctly, PADI recommends about a "minimum" of 30 hours for open water instruction.

While cash is king and fast is the American way, I'm wondering if this should apply to diving.

I think that if you compare the results of a four day course to a two day course you can see that you have a diver who probably feels pretty confident about going out and diving. This means staying in the sport and having fun.

While it seems correct that most shops in our area offer the four day course, which is, in my opinion, the only fair and ethical thing to do, I'm also wondering if any should try an even longer program for those students willing to try it.

The shops could then compare the confidence, attitude and basic skills of the

1. Two day dive course students
2. Three day dive course students
3. Four day dive course students
4. More than four day course students

Clearly, any sport requires lots of practice, but in this one, it wou;d seem prudent to give students a fighting chance. Following at least PADI minimums would make sense.
And, every now and then you hear jokes about the dive skills (lack of) of various dive agencies new divers. To be very fair, the agencies, at least PADI (I don't teach for the others so can't say) tell you the course time minimums. If those are not being met or exceeded, what results should you expect? I dout any Course Director would find fault in my logic:

1. Standards exist for a reason
2. Minimum suggested times exist for a reason
3. An exception is experienced divers (military/commercial, etc.).

No, I'd put it this way- If a Course Director really wanted to argue the point that "mastery" was very realistic and confidence level appropriate for all students with only a two day course, I'd smile and walk away. No sense beating a dead horse.

Prospective Students: Think your choice through. Take the time to learn. Don't short change yourselves.

I'm a new instructor- Would I send my loved ones to a new instructor or a two day course? Good God, no. But, I can co teach with experienced instructors till I've got some time under my belt.

 

[Web Monkey]

The shortest OW class National Aquatic Service in Syracuse does is 7 or 8 classes (usually once or twice a week), although the students are welcome to take as long as they want.

The sad part is that people sign up for OW based on how fast they can get certified, so a 2 day class is WAAAY better than a 4 day class or a 7 day class.

Can you imagine if parachuting classes worked the same way? "Learn how to jump out of a plane in only 2 days!"

Terry

I think that if you compare the results of a four day course to a two day course you can see that you have a diver who probably feels pretty confident about going out and diving. This means staying in the sport and having fun.

While it seems correct that most shops in our area offer the four day course, which is, in my opinion, the only fair and ethical thing to do, I'm also wondering if any should try an even longer program for those students willing to try it.

 

[downdeep]

My instructor teaches an 8 class course. But he makes his living as a firefighter, not a dive instructor.
It is sad when competitive pressures override common sense. Some people may be able to "get it" in a two day course, but I would think this would be the minority (how can you possibly understand the zen of diving in 2 classes? ha) It will be interesting to see how many of these students are still diving a year from now.

 

[ereediver]

It only takes 8 hours to learn how to jump from a plane or at least thats what they said when I did it....AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....

 

[spectrum]

Even with most of the book learning done off site there's no way to do justice to learing confirmation, confined water work and open water evaluation in 2 days. Even without the open water activities only the most suited students will suceed, Often more time is needed. It's not just practicing a few skills, there's a lot to assimilate so it really fits together in your head. These forums are littered with the tales of discuraged express class students. I suggest a long format class that is open ended if the student needs some extra time before hitting openwater.

Pete