I have a question for the community and specifically for DevonDiver (if he is around).
I agree with you, you need the proper training for every dive you do. My question is "What is proper training?"
It is a question I have had in my head for a while and it came out again reading this post on Chandelier Cave in Palau:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pacific-islands/414622-chandelier-cave-safe-aow-diver.html
So, keeping insurance bull**** out of the thread, what is proper training?
Example:
I've been diving with a qualified wreck instructor during a course (NOT a wreck course). He knows the wrecks inside out and knows me well and my skill level. We did some of the dives relevant to the course on wrecks. We have been occasionally penetrating the wrecks, generally in the light zone. It was just me and two TDI instructors, briefieng was extensive, we all had isolated doubles, long hose, backup lights, lines and cutting devices. We did not use the lines, because the exit was always close and visible. He showed me how bad siltouts can be.
The plan is to go back and do my wreck course with him in the spring. He will complete my training and certify me.
Bottom line:
Am I a wreck diver? NO.
Should I go and dive wrecks on my own? NO.
Are the dives I have done beyond the scope of my training? I don't think so. I received the training i needed for those wreck dives before going in the water. That was effectively the beginning of my wreck course (although admittedly in an informal way).
Why am I saying this?
Because I feel there is a part of the diving community (mostly diving instructors) that is hard-line about training, very dogmatic. It's good, but it's also bad.
Training is important and btw I love training, because I am a geek and love to learn and follow capable leaders. But on the other side I see too many instructors pointing the finger at dive centers:
1 instructor says some dive centers are greedy and take divers on dives their are not qualified for just to make money (and I agree, it's bad)
2 on the other, some instructors push and oversell their (ofter quite expensive) training beyond what is reasonable. YOu ask a question, the answer is "you need to go to an instructor and do the course". Like it's some kind of secret.
Why the hell is there a Basic Nitrox and and Advanced Nitrox course? It's the same crap.
Why is there a deep diver specialty? That is stuff that every OW should be taught, and I don't think it's crazy to take an OW diver with 30 dives to 25m.
While I do understand the importance of training, proper guidance, awareness and such, I do feel that some instructors, being very dogmatic about guielines are actually not doing themselves or the community a favor.
I learned how to clear a mask from my mother (at the age of 5), my father (who has more than 1,000 dives) taught me more than anyone else (he is not an instructor), last month I learned something about wrecks from a great instructor despite not being certified yet. And guess what? I will go back for my course and get my wreck diving certification. I have 5 cards form 2 agencies, but I don;t think it is JUST about that.
In my opinion training is a continuos and fluid process of practice, knowledge and risk assessment. You learn from instructors, from peers, from more experienced divers and you learn by being in the water. This is so much more than a card!
What do you think?
I agree with you, you need the proper training for every dive you do. My question is "What is proper training?"
It is a question I have had in my head for a while and it came out again reading this post on Chandelier Cave in Palau:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pacific-islands/414622-chandelier-cave-safe-aow-diver.html
So, keeping insurance bull**** out of the thread, what is proper training?
Example:
I've been diving with a qualified wreck instructor during a course (NOT a wreck course). He knows the wrecks inside out and knows me well and my skill level. We did some of the dives relevant to the course on wrecks. We have been occasionally penetrating the wrecks, generally in the light zone. It was just me and two TDI instructors, briefieng was extensive, we all had isolated doubles, long hose, backup lights, lines and cutting devices. We did not use the lines, because the exit was always close and visible. He showed me how bad siltouts can be.
The plan is to go back and do my wreck course with him in the spring. He will complete my training and certify me.
Bottom line:
Am I a wreck diver? NO.
Should I go and dive wrecks on my own? NO.
Are the dives I have done beyond the scope of my training? I don't think so. I received the training i needed for those wreck dives before going in the water. That was effectively the beginning of my wreck course (although admittedly in an informal way).
Why am I saying this?
Because I feel there is a part of the diving community (mostly diving instructors) that is hard-line about training, very dogmatic. It's good, but it's also bad.
Training is important and btw I love training, because I am a geek and love to learn and follow capable leaders. But on the other side I see too many instructors pointing the finger at dive centers:
1 instructor says some dive centers are greedy and take divers on dives their are not qualified for just to make money (and I agree, it's bad)
2 on the other, some instructors push and oversell their (ofter quite expensive) training beyond what is reasonable. YOu ask a question, the answer is "you need to go to an instructor and do the course". Like it's some kind of secret.
Why the hell is there a Basic Nitrox and and Advanced Nitrox course? It's the same crap.
Why is there a deep diver specialty? That is stuff that every OW should be taught, and I don't think it's crazy to take an OW diver with 30 dives to 25m.
While I do understand the importance of training, proper guidance, awareness and such, I do feel that some instructors, being very dogmatic about guielines are actually not doing themselves or the community a favor.
I learned how to clear a mask from my mother (at the age of 5), my father (who has more than 1,000 dives) taught me more than anyone else (he is not an instructor), last month I learned something about wrecks from a great instructor despite not being certified yet. And guess what? I will go back for my course and get my wreck diving certification. I have 5 cards form 2 agencies, but I don;t think it is JUST about that.
In my opinion training is a continuos and fluid process of practice, knowledge and risk assessment. You learn from instructors, from peers, from more experienced divers and you learn by being in the water. This is so much more than a card!
What do you think?
Last edited: