pt40fathoms:
Heard it from a PADI course director, and also heard it from a couple instructors that are PADI & NAUI certified. Having said this, I didn't spring for the additional $1K+ to buy the PADI course materials so I can't point to a specific reference.
I'll admit that there's a feel of 'urban myth' to this. As the story goes ... PADI was sued by a diver that completed the skills, but did so in a manner that led the instructor to believe they were not comfortable doing so. The instructor had them repeat the skills until they were satisfied, whereupon the student sued for harassment, claiming unfair treatment versus the other students in the class. PADI supposedly became more rigid in their approach afterward, directing their instructors that students had to complete skills only ... the instructor's judgement in something as subjective as 'comfort' could not cause additional repetitions.
Before re-igniting the "PADI vs. the World" debates, I want to re-iterate that it's the instructor, not the agency, that matters.
'Nuff said.
