fashionablylate:While I like the idea that I have some "goal" based on this list (rather than just plodding along without any real clue what to do "next"), I almost think it should be the determination of another instructor, or an unbiased agency (like DAN, perhaps?) to determine who is ready to undertake leadership roles in scuba.
My opinion is that DAN has no business telling someone if they have the luxury of being an instructor.
DAN has its good and bad points. But they are not a dive training agency.
My feelings are if someone wants to go through the DM or IDC let them. Poor instructors do not last in the industry.(atleast they shouldnt) Some people may not want to teach, they may just want to do the class.
If they really are lousy divers they will not pass the IE (atleast for PADI) I can only speak about the PADI IE at this point. If your skills suck, and your attitude sucks and your course director still allows the person to go to the IE then the CD should have to answer to it. Do i think the idc should have a screening prior to the start? Sure. Can someone have only 100 dives and have great skills? Sure. Can someone have 1000 dives and still be a ****ty diver? Yup you bet. Its an individual type deal, when applying for the DM or IDC the candidate should have a pow wow with a CD and then head to the pool for an eval.
Hell, a person could go to school to be a highschool teacher and be certified in 4 years.
If the person passes and posses a good attitude towards teaching it shouldt matter if they are 18 or 55, 100 dives or 1000.
-gmount