Sorry, I didn't see Gary's post as a troll post. I saw it as a questionably worded and somewhat justified vent toward PADI.
Why ... it's not a PADI issue.
The maximum 3 dives per day limit has nothing to do with $$, color coordination, or anything else except safety. First off, it's a limitation that's used by all RSTC agencies ... not just PADI.
Second, as has already been pointed out, the instructors abuse their own bodies during OW by making many ascents and descents. Pushing more dives into a day would cause an increase in risk to the instructor, and because of fatigue, would impose an unacceptable risk to students because of the instructor's decreasing ability to stay sharp and focused.
And finally, many people don't train in warm, tropical waters. They train in cold water, low vis conditions. They are bundled up in a bulky wetsuit and gloves, and loaded down with weight. These people may be having fun ... but after three dives their bodies and brains are getting a bit sluggish. Sure, you could probably push another dive out of 'em ... but at what risk that they'll make a mistake out of simple mental fatigue?
It's not worth the risk ... nor would the students learn as much as they will by having the opportunity to come back the next day refreshed and ready to go.
And ... as someone already pointed out ... many OW classes are five, six, or more dives.
The limit is there for valid reasons ... I think any instructor who wanted to push for more dives in a day would be doing their students a disservice.
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
