Why are people so opposed to continuing education for new divers?

[brian_dixon]

I have read countless posts on this board antagonizing relatively new divers for pursuing further education. Why is everyone against it? What is wrong with someone who has been diving for a year and who has logged 25 or so dives taking a DM course? What could be the downside to having better educated divers? Granted experience makes a big difference; but wouldn’t you want to have a newer diver out there who knows more about diving or one who has just taken his OW course and is “logging dives” as you guys say. Wouldn’t the educated diver know what to do in the case of an emergency? Why “log dives” and not work on technique and education if someone really has a passion (and the money) for the sport?

 

[Warren_L]

There's nothing wrong with continuing education, and I for one think it is a good idea. Taking a DM course would be perhaps a jump that would be a little much for someone with relatively little practical dive experience. It may be more appropriate to take dive training in a progressive manner.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Brian, I hope I've never come across as antagonizing a new diver (Lord knows I spend enough time trying to turn new divers into better divers) ... but my response to your question would be to ask a question ... "why do you want to become a DM?"

Divemaster isn't just another level of recreational diver ... it's the first level of being a professional diver. For me, it entails a lot of responsibility. It's a level of diver that one aspires to when you want to work with other, less experienced divers ... people who are, literally, trusting you with their life.

To be honest, 25 dives isn't even enough for most people to become comfortable with the basics ... much less entertain notions of taking on the responsibilities of a professional.

If your goal is to gain knowledge, then I'd say that's laudable. You don't have to become a DM to do that. Or, if you do really want to become a DM, then gain the requisite experience and context first ... and I can't think of a single diver I've ever known who can do that with just 25 dives under their weightbelt.

I encourage every diver to take at least a Rescue class as quickly as possible after getting certified. That'll help you learn what to do in an emergency, as well as help you develop confidence in your basic skills ... it'll challenge most any diver with 25 dives. Take classes to expand your range of diving ... the specialties offered as part of the AOW are worthwhile for most, but not a necessity if you're lucky enough to hook up with experienced divers who are willing to mentor you through the fundamentals. And then dive, dive, dive ... it's the best education you can get.

But DM isn't so much about educating yourself on the basics of diving as it is about learning how to be a responsible dive leader. That takes more than just classes. It takes experience ... lots more than 25 dives worth. It takes the kind of judgement that comes from experiential context ... the kind that comes from logging lots of dives.

Finally, I don't think most of us would antagonize any diver for aspiring to this level. But many of us ... myself included ... feel that the dive community at large would be better served by raising the standards on the minimal requirements set by the certification agencies on entry into the DM program.

Asking a diver with 25 dives to even contemplate the responsibilities of being a dive professional is like asking a third grader what they want to be when they grow up. They might have some ideas ... but no real experiential context on which to base it.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[archman]

You're debating the classic "academic vs. experiential" argument, which is by no means limited to scuba divers. Just look in any workplace, government, military, blah blah...

Truth is, the marriage of both is always the best route to go. Ideally one goes experiential first, then follows up with academics. Most people opt for the other way around, but it's not so bad really.

I've dove with both extreme ends of the spectrum (the old, bold divers, and the jumped-up newbie instructors). Both have serious faults. Nobody likes a smartie pants newbie diver, and the old bold divers tend to scare people away.

And you can't get a DM certification with 25 dives... at least not YET.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

The majority of the SB members support continuing education for new divers in the form of AOW, Stress and Rescue, and additional specialties like Nitrox, and Drysuit.
I think what you are actually seeing is people suggesting that a new diver get more experience before going on to the leadership levels of scuba diving.
To draw an analogy here: do we really want an enlisted person with one year experience in the Army to become a four star General? I dont think so... thats what West Point is for.

Same thing goes for scuba diving. In order to maintain (or at least not allow it to go any lower) the quality of education for beginning scuba divers, the leadership has to be well trained, and experienced. A new diver with only 25 dives has no business being a DM. Also, some agencies actually have a minimum number of dives before someone can become a DM/DC anyways. SSI has a minimum of 60 dives before a candidate can be certified as a DiveCon.

SSI DiveCon Instructor #8431

 

[pt40fathoms]

I have always advocated that new divers seek both knowledge and experience. However you will find that some on this board feel that experience is the only avenue that should be pursued. I disagree with that assessment, as do a great many others on this board.

The DM course requires that you have a minimum number of dives in order to qualify. That can be interpreted as a minimum prior to starting the course, but that interpretation is not shared by all. Common sense leads most people to realize that if you take the AOW course, followed by the Rescue course shortly afterwards, sprinkle in a few weekends of diving, you will be very close to the required 60 dives. So it should just not be an issue. You should take a short break between courses though and have some fun, letting what you have learned sink in, and get a little practice time in to hone your new skills. Remember that everyone learns at different paces, and some need more time than others, just as some need less time for skills to develop. Think of the game of Golf or Baseball, you can take lessons and “know” what needs to be done in order to improve your game. But only practice will make you better. Diving is just the same.

 

[Zippsy]

In my ever so humble opinion, continuing diver education is a great thing but it should be paced properly with experience. When I first learned to read at six years old, I am very thankful that I got some practice reading nursery rhymes before I got to second grade and had to start reading social study text books. Experience underwater is very valuable and a diver that has trouble with bouyancy (and most still do at 25 dives - myself included) will not get as much out of the more advanced courses. I'd also be afraid that someone with 60 dives and 6 months experience would actually try to lead a dive even if they did have a DM cert. Peace - keep practicing and learning.

 

[OneBrightGator]

Very good post Bob, I agree 100%

Ben

 

[Albion]

Wouldn’t the educated diver know what to do in the case of an emergency? Why “log dives” and not work on technique and education if someone really has a passion (and the money) for the sport?

Maybe they would know what to do, but if they didnt have the experience to really control their bouyancy how do they take charge of the situation, emergencies do not happen in currentless swimmingpool like conditions. Without wishing to sound condescending, you dont know what you dont know, i know i didnt. The DM course does not really teach you 'technique' you are kind of expected to have it by then.

I have been on dive trips where the supposed dive master was in fact "in training" and at the end of his training period would reach the magic 60 dives, and its not a pretty site.

Get training that's relavent , AOW, Rescue, Nitrox and maybe a speciality, but leave the DM bit until your very comfortable in the water

 

[partridge]

I am a rescue diver and want to go DM. I never kept a log but estimate I have 800 dives. I have 38 so far this year. But I have refrained from taking the course so far. Never really focused on improving myself. Just dove and that's it.

How do you adjust trim? How to position the tank? How to manually inflate the BC when you are sinking fast? What to do in a down current? When to call the dive? etc etc etc etc.

As a Dm you are expected to do all of this and so much more for OTHER divers. After even 100 dives I don't think I could have done these for myself much less help someone else.

I think there are a lot of DM's out there who are capable of ONLY leading a dive. When the stuff hits, most of them are useless. I know I don't want to be another one of those.