New SCUBA divers are bad SCUBA divers,
so we don’t want ‘em.
A typical catch-22, but one I hear on popular SCUBA forums and being discussed on the DEMA floor, especially in regards to PADI’s alleged “loose standards”.
“I Teach Above Standards”
I hear this all the time. I’ve even heard it, then observed below-standards behavior in a classroom, pool or open water setting. Due to this, I tend to blow off the concept of Standards because the real issue is it has become too objective. I feel I teach above standards as do most SCUBA instructors, but no one is auditing unless there is an accident.
“SCUBA Diving has Become Too Easy”
I personally disagree with this statement. If you read your instructor manual (at least the PADI one), the standards are what I would consider the basic, life-sustaining skills. Mastery is fairly well defined. Now it’s my job to enforce both the standards and mastery.
The truth in our industry is the majority of divers are getting trained to go somewhere tropical where they will be in low-ratio settings with dive professionals. Knowing the basics to survive should be good enough for most.
In my area, conditions are bad. Visibility is terrible, currents are strong and it’s cold. Therefore, I train to my local standards. If I just did the bare minimum, I would not be training my divers at the basic, life-sustaining level I think is important.
Continuing Education Learning Curve
When I teach continuing education, my learning curve is steep. I want to certify people in a way that makes them safe and helps them earn their certification. I stress to them, however, that they are not great divers yet. My Advanced classes are more strenuous than many I’ve observed. My Rescue classes are grueling. By the time I’m working on a student as a Divemaster, their dive skills are great and it’s time to work on leadership.
My Personal Story
I got into diving so I could dive with my family on summer vacations. It was fun. Fun enough that I’m now working on becoming a Course Director.
Had my Open Water SCUBA class not been fun, but instead was conducted by an ex-Navy dive instructor who wants to throw nets over students in the pool and black out masks, I probably wouldn’t have continued on.
The RSTC & Me
The Recreational SCUBA Training Council determines many of the standards. The RSTC is made up of multiple SCUBA certification agencies, not just PADI. I will continue to take the standards described to me and align them with my local diving conditions to continue to create good, safe divers. As they determine skills to be unnecessary (such as buddy breathing), I will take that into consideration in my classes.
Lower Standards are Actually Evolving Standards
In the past, we didn’t have dive computers, split/hinged fins, underwater cell phones or any of the technological advancements we enjoy today. Diving has become safer and easier, so I’m in favor of passing that along to our students and customers to create new divers.
What are your thoughts: have standards simply evolved or gone too low?
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I think standards have gotten lower. When I went through my PADI IDC, the course director would refer to studies done by PADI that surveyed discover scuba diving students about why they didn't become certified divers. PADI used these results to modify course standards. Basically, they allowed people who know nothing about how to teach scuba diving to recommend changes the standards.
The problem that exists isn't that the courses have gotten easier. It's that there is no coaching involved. During open water courses, instructors only teach the skills. They don't take the time to work with the students to master the skills after they've been taught.
To the scuba instructor who commented above me, I'm willing to work with you to help show the diving population the value of scuba.
Hey Duane, thanks for stopping by, I love your site!
Do you think standards have lowered beyond the evolution of the sport? I think it's great that dive computers are now an option over the table. I'll still teach the table as a backup, but speaking for myself, I've used my computer for almost 10 years without need of that backup.
Like my comment above, I think the coaching vs. skill check off is instructor-dependent, not necessarily a universal truth of PADI. I personally wouldn't mind an instructor audit to see if people are maintaining standards. People like you and I and SCUBA INSTRUCTOR above would be fine if not better.
If you're interested, I'd love to join in to show the diving population the value of SCUBA, that's my goal through all of this.
I can understand your point of view. I am also a PADI instructor, but I would have to say that PADI does not seem to be keeping an eye on the customer. I was trained in the military and am "old school". I have been trying to teach things as PADI describes, but I much prefer the interaction of the classroom setting. I am not a fan of Micro teaching – love the Learning guide (prescriptive) style.
I have seen some other agencies training and there are several things I take from each class to make my classes work the best for the level of student. I know that when I see a student struggle where another excels, i try to have them all work together and promote TEAM.
My feeling as of late is that PADI is competing with me as an individual. They have even started to take on some of the dive shops. It will be interesting to see what direction this all takes. I think we are at a cross road; My biggest complaint is price entry point. The prices I see are artificial at best. There is no one working as a team to show the VALUE of scuba. It is always a fight.
I don't know if we can say "PADI does not seem to be keeping an eye on the customer." I think in reality, it comes down to the individual dive shops and instructors. I have an incredible regional manager who I think does a great job, but even still there are a few dive centers in my area that would be doing everyone a service by shutting their doors.
I'm with you, I much prefer a classroom setting. When I was active, I lead college classes, so lecture was two days a week, an hour and a half each time for eight weeks. It was fun. That being said, I understand that there are so many activities fighting for peoples time right now, so I think the option of elearning can be valuable.
That's what makes people like you and I good instructors: we observe others and take what they do well and incorporate it into our own styles. The team mentality is exactly what keeps people diving – when they know they have buddies, they are more likely to get back in.
How do you see that PADI is competing with you? I'm just getting back into being very active and would love to know what you've run into so I can be prepared.
Regarding pricing, I think it's tough. I've seen classes that are $99 (before being nickel and dimed) that are terrible compared to a $450 all-inclusive class. Again, depends on the dive shop and instructor.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you bring up some very good points.
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