The big question being asked in the scuba diving industry today- are scuba diving organizations handing out scuba certifications to any one who can afford the course fees or are they stringent on actually training divers?
The question crops up as you notice an increasing number of poorly trained divers when you happen go on diving trips in groups and especially on liveaboards. Having witnessed myself, that dive instructors certify divers that lack the basic underwater scuba skills and knowledge of safety procedures, because they feel compelled to hand over a certificate to paying customers. While, it’s not directly the fault of Scuba agencies, they provide a framework for dive instructors. The framework is meant to be flexible to accommodate different training environments and teaching styles while conducting training. However, it’s up to the instructor to use their discretion in certifying well-trained and competent divers, who’ll be able to deal safely with a situation requiring the scuba skills taught in trainings.
Taking PADI for example (not to say they’re not a good training agency, I myself am PADI certified), they require Open Water certification students to ‘master’ twenty basic scuba skills. But it’s up to the instructors judgment to say what mastered is. Mask clearing, a simple basic skill taught in Open water courses. Sure the student tried and got most of the water out of their scuba mask, but they spent the next few minutes shaking uncontrollably with residual terror and gasping for air through their regulators. Do you certify them then? That’s signing them off to deal with the risk of encountering emergencies far greater than just a flooding mask when they’re diving after certification. Shouldn’t there be more to it than just completing a skill regardless of comfort (or terror) levels?
Doing the bare minimum in terms of merely completing the bare minimum requirements in training requires less time and energy, making scuba certification easier and less time consuming for dive shops and instructors. While this is an easier path to take for both dive professionals and those looking to earn a scuba certification, is it throwing caution wind by disregarding the risks involved in the sport. Once certified, divers are allowed to dive without a dive instructor and are responsible for their own safety.
In turn, poorly trained individuals are risk not only to themselves but others underwater. Proper training is key in a sport such as diving and should not be taken lightly and while the problem doesn’t lie with the organizations such as PADI, but those instructors and dive shops who interpret the standards to fit their personal agendas. Any thoughts on the subject? let us know in the comments section below…
*Photo credits: photos by slagheap and Dave Bluck on flickr
I really do agree that there is too much emphasis put on quantity, not quality in the current dive industry. That's why it's not uncommon to hear the statement, "it's not which agency you use, it's the instructor you find that determines how well your course will be and the amount you enjoy it." The same agency can have two instructors, one that is looking for the path of least resistance while certifying and earning money, and the other who is determined to put in the required work with EACH student to ensure their safety and confidence under water. This is why it is critical to research your instructors prior to doing a course with them, and why agencies should take a closer look not only at their newer instructors, but also their veteran instructors with high numbers of certifications ton ensure consistent standards are being met.