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> 1. Does a DM do the "special orientation dive" or is it done by or at
least
> under the direct supervision of an instructor?
Depends on the SOD.  A DM/AI can do some but not any involving penetration
or depth.

> 2. Did anyone see mention of a "special orientation dive" in either of the
> reports that started this?"
No

> 3. Does the person conducting the special orientation dive have to be
> certified to one of the several levels that include an overhead
environment?
Again, it depends on the SOD but, go and look at what it takes to become a
PADI specialty instructor.  Go on.  I dare you.

> 4. If not, am I the only one who thinks it's nuts to tell divers to stay
out
> of overhead environments and then let any DM (good, bad or average) take
> them into any one they chose to?
>
It depends.  It depends on the divers and the swim thru. But it is at least
hypocritical to tell divers one thing when you know that your members are
doing something completely different (though it probably does mitigate
liability and pushes it back on the DM/operator engaging in the practice.)

CH
 .