. On Wed, 13 Mar 2002 13:39:30 -0800 David Hale wrote:

> --- Michael Levy <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >
> > I think your above statement is a little unfair to
> > the recreational
> > agencies.... they have specific skills that the
> > student is REQUIRED to show competence in.
> > If any student is unable to show said competence
> > they are required to
> > continue training till that level is reached...
>
> I'm not an instructor, so I'm basing my comments on
> observation of classes and newly graduated students.
>
> If you are an instructor (and your comments lead me to
> believe that you may be), I'd be interested in your

Correct..

> experiences with the part about "continue training
> till that level is reached." Specifically once a weak
> student finally does pass the required skills after
> multiple attempts, does that student usually turn into
> a good diver or would the student have been better off
> just hanging it up.

In my experience it is not their physical capabilities that prevent them
from meeting the criteria it is their mental approach/control. So once
they do achieve the required level they are no different to a student
who achieved that level on the first go... one could even say they are
better because they really believe they can do it by then!
Those who cannot get their head around the problem don't achieve the
requirements and in my experience are as likely to say I no longer wish
to go on any more... they see that their mind is not in it.
I don't see recreational diving as being difficult I see it as mainly
one of confidence, mental preparation and application. When my students
understand that, they are able to maintain control of themselves at all
times, which in my view is one of the secrets to diving well.

> Tech instructors have been known to wash out a
> student, hand them their money back, and recommend
> they not pursue further tech training.

> Does that ever happen in rec training?

I have had students not pass the pool skills and not proceed to open
water.... they are well aware of their inability to do the skills.
I don't do refunds.....

> I do not mean to denigrate the rec agencies, but it is
> important to recognize that they are businesses. After
> all, other than a business and market share
> standpoint, there was no reason for PADI and NAUI to

It is not the rec agencies who get the bulk of the student course fees,
I somehow doubt that the tech market is much different.

> move into the tech market. While NAUI and PADI may
> have good tech course materials, I have not heard
> anybody claim that NAUI or PADI have come up with any
> course improvements over what the existing tech
> agencies have.

I cannot comment here, I don't do Tech diving, I am purely a
recreational diver.

Michael
--
Divers know the true meaning of peace of mind.