Not so good certification.

[Dahodevil]

I'm not sure this is the right forum but just wanted to share this.
My neighbor just got certified OW but he didn't want to go to the LDS I recommended. He found a deal. I spent to much money on my son's certification a few months earlier. Someone knew someone who would teach him and certify. After some classes at I don't know where and no pool classes he waited about 6 months for the "guy" to do the open water checkout. Well, it happened at a boat launch in the intracoastal waterway. With boats trying to launch. In 0 visibility. In no more than 6' of water. And barge traffic.
I don't know what agency it was but at least he is certified.

 

[Scott]

Sounds like your neighbor found a deal all right.

 

[lindenbruce]

Huh? That doesn't sound like a certification to me. How many OW dives? I think the minimum any agency does these days are four OW dives. And how can you do no pool exercises? And 6' of water? Don't you need to do at least 15' to qualify for a dive? B

 

[Dahodevil]

That is 1 OW for the checkout. Isn't it scary?

 

[farsidefan1]

I work in finance and I learned years ago that TINSTAAFL always applies. There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. A corollary is that "you get what you pay for" . There is a reason these sayings have been around forever.

 

[Robert Gillcash]

with no pool sessions and open water sessions no more than 6 feet deep, he is NOT certified. All agencies have the same minimal standards and that does not meet any certification level.

 

[faze]

Learning to dive is not really one of those activities to strive for the cheapest you possibly find!

 

[spectrum]

I would do bothing to encouage his diving with that training. He can't possibly be qualified if it's as minimal as you describe.

This is a life safety issue, encourage him to get some legitimate training next.

 

[tstormdiver]

He may have a card, but he is likely nowhere near ready to dive. I agree with Spectrum. Based off your discussion, your son got well below the accepted minimum standards. This is nothing to gloss over & don't try to teach him yourself. I would get him to another instructor. Make sure you interview the new instructor, with the information you have now from your experience, make absolutely sure that this situation will not happen again. Watch your son go through his classes, don't just drop him off & leave, that way you know he is getting the education he needs. Unfortunately, it will mean more $. You may be able to get a refund from his previous instructor,... but don't count on it. If paid by CC, You may be able to dispute the charge,.... once again..... don't count on it. I would contact the instructor's training agency & lodge a complaint. Most agencies will require a written & signed letter of complaint.

Please get your son some legitimate classes & training, for his safety.

 

[chrpai]

The way I read it, it's not his son, it's his neighbor.