DCBC-I'm curious, are you a PADI instructor? A CESA from 50' seems awfully sketchy for open water certs if that's what you're referring to with "basic divers"
I was a PADI Instructor (MSDT) for 17 years. At the time, I owned a PADI Training Facility and operated a NAUI Training Centre and a Branch Office for ACUC and CMAS. I was a Course Director with NAUI and an ITE for ACUC, CMAS and IDEA.
PADI would not allow me to register a 5 Star Facility because I offered other training programs (including Commercial Diving). They would also not allow me to be certified at any higher level because I would not allow myself to be branded with the number of the beast.
I felt PADI was much too restrictive on what they would allow in diver training, so I no longer teach through them (emeritus status). PADI's restrictive process continues today, the recent nixing of buddy breathing is but one example. I surpass minimum requirements in all my programs and currently prepare divers to dive safely in North Atlantic waters. My basic program is a minimum of 50 hours.
As far as the CESA is concerned, I believe that it's important for an Instructor to properly prepare the student. CESA is the last option, but an option nevertheless. How can you mention this as a viable option to a student and not train him to successfully accomplish it safely?
I teach a student proper equipment maintenance, how to do a proper pre-dive check on his equipment (including his breathing system), how to share air, buddy breath in various positions and CESA. Attention is on the buddy system, proper buoyancy and rescue/self-rescue.
It's important how to recognize hazards before they occur, so they can be avoided. If a problem presents itself, the diver should have the skill-sets to deal with it in a safe an effective manner. I don't think I'm doing any more than what's necessary, or anything other than what I would expect if someone else was teaching a member of my family.