When I took my AOW training (via PADI), 2 of my 5 specialties were boat diver & drift diver. However, in the PADI curriculum for both of these specialties there apparently is not instruction included in the proper deployment of a SMB, particularly at depth & using a spool.
As you're probably aware, these weren't "specialties", they were merely 'adventure dives' - representing the first dive from the associated specialty course (when 5 are combined - forming the AOW qualification).
When enrolling/considering a course of training, it does pay dividends to do a little research in advance, so that you can confirm the syllabus. It's nice to know exactly what training you will be getting (
training being more important than 'qualification', surely?). Also, it means you can ensure you are given the correct training...and nothing is missed. You will also be able to better appreciate the instructor who goes beyond the minimums and gives you more!
Since this is a valuable skill to know when diving in the ocean (from a boat or drift diving), I'm curious to know if any instructors teach this as part of their training, or how many divers have been taught this skill in conjunction with either of these specialties?
There's no training standards limitations on instructors teaching DSMB within the scope of any scuba course - to a degree, it is even encouraged that instructors model their training to meet the demands of the local diving environment.
In Europe/UK, the use of DSMB is so widespread (and often critically necessary) that PADI even created a specialty course for just that ("DSMB Diver").
I used to teach DSMB at entry-level when I was in the UK. I don't now, because it isn't a 'critical' skill given local diving practices and conditions here... and it can often prove quite task loading for a student if squeezed into the OW course. Given 'free time' on OW training, there's other stuff that I'd rather refine to a higher standard, rather than adding a plethora of extra skills. I feel that only dilutes the training. I will include DSMB on Deep courses, or at any other time if I ascertain that the student will have immediate need of the skill. I don't teach Drift courses here... as Subic Bay has no currents.
As such, I'm going to be getting some formal hands-on instruction in this skill very soon with an instructor,
Even if a formal course isn't available - many instructors can still provide training to fit your specific needs... such as workshops or mentoring sessions. Look for a tech-qualified instructor and see what their daily rate is. 2 dives/1 day of private tuition will certainly get you up to speed on DSMB deployment.
DSMB deployment is a performance requirement on tech courses - thus, a tech instructor can be assumed to be expert at the skill. The same is not true for recreational instructors, although - of course - some are.
