I took a resort course (3-4 hours and a beach dive) before going on my "boat dive" with an instructor. I freaked out after going under about 5 feet and had to come up. The instructor encourage me to try again, I relaxed and he took my hand. Even though I was still panicky and having trouble with the breathing, he kept taking me down. Throughout the dive, he took his regulator out and kissed my hand, arms, neck and ear. He pulled me against him and proceeded to grope and touch. I was under water for the first time... went over 45 feet and although I made motions for him to stop, he didn't. I felt helpless and confused. Is this something that happens often? I don't want this negative first experience to keep me from trying this again, but I didn't dive again on this trip (and I could have). I just returned home today and even though this took place over 4 days ago.. well, it was just a very upsetting experience. So it does happen...I would love to name places and names, but I would hate to hurt anyone who wasn't involved. Just be careful and make sure you are with more than just one stranger on your first dive.
There are sexual predators everywhere around us. They lurk as teachers in schools, priests in church and so it is not surprising they lurk as scuba instructors at dive resorts.
With that said, and being in full agreement that the situation as you described it is inappropriate, illegal and indefensible, I sense the slightest possibility that a cultural difference may also be in play here. There is also the possibility that the Instructor's holding of the hand was to ease your fears. I have extended my hand to many new divers - both male and female to help calm them and give them the comfort of contact maintenance.
What could have started innocently enough may also have been pursued by the Instructor if you did not immediately make it clear you were not interested. I don't at all suggest you lead him on - however many Instructors - especially at resorts around the world (both male and female) are known for their "unprofessional" behavior ("hooking up") with the guests.
Once you made it clear to himyou did not appreciate the advances (it sounds like somewhere between the kissing of the arm, neck and ears and the groping,) his behavior became an all out sexual assault and should be dealt with as such.
While making the name of the Instructor and resort public may help others avoid the same drama, it may also open up an unnecessary can of public worms. My recommendation is to directly contact the certifying agency and advise them of what occurred. They will want a written and signed statement for it to be taken seriously but you can start with a phone call to the right person. If you need help finding out who that person would be, please feel free to contact me. We take issues in our sport very seriously. As a PADI, SDI/TDI and PSAI facility and with Instructors on staff from NAUI and SSI, we can point you in the right direction if the Instructor was from any of these agencies.
I am hopeful that you are fine and feel confident enough to pursue this action against the individual if you feel it is appropriate. I am also hopeful you will return to diving with a renewed confidence, knowing that you have already survived an underwater encounter with the most dangerous creature in the water - man.
Here's to happy diving...
