Thanks for all the responses. I should clarify, when the PADI Instructor comes back and gets his life back in order I will finish the PADI DM Course. But the other LDS only has NAUI Instructors, and when I was starting the PADI class I really enjoyed working with students. Is there as much "bookwork" with NAUI as there is with PADI??? And I do understand most of the differences between NAUI and PADI. I kind of like the NAUI "freedom" for instructors compared to PADI.
Too much emphasis is placed on the "freedom" aspect of comparison. It is true as a PADI instructor I cannot deviate from the modules, confined water sequence of instruction or the open water sequence. It is not true that I can not add training in additional skills of self rescue, rescue, etc. I am allowed to inject any areas I see fit as long as I don't deny certification to a student whom I do not feel mastered any additional skills. I must be ready to justify anything I taught, whether in the standards or outside the standards if litigation arises. The problem then is I must prove that what was taught was within "industry" standards. I must submit for certification any student that demonstrates mastery in the outlined standards. We are cautioned in the area of additional training but not specifically restricted.
BUT, there are differences in the PADI DM program and the NAUI DM program as previously suggested. There are differences in the skills required, etc. but also alot of similarities. In the PADI system, a DM is the first level of professional responsibility and in NAUI, assistant instructor is the first level, then skin diving instructor, then DM to Instructor. Most people do not ever attain the specific title of assistant instructor in the PADI system, as that is usually the first 3 days of the IDC, and never apply for the rating. The rest of the IDC is OWSI ending with the IE and upon successful completion, the OWSI rating. NAUI, through my limited research, focuses on lecture instruction versus home study instruction in the courses. That debate will always exist as to the better method. Some students learn better on their own with elaboration in areas they have trouble with, and others learn equally as well via lecture. (I'm not one of those as lectures lose me quickly if I've already studied the material) Speaking for the PADI system which is structured to address areas the knowledge reviews demonstrate weak areas, it's easier to teach. Personally, I know areas students are likely to just regurgitate what's in the manual, so I spend extra time on those areas even when no one has missed any knowledge review questions. (theory, tables, physiology etc) I do not offer "quickie" courses that cover all the material in 3 days or so. We take one module of knowledge reviews per week, class room discussion and 2 to 3 hours of pool time for 5 weeks, then 2 days open water. It depends more on, in my opinion, whether, the objective is making money or helping people to learn to dive with knowledge, confidence and safely.
You will not ever read or hear me bash another agencies practices or standards. I think all of the standards have the same goal, some not as comprehensive at one level as others. But that's for another exhaustive (and probably boring) dissertation.
