Is it common practice for TDI instructors to charge their students separately for the c-cards?
Hi there: Technical Diving International, like every other major agency, neither mandates the price our instructors and training facilities charge for courses, nor do we mandate that prices have to include cost of C cards, manuals and other support materials. We do require students to have required materials supplied to them before classroom sessions begin and we do require instructors to register students who successfully complete the required skills and written knowledge review in a timely manner.
Different instructors follow different guidelines. For example, staff instructors (those of us who work here at HQ) do conform approximately to a suggested retail price for the courses we teach (which is higher than the average street price) but we are not told what those prices should include. Therefore some of us include the cost of books and cards in our course fees and some do not.
All that said, it is usual practice for course costs to be discussed prior to signing up students for a class since there are some variables that participants may be asked to pay for in certain circumstances. For example, travel costs, accommodations, charter fee, breathing gas and so on for the instructor.
Again, using staff instructors as an example, if one of us is asked to run an diver level or instructor program out of State, the course fees, diving expenses and all travel and living expenses for us during the course are usually covered, and a set price arrived at before the course is scheduled.
My first suggestion is for you to discuss your feelings honestly and openly with your instructor. He or she may be able to explain their pricing structure in a way that helps all this make sense to you. I am sure this is the best possible resolution.
If you feel you have not been dealt with fairly, please contact me off-line via email with full details of your concerns and a copy of any agreement you entered into with your instructor and I will have our training and customer services department review things for you.
Thanks and I hope this helps clear things up.
Now go diving!