neil:I am both NAUI and PADI and *I* believe that PADI instructors have more freedom than they think and is taught in an IDC.
Perhaps, but it doesn't answer the original question.
pt40fathoms:By setting up a clearly defined course curriculum that is structured and duplicate able, PADI has ensured that quality control can be maintained.
No it hasn't. No agency can ever ensure quality control. All any agency can do is make their standards clear and easy to read and follow up on reported standards violations. All agencies, including PADI, have standards violations.
pt40fathoms:This is one of the reasons why PADI courses are recognized by educational bodies in many countries, and is eligible for college or university credits.
Courses from many agencies are eligible for college & university credit.
pt40fathoms:That is not to say that modifications to address regional differences and needs cannot be introduced. Flexibility in the course is available, but for most situations the standard course outline is the most logical route. The thinking is simply that no matter where or with whom you take a PADI diving course, the course should be very close to being the same. Thats why they call it standards in the first place.
PADI instructors are able to introduce extras into their classes, but they are not allowed to make them required.
pt40fathoms:Some may argue that complete flexibility, and being able to teach what you want is better, but then how on earth do you audit or implement quality control measures on the course being taught? The answer simply is you dont!
Of course you can. If an agency requires skill A, it can as easily investigate (and perhaps easier) if it was required in a class as if it was required in Module 2 of the class. If the instructor requires skill B that is not required by the agency, it does not stop the agency from investigating if skills C & D, that are required by the agency was mastered by students in the class.
pt40fathoms:For all the heat and bad feeling that GUE gets for it DIR course it teaches, one thing seems to stand out. They, like PADI, realized that in order to maintain some form or quality assurance, you have to have standards that are adhered to.
I doubt you'll find any agency that disagrees.