Where to learn???

[Ron Brandt]

Unlike the Michelin Guide, which has experienced food critics and reviewers checking out hotels and restaurants every year, gathering first hand impressions, dive agency QA is second hand information.

I have often wanted to write that "Michelin Guide" for dive stores.

On 5 Star ratings,I know of several stores that qualify for it, but refuse because of cost to benifit ratios .

I also know of 5 Star stores that have had accidents and extreme standards violations(unknown to the public) and still retain the 5 Star rating.


Ron

 

[vr]

Thanks for reinforcing my point, Ron, that the PADI 5 stars are based on money and marketing, not quality.

 

[Ron Brandt]

CDC's are another matter and are rigidly controlled.

I know of stores and course directors that are no longer PADI affiliated due to standards being broken.

At a 5 Star it's usually an instructor that get's suspended from teaching due to standards violations.

The general public does not know or often care about the 5 star rating or Gold Palm resort for that matter.Is all they want is great service .

Ron

 

[iceselkie]

Give the guy a break, he asked where he could learn/instruct - NOT where's the nearest "5-star" scuba store is (yeesh- touchy salespeople!)

I live in Regina and I for one am personally dissapointed in the lack of SCUBA resources as well.
Ron Brandt does indeed seem to be the only guy in town you can contact. So much for choice and variety. If you are a certified instructor and want to teach, advertise in Regina's yellow pages (Direct West)! That's my best advice.

I have been to the Dive Shoppe when it WAS open and didn't find it to be much of a "5-star" hub. Of course, I am female and have different standards
Scuba Planet (who came up with that name?!) has some junk kickin' around but I can get better (and cheaper gear) from EBay !

 

[Ron Brandt]

iceselkie once bubbled...
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Ron Brandt does indeed seem to be the only guy in town you can contact. So much for choice and variety. If you are a certified instructor and want to teach, advertise in Regina's yellow pages

Thanks iceselkie !

PM me and tell me who you are.

Ron