PADI standards for DM-conducted programs?

Hi all,

Was wondering what the PADI standards are for DM conducted programs, namely, the ratios of dm and students? What is the ratio for dm's taking qualified divers, or even while in training programs, such as skin diver, scuba diver, discover local diving?

was also wondering what is the main difference between an open water diver, a skin diver and a scuba diver course? why do they make it so confusing?

1 - Skin diver would be someone who is certified to use a snorkel, mask, and BCD....typically a snorkeler...you do not need to be certified to snorkel.

2 - Scuba discover is someone who is interested in SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing...you can't do this with a snorkel). Usually like a 20 minute demo of what it is like to be a SCUBA diver in a pool with DMs and Instructors around you.

3 - Open water diver would be a full SCUBA certified diver. Someone who has had training in how to use equipment that will support his or her life underwater...once certifited a diver should be able to dive on their own with their choice of buddy.

Ratios: I do not know, we try to have no more than 3 students per instructor and DM in classes we teach.

To the best of my knowledge...

Discover Snorkelling: no set ratio
Skin Diver: 16:1 in confined water, 10:1 in open water
Scuba Review: 10:1
Discover Local Diving: no set ratio

DMs can guide Open Water students during the tour portion of dives 2, 3 and 4 at a ratio of 2:1. They can guide Discover Scuba Diving partipants who have completed their first dive, also at a ratio of 2:1.

AFAIK there are no set ratios for guiding certified divers, since they should be capable of diving without a DM anyway. Anyone know if there is a set ratio for guiding people with the Scuba Diver qualification?

You need insurance for most of these activities.

Z

PADI DMs are qualified to independently conduct various PADI programs.

Discover Snorkeling (no max ratio) - essentially guided snorkeling

Skin Diver (16:1 in confined water, 10:1 in open water) - guided snokeling with breath hold dives

Discover Local Diving (no max ratio) - guiding (though not necessarily in water) certified divers on a local dive

Scuba Review (10:1) - skills and knowledge review for certified divers

Repeat dives for Discover Scuba Diving (2:1) guiding uncertified divers who have successfully completed a Discover Scuba Diving program including the open water dive