- Messages
- 16,409
- Reaction score
- 5,219
- # of dives
- 1000 - 2499
When I did my OW 5 yrs. ago we did the MSF. The class I just DMCd did the 200 swim. Neither class was given a choice. Same LDS, different instructors. My point is there should be one standard for all. If that minimum standard is determined to be too low the agency should then raise it or change it. It should not be either a choice made by the student OR the instructor. All the written exams for all the courses are the same for each student. If a choice exists, it should exist for all candidates in all places. Debating the value of being a good swimmer, comfortable in the water,(vs.) knowing swim/water skills in order to dive/rescue others safely, etc. can be argued endlessly. If there should be no choice as to which swim is required, then PADI should change the rules and put it in writing. This is not at all a "PADI bashing post". I hope to DM soon with them and have enjoyed taking most of my PADI courses. I've read that NAUI instructors have much more leeway in establishing requirements for students. I would assume that this has a positive result regarding different techniques for different locales, but like PADI, it no doubt results also in some instructors' standards being higher/lower than others'.