Open Source Instruction for Entry Level Scuba

[Superlyte27]

That makes no sense at all!!!

Yah, my computer locked up, when I came back, that's all that was posted, LOL. I've deleted and re-written.

 

[Wookie]

Good question. I don't know.

Do you accept NAUI certifications on your boat?

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Most of my instructors are NAUI. They are the "Anti-PADI". I do accept NAUI cards, as well as any other I can think of. I would look funny at an SEI card if I didn't know Jim. A lot of card acceptance is in the presentation. If it is a credit card type card, it's going to go farther than a laminated business card type card. Temporary cards definitely get the hairy eyeball unless their instructor is with them, or at least called me beforehand.....

 

[awetmedic]

So far we have just been using experienced instructors that have been certified by other agencies. We don't have a stamp on them.

 

[Wookie]

The RTSC is recreational only. IANTD, NSS-CDS, GUE, NACD, and more are not part of this body of agencies.

ISO accredits some of those agencies. Not UTD, though.

 

[awetmedic]

Of course, besides the fact that is already happening, I would have to agree with you.

 

[awetmedic]

And as you know, nothing replaces a face to face evaluation of that diver. Whether it is a pre-dive safety check or a pre-flight safety check, you have to look beyond the paper, although a recognized card is a good place to look.

 

[redacted]

Obvious solution: Seperate certification from training/instruction. Certify base on tests of knowledge, skills, and abilities with appropriate standards.

 

[mathauck0814]

Again with the insured instructors. One of the precedents that protects instructors in their training is that they're following the prescribed and proven methods established by a large organization. If an accident were to occur and one of your instructors were to be sued, you could make the case that what is really being questioned are the standards and methods of the certifying agency and unless the instructor were negligent it would deflect the lawsuit to someone with deeper pockets and a bigger defense team.

In your case, you're going to have to go it alone and ensure that you can defend your practices and curriculum; a challenge without precedent of thousands (millions?) of c-cards in the market testifying to the success of your program. Everyone starts somewhere, for sure, but NAUI et al started in a far less litigious society.

Long story short, you might find your insurance (individual or otherwise) doesn't protect you so well as you'd expect when the <noun> hits the fan.

 

[awetmedic]

A couple of areas that are consistently overlooked are the declining fitness, strength and medical condition of divers as they age. The second is the change and updating of information and techniques. The one-time certification card somebody obtained 20 years ago, might be widely accepted, but how safe is this diver? We have the same problem on our highways and nobody has been able to find a solution until after the accident and a judge orders the license pulled.

 

[awetmedic]

There are four things that need to be proven in court to bring a civil case here in the USA. If we did something that ran past the limits of our insurance, we would have really screwed up and would deserve it. Fear of financial loss is a great fear for many. They wouldn't get much in my case. I am certain I can avoid negligence and criminal acts. Malicious suits can be handled by my insurance.

I am hoping my instruction never gets so sloppy that I am counting on my insurance being okay if I ever need it.