"Are there any honest stories from Zero to Heros about how well prepared they were for the job?
Perhaps these sorts of Heros don't read the board..."
I do read the boards and have been following this thread, though mainly I just lurk I rarely post!
I am what you would term a zero to hero instructor, trained with Aquanauts, so I will give you my point of view.
I first went to Aquanauts as a non diver, I had big plans, was going to join the Fire Brigade but I had a gap before I could start my training, so I decided I fancied learning to dive and getting a qualification out of it. So I spent 4 months doing my OW-DM course. I was very impressed by the way that Aquanaust handled me and guided me through the course, and diving did change my life. The size of the internship meant that I was the only one just going to DM everyone else was going all the way to OWSI, and I watched my friends each month I was there blow away their IE's. As a result I decided that I would go home and make the money to do my OWSI.
When I went back about 8 months later I decided that I wanted to get as much experience as possible I had done a bit back home asssisting and a few dives to keep my hand in, so I asked for a further 4 months to do my DM-OWSI. Over these four months I was treated with the exact same professionalism as the first time I was there.
There were weekly skill circuits, to practise the 20 skills, and also rescue training practice. There were courses everyday to assist on, so you can see how courses are taught "in the real world" so to speak.
When it came to the IDC it was hard, they did set the bar very high, and expected alot out of you, but because of all the practice we had done prior to it the IDC it all came good - when it came to the IE, it was stressful, but a breeze really. That bar they set during the IDC was waaaaaaaaay higher was the reason why it seemed so easy!
I think what some people dont understand about the zero to hero program is that because of the environment you live in the same apartment block as your fellow interns, you all eat at the same restruant most nights, it means that the learning isnt over when you step off the boat, you learn as long as you stay at the table with your buddies! You live, eat, sleep, and breathe diving for 6 months or more in some cases.
Overall you get out of the program what you put into it, you have to work hard but it pays off when you get to the IE, I thought I couldnt have been any better prepared for that exam which is why Bob offers the guarantee. If you pass your IDC with Aquanats you will pass your IE barring a serious case of nervy brainfartishness!
I think I've written a bit of an essay but I hope that answers some of your questions. Anymore feel free to PM and I will give you a personal response
Safe and happy diving!
Freds