I am pretty sure there are no laws stopping a person from having suicidal tendencies. The same I felt for anyone who tries to imply that without "proper certification, training etc" is borderline criminal. This is the kind of mentality that shuts people off from the good stuff which DIR can offer. OVERZEALOUS is the keyword.
Like so many things else, this subject will be a never ending debate. On one hand, we can all agree that a yes, there is a need to have things done properly. Properly does not mean a piece of paper saying that you are qualified and this does not mean that any tom dick or harry is just as qualified.
But, to put a stamp on it and call it "borderline criminal," when a person who is competent enough (even without the "proper" training) is a bit overzealous. Yes, as with most industry, there is a need to draw a line, but how far can they take it and what is the end game we are looking for? Accountability? /spits The entire scuba equipment industry dealing with equipment should start asking for diver's certification number prior to be eligible to purchasing diving gear if accountability is what they want. Just like the requirement to have a license to purchase a gun.
Then again, there is no law stopping any person to fix their own brakes, service their own regs, modify their own bicycle or repairing their george foreman grill is there? So, it is always "use your good judgement."
Obviously, grey area.
I remember getting my first bicycle. I was given some instructions by my parents who are not properly trained/certified instructors by the World Cyclist Association, and even when I finally could ride, I am still not a certified cyclist. We are all borderline criminals waiting to cross it when it is decided that I would require PROPER Instructor Training prior to teaching my kids to ride a bike and get certified.
