"Good Buddy" or "Dive Natzi" ??????

[Madacub]

Yes.. it stands for "Dive Control Specialist" if I'm not mistaken. It's the SSI version of a DiveMaster.

So Dive Control Specialist = DCS ??!! Funny!

(This saga is keeping me on the edge of my seat...Looks like it's going in the right direction...Hope you get your money back, it's not as though they were out any money due to your very valid cancellation)

 

[DaleC]

Humm...
I may be off base (there's always a first time) but perhaps your husband needs more of a challenge and a less controlling dive environment than you can provide for him.
Maybe he wants to be a race horse but finds himself hitched to a plough team? I know as a husband and father (who loves his family) there are times when I want to get out there and run. If I had to go at the pace and comfort level of the wife and kids all the time I would crack. I do things with them but often feel like I am sleepwalking - my skill, fitness and risk acceptance level is far beyond theirs. I am a happy camper because we have both "us time" and "me time" if you know what I mean.

Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way Divemom, there really isn't an excuse for his poor behavior to date and I'm not being dismissive. Unsafe is unsafe. I'm just suggesting another way to look at the situation. Some men (and women too I suppose) need more stimulus than the nice safe family outing can provide. Perhaps if he was given the outlet to push himself, maybe with other more risk attracted divers, he might sow those wild oats and calm down with you and the kids. He might also take direction better from those hardcore divers too as they are doing the dives he is reaching for instead of from his wife who is doing the dives he is running from?

Just a thought, it might (or might not) apply.

 

[Jim Ernst]

Profile InfoJoin Date: Jun 2009
Logged Dives: 100 - 199
StatsPosts: 35
Thanks Received: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by DiveMom1
Yes.. it stands for "Dive Control Specialist" if I'm not mistaken. It's the SSI version of a DiveMaster.

So Dive Control Specialist = DCS ??!! Funny!


OOOPSS, Sorry, that strikes me as very funny!

 

[Jim Ernst]

Your kids will be in good hands with Jim.

Thank you Dave.
I will do my best and then some!

 

[Kingpatzer]

A no refund policy is stardard here for dive shops . . .

Do your homework by finding someone to send you the appropriate pages from the SSI standards and procedures that talks about the shop's responsibility to teach and uphold requirements.

Politely ask for the refund and tell them why.

If they balk, ask them point blank (politely but firmly) if they would prefer to refund your money or deal with a formal complaint to every agency they are associated with for violating standards.

If they choose the latter, follow through.

 

[Jax]

I will talk to the shop owner in person and discuss their style VS that of the agency. No idea what will happen .. but at least I'm on track with priorities.

Please, please, PLEASE put it in writing! Even if you hand deliver it to the shop owner / manager so you can talk to them . . . For some reason, many establishments think "your just b-i-tching" when you talk or call, but they take it seriously if you take the time to write (type) a letter.

You don't even have to threaten to go to the agency or anything. Just say 'I withdrew from xyz training because of an inappropriate attitude expressed by a member of your staff: John Doe.' Then copy your post #1 info after that. Last paragraph "I want a refund to my credit card (or however you paid it) for the full amount as I believe your shop is not upholding your part of the contract, to train to industry standards."

That simple! Really, it's just a formal request for your money back. But put it in writing.

 

[scubafanatic]

Absolutely!

There is training, and there is reality. In fact most folks I dive with stay tight. I generally like that in a buddy. But not always, especially if I have a camera, and they are say.. speerfishing! :shocked2:

It also depends on the type of diving you are doing. 30' on a reef with a hard bottom is not a dive where buddy skills are liklely going to come into play. 100' on a wreck, IMO you best have a buddy who takes diving seriously.

I find that dives are more enjoyable when you are sharing the experience with a buddy. So it's good to have a buddy for more than just a backup air source.

I dive with a guy that races around. He also blows through air at an alarming rate. I generally don't bother doing more than keeping an eye on him. Ironically this is not a young guy (read old), but he just loves to kick as hard as possible, and run around during the dive. If your husband falls into that catagory, then you may want to find an alternate buddy!

...ahh, the 'human torpedo' types...I hate those too...and avoid them like the plague...I'm all about relaxed...long....bottom times, especially DEEP, so I'm big on being efficient......will hover/rest on the bottom to check out stuff...be still, so even though I may be substantially deeper than the 'torpedo', the 'torpedo' willl run out of gas way before me anyway!

 

[scubafanatic]

Humm...
I may be off base (there's always a first time) but perhaps your husband needs more of a challenge and a less controlling dive environment than you can provide for him.
Maybe he wants to be a race horse but finds himself hitched to a plough team? I know as a husband and father (who loves his family) there are times when I want to get out there and run. If I had to go at the pace and comfort level of the wife and kids all the time I would crack. I do things with them but often feel like I am sleepwalking - my skill, fitness and risk acceptance level is far beyond theirs. I am a happy camper because we have both "us time" and "me time" if you know what I mean.

Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way Divemom, there really isn't an excuse for his poor behavior to date and I'm not being dismissive. Unsafe is unsafe. I'm just suggesting another way to look at the situation. Some men (and women too I suppose) need more stimulus than the nice safe family outing can provide. Perhaps if he was given the outlet to push himself, maybe with other more risk attracted divers, he might sow those wild oats and calm down with you and the kids. He might also take direction better from those hardcore divers too as they are doing the dives he is reaching for instead of from his wife who is doing the dives he is running from?

Just a thought, it might (or might not) apply.

...a point well made...however, there is little evidence of 'hubby's' comprehension of the 'team concept' which is probably the most fundamental concept in 'technical diving'....also, 'tech' diving is comparable to being part of a military unit, with rather strict policies/procedures/gear configurations....I'm just NOT seein' 'hubby' as a tech diver candidate ! ...but I AM seein' 'hubby' as a definite solo-diver candidate....that's the direction 'hubby' needs to go!

 

[drdaddy]

I will talk to the shop owner in person and discuss their style VS that of the agency. No idea what will happen .. but at least I'm on track with priorities.

We have 5 kids [3/2] ranging from 13 [oops 14] to 29. Right now the one not certified is my biggest concern since he's a chip off the old block in every respect and already "poo-pooed" me and the other kids talking safety with him. He and hubby talk endlessly about their upcoming dive adventures together. [very scary for me]

I'll talk to Jim Ernst Thursday and see if we can brainstorm something for a "Family Training Day" but in addition I think it would be great to have all of us on the "same page" making planning, communication, diving, etc safer and more enjoyable.

I agree with USRY about putting it in writing.

Regardless of the outcome, I wholeheartedly support your decision concerning the safety of your children. Years ago, there was a Scout canoe trip being taken through the canals of a city. Some of these "canals" contain waterwheel turbines, falls, etc. My son was not allowed to go, until I found that an experienced level headed leader (who I knew personally) was taking him. There were some intense moments in our family as I was being accused of being an "overprotective Daddy" - but it turned out just fine.

Thank you for posting, and we all look forward to the outcome - including your son's dive certification!

 

[drbill]

I'd check the Dive Con's credentials... certainly not good advice from my perspective.