Is Halls Diving Academy the way to go?

[MikeSK]

Which is why i would question if Halls is really worth it. I really don't know much about them except what's on the website. Their courses are VERY expensive. Last I checked when i got my DM years ago, the Instructor course was like 1k. I was also looking at Pro Dive at the time as well.

Lately i've been toying with taking the IDC, but living in WI...not much call for it. The shop that i interned with over one summer as a DM is now closing. I would precede the dive group, prepare the site (basically tie off flag) escort divers to/from the down line, talk to them on the surface to answer questions/allay fears and lead the tour for pleasure at the end. All i got for it was experience, and free lunch. And because I had a "real" job, i was fine with that.

IDK if the instructor course has changed in price over the years...but 1k is certainly more reasonable than what Halls charges. Unless they have a tremendous placement record.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I dealt with that company (Hall's) many years ago and was very unhappy with extremely unprofessional behavoir by management. I will never go back.

 

[Sharklar]

I too just graduated from Halls 14 week course, It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life , and I've done off shore commercial Hagfishing (aka slime eels) for an entire winter ,and we all know life is hard as it is

I was told when I graduated I would see instructors that didn't have a clue, out in the real world , I just didn't think It would be in the first class I observed for a new job

Halls will push you to be your best , they will break you down and build you back up.Out of 10 people in my class 3 graduated , so for those interested in attending keep in mind it's very serious , and focus is the only way to make it though ,never loose sight of your goal .and feel free to ask me about my experience if you have any other questions

and for prodive I have also heard nothing but good things , I have a few friends that have attended prodive's courses and they loved it

Do your research and find the right way for you .

Sharky

 

[theduckguru]

Did some recreational dives out of Hall this spring as well as speaking to student from my local area at Hall's and after he graduated. The professional training class certainly appeared to be well structured.

Have to wonder why a person would spend so much money to be trained for a job that pays so little though.

 

[japan-diver]

There is money to made in diving- even in this economy. A well rounded education is a start. I have worked with a few Halls graduates over the years and they were well trained and knowledgeable. If you are serious about owning a shop Halls is a good place to start. Good training is never cheap. I do not work for Halls in any way or have attending there but just my observations with a few of their graduates that have worked with me.

 

[Don Wray]

The main problem you'll run into in the dive industry is you will be going against others who are willing to work for free, or in some instances, even pay for the job. As long as others are willing to work for little or nothing, wages will never increase.

 

[tflaris]

I'm going to be enrolling at Halls Diving Academy in Marathon, Florida Keys. I was wandering if this was a good decision and what some of you out there know about the school that i don't.

The manager from our shop graduated from Hall's. Smart guy. Seems well prepared to work in dive industry.


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[MauiScubaSteve]

tflaris, did you notice that Travis M asked that question nearly 4 years ago? It was his second a final post to ScubaBoard.

 

[tflaris]

tflaris, did you notice that Travis M asked that question nearly 4 years ago? It was his second a final post to ScubaBoard.

Thanks for the information. I don't always check dates. Mainly browse the forums on my iPad or iPhone using tapatalk which doesn't show all the info as the Internet browser does.


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[Superlyte27]

I too just graduated from Halls 14 week course, It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life , and I've done off shore commercial Hagfishing (aka slime eels) for an entire winter ,and we all know life is hard as it is

I was told when I graduated I would see instructors that didn't have a clue, out in the real world , I just didn't think It would be in the first class I observed for a new job

Halls will push you to be your best , they will break you down and build you back up.Out of 10 people in my class 3 graduated , so for those interested in attending keep in mind it's very serious , and focus is the only way to make it though ,never loose sight of your goal .and feel free to ask me about my experience if you have any other questions

and for prodive I have also heard nothing but good things , I have a few friends that have attended prodive's courses and they loved it



Do your research and find the right way for you .

Sharky

You just graduated, are you working in the field for which you were trained? Are you making decent money?