About 5 years ago I did a day trip on the great Barrier Reef with one of those huge boats that seem to hold hundreds of passengers. We were divided into bite sized groups, and during the trip out, a staff member sat with our group and reviewed the OW curriculum from start to finish. By far most of the boat's passengers were using rental gear. My 2 dive friends had decided not to pack their gear for the trip, so they were using rentals as well. I had brought my own.
When we were done with that briefing, I quietly went up to the DM and made a quick description of my gear so she would not be surprised. She looked at me as if I were a space alien; she clearly did not know what I was talking about. I took her over to my gear and showed her. She shook her head in wonder. Who would even think of using such gear? I assured her it was OK, and she left for another room. A few minutes later another staff member came out and took a look at it. He decided it was OK. Over the next 20 minutes, until it was time to dress, 3-4 other staff members came by to have a look at this curiosity.
I wonder how many thousands of divers that staff sees each year.
When we were done with that briefing, I quietly went up to the DM and made a quick description of my gear so she would not be surprised. She looked at me as if I were a space alien; she clearly did not know what I was talking about. I took her over to my gear and showed her. She shook her head in wonder. Who would even think of using such gear? I assured her it was OK, and she left for another room. A few minutes later another staff member came out and took a look at it. He decided it was OK. Over the next 20 minutes, until it was time to dress, 3-4 other staff members came by to have a look at this curiosity.
I wonder how many thousands of divers that staff sees each year.