...modern scuba training by n' large promotes diving as a pursuit achievable by the masses, thus many folks are showing up at the door with less watermanship, less physical fitness, & a desire to be spoon-fed the knowledge required to pass as quickly, as cheaply, & as painlessly as possible.
Enter the modern diving Instructor.
Depending on the Instructor's experience ( both diving & teaching ), a student may get anywhere from the bare minimum ( or in some instances, regretably - less than the standards require ), to a course exceeding the minimum standards by whatever degree according to the personal philosophy of the Instructor.
As a personal choice, I have never subscribed to the "FUN!-FUN!-FUN!", "High-Fiving" "rah-rah-rah" sell-job for the sport of diving. I prefer a more serious, sober approach. I call this "Proper Attitude Construction", & it goes something like this:
"Diving is an inherently risky pursuit. It can be safely enjoyed if you do the following: Start out slow, careful & easy; continually make an HONEST self-appraisal of your capabilities & limitations, & plan your experiences accordingly; seek out effective training prior to attempting dives beyond the confines of your open water training; & above all - maintain a healthy respect for the element you are visiting, as it can be very unforgiving."
Regards,
DSD
Enter the modern diving Instructor.
Depending on the Instructor's experience ( both diving & teaching ), a student may get anywhere from the bare minimum ( or in some instances, regretably - less than the standards require ), to a course exceeding the minimum standards by whatever degree according to the personal philosophy of the Instructor.
As a personal choice, I have never subscribed to the "FUN!-FUN!-FUN!", "High-Fiving" "rah-rah-rah" sell-job for the sport of diving. I prefer a more serious, sober approach. I call this "Proper Attitude Construction", & it goes something like this:
"Diving is an inherently risky pursuit. It can be safely enjoyed if you do the following: Start out slow, careful & easy; continually make an HONEST self-appraisal of your capabilities & limitations, & plan your experiences accordingly; seek out effective training prior to attempting dives beyond the confines of your open water training; & above all - maintain a healthy respect for the element you are visiting, as it can be very unforgiving."
Regards,
DSD