I am an PADI MSTD and have no interest in getting a new instructor rating if the PADI PSD is just as good.
I think this might be the problem right here - there are many that don't think the PADI program is "just as good". The differences may go well beyond line pulls.
Just something to think about.
Let's face it, PSD is one of the more dangerous forms of diving. I personally rank it right up there with cave diving so having the BEST program was important to us to keep our guys safe.
Our approach for training was such:
- 1st, find the best program. We spent over a year checking out the different agencies to find what we believe to be the best.
- get our guys dialled into that program and make sure it works
- last, develop an instructor that can teach THAT program
It takes years and a ton of $ but anything less IMO would make our program inferior.
Again, our priority is to keep our guys safe. If we can't do the best for them then we'll fold the team up. We aren't doing the victim's any favours if our own guys are at risk
For the agency I'm working with, to instruct PSD:
- need to be a full member of a PSD team and registered as a "Level 2 PSD"
- need DM or AI minimum in order to take ITC (10days) - maybe 8 days if your already an instructor. This enables you to teach OW, drysuit, FFM and tenders - basically you can run a prep course for the PSD course
- in order to teach the actual PSD course the candidate must mentor/team teach with a senior instructor. The amount varies with the individual but usually no more than 10 courses. Basically you have to prove that you know your stuff and can teach it.
Obviously, this takes a few years.
Side point - I think you'd find that most PSDs were sport divers first (I was too) but being a hotshot sport diver doesn't really help you in the PSD realm but I'm sure you'll find this out after a while. I used to think like you.
Anyway, keep learning and growing and don't give up!