As a diver who began using scuba before we had SPG's, BCs, and all that other sissy stuff, I have to wonder how any group of people can legitimately offer certifications of skill levels to anyone else. If you follow the trail of AOWs, or DMs, or Instructors, or any other specialty back far enough, you eventually reach the point where someone decided on their own that they had those skills, and not only that, but that they were in a position to certify that others did as well. There is something wrong here, fundamentally wrong. There is some kind of arrogation of authority going on that does not bear close scrutiny.
I don't dispute that many holders of such certifications are extremely competent, but I know from experience that some are not. Still, the basic premise, the start of the passing of lay diving bishoprics through the laying on of hands started somewhere, and those who started this process did so without anyone certifying their competence. That is, I think, obviously true, entirely self-evident.
The industry, the commercial organization of providers of recreational scuba services, the dive shops, boats, etc., have formed agreements over the years, and insurance companies have helped to force this process along, but the wole thing is ultimately self-serving. I find it difficult to take some of this stuff seriously. I know some super competent divers. some are DMs and instructors. Others are not. I do understand the need to regulate and certify competence in a sport that has attracted all sorts of people, but some of these 'specialties' are really ridiculous.
I've had a couple of 'instructors' at resorts become confrotational when I told them they were wrong about some things I know well. They got really cranky and peevish when they found out that I was correct. I think, all things considered, that I may start my own certification agency. It will be just as legitimate as any other. Plastic cards are easy to create. If I come up with an obscure name, with a flavor of specialized and/or foreign connections, design a nifty card layout, and print them up, I wonder if they would be accepted. Probably. I would not be breaking any laws. I have as much right to certify, through my International Pelagic Professionals Marine Skills Instute, as any other agency. There's gold in them thar skills.
I don't dispute that many holders of such certifications are extremely competent, but I know from experience that some are not. Still, the basic premise, the start of the passing of lay diving bishoprics through the laying on of hands started somewhere, and those who started this process did so without anyone certifying their competence. That is, I think, obviously true, entirely self-evident.
The industry, the commercial organization of providers of recreational scuba services, the dive shops, boats, etc., have formed agreements over the years, and insurance companies have helped to force this process along, but the wole thing is ultimately self-serving. I find it difficult to take some of this stuff seriously. I know some super competent divers. some are DMs and instructors. Others are not. I do understand the need to regulate and certify competence in a sport that has attracted all sorts of people, but some of these 'specialties' are really ridiculous.
I've had a couple of 'instructors' at resorts become confrotational when I told them they were wrong about some things I know well. They got really cranky and peevish when they found out that I was correct. I think, all things considered, that I may start my own certification agency. It will be just as legitimate as any other. Plastic cards are easy to create. If I come up with an obscure name, with a flavor of specialized and/or foreign connections, design a nifty card layout, and print them up, I wonder if they would be accepted. Probably. I would not be breaking any laws. I have as much right to certify, through my International Pelagic Professionals Marine Skills Instute, as any other agency. There's gold in them thar skills.
