As technology and dive business has advanced, so has diving instruction. Just as there are many choices of Regulators, BCD’s, computers, and dive trip options, there are just as many choices of instructors. There are also a lot of Course Directors out there these days. As with Instructors in any field, there are some good and some that are not so good. However, just like there are certain things you want to know before choosing your doctor, there are certain items you should inquire of your Course Director.

Accreditation and Experience – Does your Course Director have the education and experience to train you proper. Just like in the Dive master course, a big part of the IDC is for the CD to share his/ her experience. If somebody does not have that, then it comes down to “teach you to pass the IE”. Also remember that if the CD has been around for a while and has trained a lot of Instructors in the area, you will get lot’s of valuable info outside of just the IDC. Such as local issues/ concerns and probably also advise on future work opportunities. Before signing up with “the cheapest deal” do a bit of research and find out what other people in the area has to say about your potential choice. Happy customers are usually a good indication that the CD cares about the candidates. If needed, ask for references of students from all skill levels that you can contact. Does he/ she offer programs on a regular basis or do they just have a few per year?

Compatibility – It is your responsibility to insure that there is a fit between you and your instructor on all levels, personality type, mutual goals, and your instructor’s ability to relate to your individual needs. Learning to dive is supposed to be fun, so learning to be an Instructor should also be fun then. Not a military training camp! If the CD is a “boring” speaker it can turn into pretty long days. Yes, you will spend a lot of time in the classroom, so having a person in front that can be entertaining as well as knowledgeable will be very important. Some have ego’s bigger than the dive store and that gets to be a bit boring after a few days.

Facility – Where will the program be conducted and does the CD know the facilities well? Are the classrooms air conditioned (in tropical climates)? How far from the classroom to the pool or confined water? How far to open water site? If things are slowed down by difficult logistics, such as long travel between class room to pool or open water site this will interfere with learning. Also your days will then be very long. Since you have to do preparations every night for the next days action, it makes sense to be able to get out of class at a reasonable time every afternoon. Relaxing and catching your breath before homework and dinner. Remember; never hold your breath! Check if all diving is done from the beach or if boat is an option if the beach “blows up”. It often saves time to go from the beach, but if conditions are bad, then that is an issue. If they would not teach an open water course at the site, then they should not teach an IDC there either. Can they help with fixing equipment as well as help with booking hotels, advice on restaurants etc. Having some surround support will help make the experience less stressful and way more fun too. Check what schedule the course will have. Is it a squeeze with cramped in study over the bear minimum of time or is it laid out perhaps with a “study/ relax” day in the middle. Is there any room between the IDC and IE for maybe some extra stuff or remedial training?

Follow-up Communication – Your CD should be willing to help out with answering questions after training has been completed. You are going to be a brand new Instructor, and sometimes may get a little stressed. Being able to call or email and get some good advice will make life less stressful.

Let’s face it; diving is not rocket science or brain surgery. By asking simple questions before taking instruction, you will insure that you will invest your time and money wisely, as well as maximize your learning curve.

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The following article was submitted by
Bent Posejpal – PADI Course Director
Siam Dive n’ Sail, Phuket, Thailand
Tel: +66(0)76-330 967; Fax: +66(0)76330 990
Cell: +66 (0) 81 892 0643
Email: bent@igotbent.com
Email: igotbent@gmail.com

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