The whole "payment in kind" is a bit misleading, the "payment" would have to be sufficient enought to be regarded as actual "payment". No HSE officer in their right mind is going to take a guy to court for recieving "a bacon butty and a coffee" in lieu of a £300 diving course!, it can hardly be considered "payment". Reasonable out of pocket expences are perfectly acceptable, it's only when you start saying stuff like "I had to buy a new BCD at £250 to teach the course" you are heading for dangerous ground.
The HSE guy at our sceminar was quite up front about not having an interest in pursuing genuine clubs, and as Mark has pointed out, it's the instructors mascarading as clubs that they will give "special attention".
Just as an example, I have never, ever, broke even on a training course. By the time I pay travel, lunch, entry and air, I am well out of pocket, the student usualy think they are doing you a fevour buying you a coffee!
Yea, right! Try and get a days dive tuition from a Professional instructor for £1.20.
James
