[Mal Bridgeman]

Garf & Jason .... I agree with what you have said about there being really good quality training available from a number of sources other than GUE....I don't think anyone would dispute that.

I think we would also all agree that the quality of instruction available is much more variable than with GUE, though.

For me, one thing that even the best of the non-DIR Instructors don't have, is a team based system (inc. kit, procedure & protocols) to train to and grow the diver systemically.

They tend to work with what the student arrives with ..... e.g. inverts, bungee wings etc. [1]

It is a different approach to DIR and GUE where you get trained in the "system" and it's that which provides the "Shake hands, go diving" ability regardless of which instructor trained you, which the other approaches can't.

Mal

[1] I recognise some see that as a strength .... but I don't .