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| Originally Posted by 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  . |
Of course you don't see that as a strength because you are sold on the system and fortunate enough to easily meet all it's requirements. I have more faith in an instructor who can take a student 'in whatever kit they turn up in' and build them into a safe and competent diver, albeit sub-optimal in your view
than an instructor who teaches from a fixed viewpoint.
I really do get why it is such a good system for those who want it, but IMO it's not necessary to keep pointing out how superior it is to other diving agencies and to other divers configurations.
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| Originally Posted by thehappychappy Its weird this about interpretation of DIR.
I am not DIR, I have never claimed to be although I am very curious.
One time I remember doing a shore dive with Hickdive (who is also not DIR, although we both have backplate, wing, long hose, twinsets and at the time black drysuits, Id have know the divers where not DIR as my suit had front pockets and Hickdive has a break in his harness, that and we just pulled up and didnt follow any formal procedures) at a popular Scottish Shore dive training site and as we walked past a group of other divers one of them pointed to us and said "those are DIR divers" I just looked at Steve and laughed.
Pretty sure from the tone of voice it was meant derogatory, its weird the image folk have.
All they would have to do is see us in the water and realise I can only aspire to be DIR.
I think what makes people DIR is the thought process, logical approach to diving and the uniform standards. Everybody is human* and can therefore make mistakes.
*possibly not some of my ex's |
It's not that many years ago that the derogatory snickering comments came from some DIR wannabes on forums and boats that I frequented.
Anyway this is all a moot point because unless things have changed nobody
is DIR irrespective of how high up the ladder they are, they are only 'aspiring to be DIR'...... IIRC some Floridian cave guy said that.
Safe diving however you do it.
Steve