#4707
Airworks - 7/01/2016 9:13 AM
I suggest removing references to the number of courses taken. I have just under 800 logged dives, but have only taken 4 official courses.

The number of logged dives really doesn’t indicate much of anything. A buddy of mine has reached 1000, but is not comfortable in the water and seems very unsure of himself. He enjoys wearing the latest dive toys, and insists on looking like a Christmas tree on every dive. He can’t reach half of his gear while underwater! If he dives at a site where I happen to be, and asks me to buddy-up, I’ll be glad to join him. But please don’t ask me to take the initiative!

Here is how I would spell out the categories:

Novice - Newly certified divers that have completed an entry level course. They are committed to improving their trim, buoyancy control, and overall dive skills, but often demonstrate exaggerated responses to minor stress-related situations.

Proficient - Divers with a little more direct experience especially within a couple of different dive surroundings (e.g. freshwater v saltwater, low viz environments, etc.). Proper responses during minor stress-related situations is increasing.

Advanced - Divers that are comfortable in the water, know their gear inside and out, and demonstrate consistent and proper mental and physical adjustments to a variety of dive environments. They are becoming increasingly self-confident and honing their responses to minor, and often serious, stress-related situations.

Expert - Professional divers, dive masters, assistant instructors, instructors, etc. These divers take the initiative to learn about and experience a wide variety of dive conditions, environments, and dive gear, and have mastered their responses to minor, and often serious, stress-related situations.