Posted by Chris on June 19, 2000 at 09:04:44:
In Reply to: Back to the old saying: it's not the agency, it is the instructor posted by Robert M on June 19, 2000 at 08:23:53:
I agree that a good instructor can make all the difference. Although there are many good PADI instructors, there are quite a few incompetent instructors, because the thresholds set by the agency to become one are so low. I have seen PADI instructors who could barley dive. I know of no LA County instructors who are not excellent divers.
In addition PADI certifies many divers, that would not be certified in a LA County course. Part of it is the organizational motivation. PADI sets their course thresholds low, because the goal is to get new divers certified, sell them gear, and yet more PADI courses.
LA County has some of the most stringent requirements of any dive agency. Their goal is to teach people to dive, not sell them dozens of sub certification courses.