Posted by Eins on September 05, 2000 at 18:29:01:
In Reply to: Market Share vs. Responsible Training posted by JRM on September 05, 2000 at 17:09:04:
Well, for a starter, how about just covering what's in the book. Of course, this requires that there is a book.
Then, taking it one step further, make sure that all topics in the book are not only understood but can be performed in a way that proves that the concept is understood. I wouldn't expect a new diver to have the experience to perform all necessary skills flawlessly, but understanding the concept at least guarantees that they know what they are doing and why.
To see divers with 50 + dives and still sinking to the bottom if motionless, silting up the dive site with every fin stroke, clearly shows that they still DON'T understand the concept of buoyancy.
Certification as a requirement to perform scuba diving is a result of self regulation within this industry. The reason why it works is because it can be enforced easily: no air without a c-card, no diving without air.
Climbing certs would be much harder to enforce. But you wait, with this sport growing in dimensions scuba diving did, and with casualties coming along, there will be some kind of (hopefully self-) regulation too.