Posted by From The Reef Seeker newsletter on April 01, 2001 at 14:24:55:
POOL CERTIFICATION
Both NAUI and PADI have announced a new certification level of “Pool Diver.” Though not a full scuba certification, Pool Divers will be able to enjoy scuba diving within the confines of a swimming pool.
“We know that a lot of people never intend to go into the ocean,” says Jed Livingstone, NAUI VP of Training, “but this gives them a way to enjoy all the wonders of breathing underwater, as well as opening up a whole new market for us.”
PADI VP Brian Cronin agrees. “This is the next logical step in the evolution of diver training and is part of what we call Essential Change. The bottom line is that lots of people don’t like cold water and don’t like salt water. And a lot of folks who want to try diving just don’t have the skills to be safe in the open water. The pool is a perfect place for them to be.”
There will actually be two new certification levels - the standard Pool Diver, and the Deep End Diver. The former is restricted to the shallow end but the latter is allowed into the deep end as well.
The course consists of a rigorous 32-minute classroom session covering all aspects of diving followed by a thorough 19-minute in-water training session. Although NAUI will only allow this class to be taken in a pool environment, PADI has included a home-study option with a CD-ROM for the book work and provisions to do the in-water training in a bathtub.
Those who want to move on to Deep End Diver will have to submit evidence of five logged pool dives and then complete two more supervised deep end dives before earning the coveted “Deep End” designation.
NAUI and PADI also announced plans to develop Nitrox Pool Diver and Tri-Mix Technical Pool Diver programs, for those who want to safely extend their underwater pool time.
(From the April 1 edition of "The Reef Seeker", Reef Seekers Dive Co.'s monthly newsletter.)