Doing your open water course is an exciting thing, rather a new adventure should I say. When you start, the student will have an instructor, but each and every instructor is different. The way they teach, how they show skills, and also the difference in which they mark skills are all according to the instructor assigned to the student.
The Uniqueness of the Scuba Educator
Each and every instructor has their strengths for what they are best at teaching. This individuality stems not just from their training, but from their personal background and diving experience. For example, an instructor who previously worked in underwater photography may excel at demonstrating buoyancy control and stillness, while another with a background in marine biology might bring a passion for environmentalawareness into their lessons, making the course more engaging for those interested in the aquatic life.
Some instructors are by-the-book lecturers, meticulously breaking down the physics and physiology of diving. Others are hands-on motivators, preferring to spend more time practicing in the water, relying on muscle memory and constant positive reinforcement. This diversity is what makes the industry so rich, yet it is also the key reason why the student-instructor match is crucial.
Beyond the Minimum: Technique and Assessment
The core skills taught in the Open Water course are standardized, but the method of delivery is not. An instructor might use vivid analogies to explain pressure, or they might demonstrate a skill like mask clearing using a specific, highly personalized technique they’ve perfected over years. Furthermore, while certification agencies set minimum performance requirements, the instructor holds the power of interpretation in how they judge a student’s success. One instructor might value flawless technique above all else, while another might prioritize a student's calmness and confidence when dealing with a challenge, even if the execution isn't perfect.
Finding the Right Fit: When Styles Clash
With keeping in mind that each instructor has their strengths, this also means that the instructor that will work best for a particular student may vary greatly. Sometimes, a student may feel stuck on a skill or are not progressing. It is important to remember that this isn't necessarily the student's fault, nor is it the instructor's. It could possibly just be that the instructor they are working with is not the best suited for their individual learning style.
Learning to dive should be fun and confidence-building. If a student feels undue pressure, confusion, or a lack of connection with their teacher, it creates an unnecessary barrier to learning. A visual learner struggling with a purely lecture-based approach, or a student who needs more patience feeling rushed by a fast-paced instructor, are common scenarios.
Thus, the student is more than allowed to ask to change instructors during their training. It is a reasonable request that reflects self-awareness and a commitment to safe diving, not a failure. Most dive centre’s understand that a good student-teacher connection leads to a safer, more competent diver, and they are usually happy to facilitate a switch to ensure the student's success and enjoyment.