As the DIR philosophy continues to grow, people need to know the difference between true DIR training and the quasi-DIR type training. Many people believe that that the only true DIR training is through GUE, this isn’t completely true. There are many non-GUE instructors that offer very strong DIR dive training. The creator of GUE’s curriculum isn’t even with GUE any more and was teaching through NAUI before starting his own agency (UTD). There are many ways to determine good DIR focused training.
Mastery!!! This can not be said enough. DIR is much more than just equipment. It’s focus is on continual improvement and mastery of the fundamental diving skills. The instructors who have the DIR mindset will hold themselves and their students to a higher level of mastery. They will define performance requirements that are much higher than what is outline in course standards. The true DIR instructor is not motivated by money, but by seeing their students excel at a higher level of performance. The students of the DIR instructor will perform at this level prior to receiving a c-card.
Teamwork. Just like the Navy Seals, a DIR instructor will believe that to only achieve the dive goal and safety is to work as a team. The team needs to be on the same page for the dive goal, process, and communication. Without a strong team, the safety of the team can be heavily compromised. There is no such thing as a DIR solo diver. A DIR instructor will focus his/her classes on teamwork as well as skill proficiency. By doing so, this will ensure that when the diver enters the water with their buddy, they will have the awareness and communication skills to handle situations that may arise on a dive.
Values. Just like holding students to a higher level of performance, a DIR minded instructor will hold their own values high. True DIR instructors are passionate about diving. They don’t want to see divers bouncing off delicate coral reefs or kicking up silt on shipwrecks. They use this passion to continually improve their own teaching abilities. Just like a good diver is always reviewing their own diving performance, a DIR instructor will continually review their teaching performance after each class. They will use this to modify the next course offering. This way instructor can continually provide a high quality education. The goal of a DIR instructor is to provide the highest quality class possible. There are many instructors and dive stores that believe if you have the money, you can do anything. The DIR minded instructor does not succumb to financial duress as money isn’t the motivating factor in determining how or what the DIR instructor will teach.
There are many more traits that a DIR instructor can have, but all will all share in the belief of higher mastery of skills, developing team building skills, and holding themselves, and their students, to high values. By having these characteristics, a DIR instructor can build higher diving capacity into their classes and create well-rounded, thinking divers. So if you are looking for DIR type training, look for an instructor that will develop your diving capacity by holding you to a higher standard, building a team diving approach, and have a good sense of values.
Dive Safe,
Duane
Precision Diving
