From: peterson@hpl.hp.com (Chris Peterson)
Subject: Re: Instructor/Agency Accountability
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 20:07:21 GMT
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto, California

In article <1992Jul23.172802.3942@talon.ucs.orst.edu> sdodd@OES.ORST.EDU (Stephen M Dodd) writes:
>Hi,
>
>I'd like opinion from those of you on the net involved in training
>students about agency accountability.
>
>In one of my classes last night I heard a story about a non-certified
>diver teaching another to dive and then the second diver when to someone
>"selling" certifications and worked his way up to instructor ... and
>then turned around and "sold" the first guy an instructor rating.  Thus
>ending up with two bogus instructors.

[flame will grow continually hotter until the end of this post...]

I'm not sure I understood the mechanism you describe, but I think I understood
that you've witnessed at least two bogus "instructors" acting unethically and
dangerously.  The person originally "selling" certifications acted unethically
(at best) and probably contrary to his agency's standards.  He is presumably a
valid "instructor", and as such is subject to having his instructor ticket 
revoked.
 
>Both were later seen certifying divers who never made it to the water
>because "we know they'll never dive anyway".  

I am not aware of any agency that allows diver certification without open
water dives (usually 4-5).  Again, unethical and contrary to agency standards

>They kind of have the opinion that their instructor ratings allow them to take
>anyone out, particularily girlfriends, without any classes.

To a limited degree, most certified instructors can do this... 
but again there are agency standards, and "community standards" that must be 
followed.  They are probably increasing their legal liability if anything 
(*anything*) "unfortunate" happens (including breaking up with their 
girlfriends...).

>The case is clear to those observing it.  And the conditions continue.
>How's come the agencies don't catch up with them?  It's been at least
>four years.

The agency must know about the problem before it can take any action.  A signed,written statement is usually required before an agency will start disciplinary
action.  The statement is best if it comes from another instructor from the
same agency who has personally witnessed the problem.  List as many provable,
observable *facts* as possible; rumors, and "your opinion" -- no matter how 
righteous -- won't carry much weight.

If you believe that the bozos' agencies do know about it, yet have taken no
action, report it to your own agency (signed, written statement).  If in doubt,
talk your own instructor, or your agency's local representative (branch 
manager), training director, or executive director (if you want NAUI or SSI
contacts, send me a message.)

Take this type of stuff out of action as soon as possible.  All three of the
"instructors" that you describe may be subject to disciplinary action by their
certifying agencies.  Furthermore, these "instructors" are endangering the lives
of those they teach.  An instructor's certification is a "license to kill"; 
every student literally places their lives in our hands during training.
-- 
Chris Peterson                                     Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
                                                    Research Computing Services
                                                              Palo Alto, CA USA 
                                                   peterson@peterson.hpl.hp.com