[ILDiver]

I do help with as many classes as I can. Boats, only on vacations. I hear what your saying, I always try to empathize with the student and put myself in their place. I have not had to deal with any in-water incidents. I've been certified since 1993 and a DM for 4 years now. I consider myself lucky. It's the nervous students that are the most rewarding to work with.

I started my DM with a shop that was more concerned with pushing students through. I finished my DM and continue to work at a shop that takes pride in turning out confident students who are comfortable in the water. If we feel they are not comfortable in the water, we talk to them and try to get them to do more pool time before open water.

I definately appreciate experience as well. I often wonder how some of these centers can turn a non-diver to an instructor in 60 days or whatever and think that they are a good instructor.

Thanks for the advice.