TRAINING continued
I consider the type of diving; each child’s age, maturity, ex- perience, language skills, special needs, and individual feelings; and any other information the parents share with me. That may sound like a lot, but I think about my own children when they were learning to dive. I remember the level of trust I needed and the ratios that made me comfortable. I apply that same conservative methodology to every child. I make every decision as if each child were my own. Lower ratios have become a hallmark of Kids Sea Camp because they allow us to nurture each child’s individual journey comfortably and safely. For children ages 8 through 12, I maintain, and require our partner operators to provide, a maximum ratio of two children per instructor. This often allows an instructor to hold one child’s hand with each hand for reassurance. For ages 13 through 17, I allow a maximum ratio of one instructor to
greater patience, and creates an environment in which children can thrive and develop a lasting love of scuba diving. They feel safe, secure, and excited rather than overwhelmed. The dive team also feels less stressed, better able to help, and more confident. Creating a Culture of Support I believe it is extremely important to cultivate a culture of support and provide additional training for instructors. Dive shops and owners play a pivotal role in safety by empowering instructors to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. During my 36 years in diving, I have learned that even excellent in- structors may not be suited to teaching children or may simply prefer not to do so. That is okay. It should not diminish their value as instructors. I encourage honesty. When an instructor is uncomfortable with youth diving, lacks experience, or needs to shadow a
four students under the best conditions. I frequently add an assisting divemaster when particular skills, dives, or student needs require more attention. For children with special needs, I require one-on- one supervision. These are the conservative policies I use within Kids Sea Camp. Every in- structor and operator must also follow
seasoned colleague, I provide that op- portunity. Some instructors have told me, “Margo, I’d rather be on an adult boat.” Others may not have the mindset, patience, or passion required for nurturing young divers. I respect that candor. Honest self-assessment prevents mis- matched assignments and creates oppor- tunities for instructors who genuinely
the applicable training-agency standards, local regulations, certification requirements, and individual student limitations. I employ instructors and divemasters whom I fly to destinations around the world. This can cost tens of thousands of dollars each year, but I will never reduce supervision to save money. We begin planning ratios months before the courses so the needs of every child and adult can be met. Parents and aging grandparents may also require additional attention. It is common for me to assign an instructor and di- vemaster to a family of four. When newly certified children dive with their instructor, I may place another divemaster in the water to observe and assist the parents. This may sound excessive, but parents and grandparents diving with children for the first time may be nervous and inexperienced in caring for someone else underwater. Having the family dive with the certifying instructor who has worked with the children all week allows parents to observe the team’s procedures and communication while building comfort and confidence in diving with their kids. I have made this family dive part of every trip. This approach improves safety, reduces stress, allows for
want to develop their youth-diving skills. Children should not be used as teaching tools, test cases, or practice opportunities. Only experienced instructors who are emotionally and physically prepared should be assigned to teach them. Instructors should continually evaluate their own comfort levels and readiness. Ask yourself whether you can give the students 100 percent of your attention. When the answer is no, speak up and step back. Postpone the class or transfer it to someone who is prepared. Dive shops can support this process by offering training, mentorship, adequate staffing, and flexible scheduling. I never ask my team to do something I would not do myself. Parents and students must also respect an instructor’s safety decision. If a pilot said that conditions were unsafe or that they were not well enough to fly, passengers would expect the flight to be delayed or canceled. We need to show that same understanding toward instructors. The possibility of customer complaints or social media attacks can weigh heavily on in- structors and dive shops. However, pressure from customers who are told that conditions are unsuitable and that a course or dive must be discontinued must never influence the safety
44 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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