Mentoring
Some articles in the April 2010 issue of Dive Training Magazine really brought clarity to some issues the dive club and dive community at large face. The average age of divers is on the rise and the drop-out rate of new divers is very high, sometimes cited as 95%.
The editorial feature related some of the problem to the contemporary short format courses. The blame was not placed on the quality of training but a side effect. Once upon a time would-be scuba divers would attend class for 3 months, several nights a week with time divided between class and pool work. This could be followed by several months of open water work. Aside from the depth of experience these divers gained they had been part of the diving community for a good number of months and knew their way around. They had formed relationships with a good many seasoned divers and mentoring relationships formed easily.
A feature story related the tale of a young couple that got certified on the fast track to spend their honeymoon scuba diving. They had a great time and were looking forward to many more adventures. When they got home they had no ties to the local diving community. They didn't know local sites and were not oriented to local conditions. Before long frustration gave way to other interests and life took them in other directions. A great start in diving had been squandered. Imagine the challenge faced by a lone diver after private lessons!
As members of the Maine-iac Divers we are fortunate to be able to draw on each other for experience and camaraderie. Being a group of active local divers we are uniquely qualified to aid divers in transition. They may be new to the sport or returning after being dry for years. Be on the lookout for the chance to lend your experience and patience to that diver in need of a jump start. It's possible that you will meet your next best buddy!
Photos!
If anyone has pictures of Maine-iac Divers in action above or below the water and of course cool crritters and stuff please add them to the photo section of the Yahoo group and announce the addition. There is always something new there, try browsing some time. It's a great way to reconnect with good times had.
