mark f l davison
06-11-2005, 10:24
Introduction.
The First Class Diver is the highest-grade diver in the BSAC training system. Very few pass this examination every year. With very few exceptions, all that do go onto to do the FCD examination are already instructors within BSAC. So why do so few of us aspire to this exulted level of diving. As a diver and instructor who works in training (non diving) arena, I will explain why I will not be doing the examination and my thoughts on this qualification.
Systematic Training
All training that is delivered in a systematic approach should have a set of training objectives that are derived from a statement that defines what the student should be capable of achieving at the end of the training.
In the case of an Ocean Diver we have seven statements that define what the diver should be competent to complete. These are ???.
An Ocean Diver is defined as a diver who is competent to conduct dives:
? with an another OD or SD, within restrictions of the conditions already encountered during their training
? with DL or higher to expand experience conditions beyond those already encountered.
? max depth 20m
? non deco
? on site supervision of DM
? where other divers are present able to provided assistance
? normal BSAC safe diving practices
(these are para phrased for brevity)
To support this training need we have a number of lessons, both in water and in the classroom that deliver the knowledge, skills and attitudes that the student needs. To ensure that the student has gained this necessary knowledge, skills and attitude we have a number of assessments and these are directly related to the course material.
This is at the centre of systematic training and this training is successful as a result.
FCD Objectives
However, with the FCD, these statements are very subjective and as a result, the assessment is highly subjective.
1. Has a high level of practical diving skills and knowledge.
2. Can organise groups of divers to achieve specific aims or objectives.
3. Can organise and lead major diving expeditions
4. Has the skill to contribute to BSAC developments at national, regional and branch level.
Now consider the pre-requisites:
100 + dives
Chartwork and positioning Course
Extended Range Diver
Diver Rescue Specialist
Diver Cox Award
Advanced Diver
As these are pre-requisites it seems to me that statements 1 and 2 are already covered by previous training.
Whist 3 is a good objective this has now been largely covered by the new Advanced Diver qualification. Expedition training was, until the new AD syllabus was introduced, the one real additional skill and knowledge that the FCD introduced.
Objective 4 is more akin to the role of a coach and therefore an instructor?s qualification rather than a diver?s.
If the FCD qualification is to have any real meaning, it needs to have its own objectives and its own training course. I question our need to have a FCD, it seems to me that all the objectives of the FCD of 10 years ago is now contained in the Advanced Diver of today and there are no additional skills that are covered by the FCD.
Perhaps we should question the need to have five different levels of diver training, is four sufficient. If we do then I think we should distribute some of the training from AD back to FCD and likewise throughout the diver-training programme! If we are going to stick to five levels then each level needs a clear set of objectives that are supported by a training course that is delivered by instructors.
Training Programme
There is no training programme; students are expected to glean the additional knowledge skills and attitudes that this qualification requires without a formal training programme. This fact is recognised in the Instructor Manual and whilst it talks about support and assistance in preparing for this qualification, it is light on any real detail.
Conclusion
I have concluded that the FCD system has become a means of regulating those who aspire to become National Instructors and the means by which a number of FCDs pull the ladder up behind them. This is borne out by the lack of plausible training objectives and the total lack of a training course. I personally cannot see what I would gain out of putting myself through a course that has no real objectives, which has no course and adds nothing tangible to my diving. Persuade me otherwise!
Perhaps the FCD should be replaced by something that is useful:-
Coach ? prepare instructors to take on the responsibilities and roles of an area / regional coach.
Instructor Trainer ? we already have the course.
As I do enjoy doing training I am off to do a rebreather course this winter!
The First Class Diver is the highest-grade diver in the BSAC training system. Very few pass this examination every year. With very few exceptions, all that do go onto to do the FCD examination are already instructors within BSAC. So why do so few of us aspire to this exulted level of diving. As a diver and instructor who works in training (non diving) arena, I will explain why I will not be doing the examination and my thoughts on this qualification.
Systematic Training
All training that is delivered in a systematic approach should have a set of training objectives that are derived from a statement that defines what the student should be capable of achieving at the end of the training.
In the case of an Ocean Diver we have seven statements that define what the diver should be competent to complete. These are ???.
An Ocean Diver is defined as a diver who is competent to conduct dives:
? with an another OD or SD, within restrictions of the conditions already encountered during their training
? with DL or higher to expand experience conditions beyond those already encountered.
? max depth 20m
? non deco
? on site supervision of DM
? where other divers are present able to provided assistance
? normal BSAC safe diving practices
(these are para phrased for brevity)
To support this training need we have a number of lessons, both in water and in the classroom that deliver the knowledge, skills and attitudes that the student needs. To ensure that the student has gained this necessary knowledge, skills and attitude we have a number of assessments and these are directly related to the course material.
This is at the centre of systematic training and this training is successful as a result.
FCD Objectives
However, with the FCD, these statements are very subjective and as a result, the assessment is highly subjective.
1. Has a high level of practical diving skills and knowledge.
2. Can organise groups of divers to achieve specific aims or objectives.
3. Can organise and lead major diving expeditions
4. Has the skill to contribute to BSAC developments at national, regional and branch level.
Now consider the pre-requisites:
100 + dives
Chartwork and positioning Course
Extended Range Diver
Diver Rescue Specialist
Diver Cox Award
Advanced Diver
As these are pre-requisites it seems to me that statements 1 and 2 are already covered by previous training.
Whist 3 is a good objective this has now been largely covered by the new Advanced Diver qualification. Expedition training was, until the new AD syllabus was introduced, the one real additional skill and knowledge that the FCD introduced.
Objective 4 is more akin to the role of a coach and therefore an instructor?s qualification rather than a diver?s.
If the FCD qualification is to have any real meaning, it needs to have its own objectives and its own training course. I question our need to have a FCD, it seems to me that all the objectives of the FCD of 10 years ago is now contained in the Advanced Diver of today and there are no additional skills that are covered by the FCD.
Perhaps we should question the need to have five different levels of diver training, is four sufficient. If we do then I think we should distribute some of the training from AD back to FCD and likewise throughout the diver-training programme! If we are going to stick to five levels then each level needs a clear set of objectives that are supported by a training course that is delivered by instructors.
Training Programme
There is no training programme; students are expected to glean the additional knowledge skills and attitudes that this qualification requires without a formal training programme. This fact is recognised in the Instructor Manual and whilst it talks about support and assistance in preparing for this qualification, it is light on any real detail.
Conclusion
I have concluded that the FCD system has become a means of regulating those who aspire to become National Instructors and the means by which a number of FCDs pull the ladder up behind them. This is borne out by the lack of plausible training objectives and the total lack of a training course. I personally cannot see what I would gain out of putting myself through a course that has no real objectives, which has no course and adds nothing tangible to my diving. Persuade me otherwise!
Perhaps the FCD should be replaced by something that is useful:-
Coach ? prepare instructors to take on the responsibilities and roles of an area / regional coach.
Instructor Trainer ? we already have the course.
As I do enjoy doing training I am off to do a rebreather course this winter!