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Open Water Instructors June 2002 There is a lot of debate at the moment about the need for Open Water Instructors to carry out Open Water Instruction. This is not a new rule brought in to add to the workload in clubs, but simply a reminder of the status of Instructors within clubs. From the very beginnings of the SAA, instruction and assessment of divers in Open Water was to be carried out by a “Grade 2 Instructor”, now called a Regional Instructor. In response to the grey area created by the fact that a Dive Leader may dive with an Elementary Diver, to allow that diver to gain experience, the Open Water Endorsement was introduced in 1992 or thereabouts. In 1995 it was renamed Open Water Instructor and the requirement for Diver Rescue removed. The very first open water dive undertaken by a new diver, must therefore be with an OWI, how can they not be being Instructed? Club Instructors may work in open water under the supervision of an Open Water Instructor, or higher. Whilst some Clubs have survived for years with Dive Leaders acting as Instructors, and see no reason for the change, they are not actually covered by our Insurance. Many of these divers are, I am sure, very capable, but they must gain the required qualification. How are we to prove to the authorities that they are able, without ever having assessed their abilities. I have no doubt that many will claim that they have been doing this regularly, without a problem. Sadly in the 21st century, if you do have a problem, you will almost certainly go to court, and without the relevant certification you will be hung out to dry. To add to this requirement new European legislation, currently in draft format, shall make it law for the Instructor of a trainee diver in an open water environment, to hold an Open Water Instructor certificate. This will, as proposed, include the requirement for first aid, diver rescue and oxygen administration. These are simple, common sense, measures, but if you are not already at this level, it is vital that you take the necessary steps to get to the required standard. If any of you believe that some sort of waiver signed by the novice will protect you, think again. How can someone who has no experience sign a waiver to take responsibility for something they have not yet learned to do? Our colleagues in some of the other organisations are currently under the HSE’s microscope, some are facing criminal prosecution for manslaughter. Do you honestly believe that being a volunteer will protect you if you are found to be negligent? PAUL JOHNSON-ROSS NATIONAL DIVING OFFICER
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