Written by
Regional Training Consultant, Guy Corsellis
Underwater photography is an art
form and an activity enjoyed by many of us. Some of us use photography and film
simply for capturing souvenirs whilst others use it for recording data. As a
PADI Instructor you may wish to engage in underwater photography activities
whilst teaching which may be acceptable in some teaching situations. However, the
PADI Instructor is still required to continually
observe their divers with only the brief, periodic interruptions needed to lead
the dive and provide assistance to individual divers, as required by PADI
standards.
We do need to make a clear distinction of what is or isn’t allowed while conducting a PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) or Open Water Diver course. Whilst conducting a PADI DSD, the standard is very clear. As you will find under the Supervision section from the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Instructor Guide, it clearly states: Do not engage in any other activities, such as taking photographs or video, while supervising participants. This standard was also reinforced in the 4th Quarter Training Bulletin 2012. While this standard has not been specified in the PADI Open Water Diver course, as PADI Instructors we still need to apply good judgment to increase and maintain diver safety without ever jeopardizing our student divers.
In the 4th Quarter Training Bulletin from 2005 we published an article about Student Diver-Centered Open Water Dives:
During Open Water training dives,
as the Instructor, you carry the responsibility to observe and evaluate each
student diver’s performance. Participating in other activities during open
water training dives detracts from your primary focus and responsibility.
Underwater, if you are taking photographs, videotaping, mapping, searching,
collecting or doing anything not directly related to the dive’s training
objectives, you are not providing the direct supervision that student divers
deserve or may need. Please be aware
that taking photos during a course (in particular
an entry level course) may take your attention off the students.
From a risk management point of view
as you will no doubt be aware, dive professionals are always advised to err on
the side of caution. This is not only the safest option for all involved but
also the best defence, should something go terribly wrong on the dive and the matter
is taken to court. As a PADI Instructor, this is something you always need to
bear in mind when you need to ‘make the call’. Make conservative judgment calls
and always err on the side of caution. If student divers lack comfort and
confidence, I strongly recommend that you only focus on the wellbeing of your
student divers and not task load yourself with other activities. As stated in our Member Code of Practice, “As a PADI
Member, you agree to the following: Put the safety of diving clients and students as your first priority and
responsibility!”
Please don’t forget to have fun with
your student divers and enjoy yourselves!
If you have any further questions, please email your Regional Training Consultant at [email protected]
