NAUI Training Assistant Course

[Vercingetorix]

I'm currently taking NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver at ScubaToys. This is a prereq for NAUI Training Assistant. I've mentioned TA to Joe who said he'd pass it to Greg Williams.
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<DIV>Are TA classes and certification in the planning stages at ScubaToys? If so, please don't set open water checkout dives in August through LaborDay (I'm diving FOR FUN nearly every weekend in August).</DIV>
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<DIV>Are there other divers in the D/FW area who are seeking TA? Perhaps as a stepping stone to DM.</DIV>

[TxHockeyGuy]

That's something I'm looking at doing next year. For now I want to get more dives under my belt and specifically get some more ocean dives in before I start taking on additional responsibilities underwater. That and I really don't have the funds to pay to be out at CSSP for all the classes and such at this time. But I am certainly interested in any information ScubaToys wants to post on how this whole process works.

[Vercingetorix]

David,
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<DIV>While I undrstand the desire for more diving experience (we all want that), I think we can reasonably handle the responsibility inherent to TA duties. Those duties are under the direct guidance of an instructor or DM. As TAs, we can practice skills with student and lead UW tours. And, when you get right down to it, even as basicOW, we can do that with our dive buddies, be they a single buddy or a dozen.</DIV>
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<DIV>Being a TA teaches you to do it right and steps you toward DM/instructor, if that is one's goal.</DIV>
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<DIV>Besides, as TA's, we can torture...I mean, work with students in Rescue. Ken, Woody, and Platyman were having too much fun last night in Rescue class with us.</DIV>

[Jeff]

TA is a great stepping stone towards DM. It allows you to start working with students, while you decide if DM is for you, but you don't have the liability yet that comes with a professional level certification.

I personally certified Platy last year to TA and several others who are currently in the DM training course.

From my experience, most courses done beyond Rescue are highly customized. While at times I had specific weekends, I would also attempt to find time during a regular class to work with a candidate when they were available. THis gave me some extra help at the lake, while helping you out as well.

Unfortunately, I've got a job that keeps me out of the area, so I'm not able to help out much, otherwise I'd be more than happy to work with you. Talk to Greg and Woody about your next steps and when you can arrange time with them. For TA you'll need some classroom to discuss duties and liability (one evening) and one day at the lake to prove skills.

Good luck!

[Vercingetorix]

Jeff,
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<DIV>Thanks for the info. Again, I appreciate that you, Sean, and Platywere willing to work with just me at Travis in April when the other four AOW students bailed on the class.</DIV>
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<DIV>I undersand that you are an instructor trainer, but I'm uncertain exactly what that means. I know that you can train/certify all levels. Therefore, can only an instructor trainer train/certify TA's? Or, can a "regular" instructor, such as Mac MacPherson and Woody train/certify TAs?</DIV>

[Jason]

"Regulars" can train/certify T/A's as well as DM's.

[Vercingetorix]

Jason, Thanks. I thought that's what Jeff was saying in his last para, I just wanted verification.

[TxHockeyGuy]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

David,
<div></div>
<div>While I undrstand the desire for more diving experience (we all want that), I think we can reasonably handle the responsibility inherent to TA duties. Those duties are under the direct guidance of an instructor or DM. As TAs, we can practice skills with student and lead UW tours. And, when you get right down to it, even as basicOW, we can do that with our dive buddies, be they a single buddy or a dozen.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Being a TA teaches you to do it right and steps you toward DM/instructor, if that is one's goal.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Besides, as TA's, we can torture...I mean, work with students in Rescue. Ken, Woody, and Platyman were having too much fun last night in Rescue class with us.</div>

Sorry if I came off as saying I didn't think you were ready, that was not at all my intention. I'm saying I think I need more dives. I also need to get more comfortable with having my mask off underwater before I progress beyond rescue. I will definitely go for TA since ScubaToys offers it and will then make the decision whether or not to go to DM. I am 90% certain I want to go to DM but since TA is offered it will give me a chance to try it out so to speak. My biggest concern is the liability aspect and I just want to make sure that the added liability is worth it for me, I think it will be.

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by TxHockeyGuy

Sorry if I came off as saying I didn't think you were ready, that was not at all my intention.

No, I didn't take it that way at all. Actually, I think the best judges of whetherwe're ready or not would be current instructor (Woody) and DMs (Ken Shepler, PlatypusMan). After all, it's their students that would be entrusted to the TA's care.

[Jeff]

Yes, I do hold Instructor Trainer designation with NAUI.

A NAUI Instructor is able to train all Recreational level courses, most Specialty level courses, and Professional level courses up through Dive Master.

NAUI requires additional training of their Instructors for Instructor and certain specialties (such as technical level - penetration/cave/ice/etc.)

As an Instructor Trainer, I am able to teach the Instructor curriculum to Instructor candidates, but I cannot yet fully certify them. NAUI requires a Course Director (next level beyond IT) for final certification. So anyone I would work with to Instructor, must still be checked off by someone else.

All "Instructors" can take you through all levels up to Dive Master/Assistant Instructor. Beyond that you'd need to work with me, Greg or Woody, all of which are IT's.