LDS serviceing to use on open water course?

[trekkindave]

While i was taking my open water course, I had purchased a used reg setup. I got it, looked it over and it seemed ok, had paper work for the anual servicing included (was done in january 08) and had all the proper owner cards and what not with it..

I took it into class with my the night before we started the pool work to have the instructor "bless it" and he said he had to do a complete service on it before he was able to allow me to use it in the pool. Claimed it was some insurance thing.

My question is, how true is that? Does he have to service all the regs that are used at the class? This was no less then an hour after telling the class that he suggested that everyone's first purchase be the reg setup since most other rental equipment had an easy learning curve, but getting to "KNOW" a reg was a longer process.

What had happend if i had purchased and wanted to use a complete set up of my own and not rent his equipment for the class..

I have a feeling that he said what he did because he wanted to make alittle money since i didnt buy the reg from him... oh well my lament is over. Atleast not i can use it for my pool and open water check outs.

[awap]

I suspect you are right. Why don't you ask to review their insurance policy to verify that he is being truthful. I'll wager that he will not let you see it. I'd go find another shop.

[Navy OnStar]

If it has all the paperwork on it (from a reputable source), you are good to go. (If it didn't then I wouldn't dive it until it did) I don't know about their insurance but I have never had anything like that for any of the courses I have taken at my LDS, with my own gear, which I did not purchase from them, and have never shown them a piece of paper on and used several times in their pool and several open water dives for certification. At most I could see them wanting a copy of your servicing paperwork for insurance purposes but even that would be extreme. Tell him no, it has had it's yearly service and if he wants to service it he can do so for free, otherwise the end of this course will be the last time they see you because they are trying to rip you off. If they persist with the insurace thing ask for the number to their insurance company along with documentation stating that they have to service everything, so you can call and find out for yourself.

[Jenn]

I agree with the previous posts sounds alittle fishy to me. If you have all the current paperwork and inspections on the reg set up then I do not see why it would be a problem to use it during your ow.

[divinginn]

I call BS on this one,The things some lds do really amaze me.If you didn't have paperwork I could understand him wanting to service it.He is just pissed you didn't buy a new one from him.

[fisheater]

Alas, many LDSs treat OW student divers as lambs being led into a wolves' den.

You found one of them.

[fireflock]

Can I make a prediction? As you spend more time with this instructor, they will start to say negative things about your reg, and eventually will claim it unsafe. They will then suggest that you buy a new one from them.

I've never heard of a policy like that before. There's no legitimate reason for it.

The use of a regulator (with no additional rental fee) is included in every OW class that I've seen.

[Splitlip]

I too call BS.

All you guys know I am a big advocate of the LDS, but I guess I am lucky.

I have never heard of this. I would say "bite me". Then I would say "Get a good look at this face, cause you won't see it anymore".

I don't know where on he Island you are, but there are other shops.

If they force you into this to get your ticket, fine. I assume you paid them already. But take satisfaction in blowing them off.

He is also full of shitt about a learning curve on a reg. (inhale, exhale). Total bull shiit. The reg is the least subjective piece of gear you will ever own.

When you get your ticket, name the shop so other guys and girls know what to expect.

[medic001918]

This shop is so full of lies. I wouldn't even bother asking for any documentation. I'd simply start looking for another shop. If they want to rip people off, that's good for them...but don't let the one getting ripped off be you. It amazes me that shop's think they're going to stay in business in economic times like those that we're currently in while providing service like this.

Finish your class unless you can cancel it and get into another one...and be done with this shop.

Shane

[ScubaToys Larry]

All I can say is Wow! It's no wonder we are up in sales for another year. It would be faster if they just handed out our cards.