eLearning Vs Manuals Self Study for Scuba Diving Courses

eLearning Vs Manuals Self Study for Scuba Diving Courses... which is best for your next training session? We're giving the pro's and cons of learning from a scuba diving manual Vs the more modern approach of e-learning.
One of the biggest surprises is how the costs break down, so we will look at that, but also how much time do you want with your scuba diving Instructor. Believe it or not, whether you choose elearning or the paper manual could have a massive impact on how much training and time you get with your scuba diving Instructor.
As always, thanks to everyone for watching and subscribing!
D.S.D.O
James
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eLearning Vs Manuals Self Study for Scuba Diving Courses
Though we are based in Florida, Hawaii, California, and Michigan have 100 ft and 300 ft ocean and lake underwater coral reef, shipwreck, cave diving, freediving, scuba diving, and closed circuit rebreather trips. To learn full face mask, beginner scuba diver, advanced scuba diver, tech scuba diver, cave diver you can reach out to a professional scuba diver. Everyone should get scuba diving insurance with Divers Alert Network.
We support all types of diving that can be found at PADI, DALLMYD, Dive Talk where they talk about cave divers react, Waterline Academy and BlueWorld TV.

[@scubadivingfloridawithpapa7977]

Being 68 years old, I definitely learn better with manuals and in person classes. In Person classes because as You stated the instructor gives more information then manual or e-learning, and student can ask questions that are fresh in their heads. Thanks!

[@alle_namen_schon_vergeben708]

This is the only channel I instantly watch the videos when they pop up on my screen 😅 I really appreciate your work James ♥️

[@alle_namen_schon_vergeben708]

And I loved how your dog denied to look into the camera :D Like "nope, I'm not gonna look at them nope - nope - nope"

[@timothyscott4736]

I’ve instructed police officers for 30 years. The best teaching method is read, watch, and hands on. It’s all dependent on how driven you are to learn the material and survive your diving adventures. When I did my NAUI eLearning, I printed the completed E-Learning manual, while I was taking the NAUI e-learning course and passed the final test with out issues. I’ve since read the manual in full 3 times.During winter weather and coped up in the house printed the test blank and with answers to check my work. Cheating is equal to being suicidal. Just in my opinion. I’m a avid fan and supporter of your channel. Thank you for your excellent content!!!!

[@jassenjackman3284]

It’s expensive and time consuming but I really preferred the discussion based in person learning that we did. Quality of instructor and size of class also makes a big impact. I’ve done large group classes that only get taught to the lowest of standards. One on one instruction is so much superior. Not only is it fast and efficient, but the good instructors often teach way beyond the standard and are excited to discuss scenarios, good habits, techniques, and variations that help advance your diving knowledge so much more. And two thumbs up for Ziggy’s cameo.

[@BJ-eu1hx]

James, I wish their were more instructors like you. There are no shortcuts to excellence! I would encourage that you keep making these videos. I learn so much from them!

[@williamwells8672]

I like having a book to reflect back on. It's always good to have a reference materials for refresher.

[@20pump]

The benefit of e manuals is that when you are a traveller, as we are (I’m writing this in Mexico, and we are from Canada), you can have all of your course manuals with you on your tablet, and it alway weighs the same. You can review anywhere, anytime, and if you have that access, your are more likely to peruse them. I doubt you will bring your paperback manuals with you on an extended stay out of the country. Love the channel. Thanks so much for taking the time to make your videos, they are very helpful. I hope to make it down to Miami some time and go for a couple of dives with you.

[@calkelpdiver]

I started teaching Scuba (Padi) in 1990 and they were introducing VHS video for class sessions. It was to provide conformity in the information and presentation, and to give the instructor a break and not have to talk the whole time. It worked out well as you would show the video first to the class, then go back over the material with demonstration and elaboration, and then finish with questions and quiz. Eventually they went to a learn as you go program (video and book) for students, and only review / quizzes were done by the instructor along with pool work. When I quit teaching in 2005 they were starting to move to all CD/video in self-paced classes and the beginnings of online learning. As an instructor I always found a combination of video and book/lecture worked best for the majority of my students. But one thing I learned from teaching scuba is that everyone has their own way of learning. Some can book/lecture oriented in a formal class, others can be purely self-study, and others are a combination. It is up to the instructor and student to find out which method works best.

[@blakebarnett04]

I prefer in person. I feel like the knowledge soaks in more.

[@wowfreaker]

I like in person as wel. But as my experience in diving its mostly self taught by googling and researching my own stuff. It helps that you enjoy something.

[@bubblef8073]

You do know how to read a book? The instructor is not reading it for you! That’s all there is! read and answer the question at the end of each section!

[@keithattwood59]

I live in the provinces, the pain of travelling to the big city to visit the dive shops to see what they had in stock for manuals...... Never having the right languages. I was glad courses went "e". Having been an active instructor since 2006, I tailor my delivery. I think I've found a good balance

[@acarlisleac]

I did my course through RAID which was E-Learning but then a half day going over more info on the course. I like that they’ve put all of their e learning for free since covid (pay when you want to actually be qualified) this has helped me learn a lot more and decide when I think it would be beneficial to do extra courses in full

[@KarenMcMillan]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 manual and class time with an experienced, reputable, compassionate dive instructor is invaluable, like yourself. Time for important Q&A and shared experience. e-learning sounds good for review, but NOT for initial instruction of an extreme sport. I’m an SSI Master diver with certifications from NAUI, PADI, ANDI & SSI. Prepping for a refresher course. I appreciate your take on this for safe & confident divers. 🙏🏽

[@Daveador876]

I'm old fashioned, I like a hard copy to put on my book shelf

[@jacobhicks7959]

So good to hear you are going to keep the class time. I can read, both electronic and print, but the time with someone that knows is huge

[@joeyfradejas7119]

I would prefer the old school in person method of instructions. The Instructors always share their own experiences related to the lessons discussed.

[@jimmobley533]

I took my Open Water class in 1987, obviously all book and in class then. My sons, ages 15 and 13, just completed there Open Water pool work, all e-learning (check out dive coming in November). They are use to e-learning so I guess it was ok for them, but every time I am on flight headed to a dive trip I still pull out my 1987 dive manual to review. Therefore, I bought both of them the manual so they can look back on it in the future. Interesting, the dive shop did not even carry the manual, Amazon to the rescue. Thanks for all the videos. Great stuff. Cheers.

[@M3rl1n87]

The SSI shop I use does a bit of hybrid approach for OW. You get the E-Learning access as you sign up and go through that at your pace, completing all chapter content and quizzes etc. Then you head you into the shop for a day of review content, Q&A and at the end of that shop day session you take the OW exam. That is then followed up by a day at the pool, and lastly two half days in an OW setting for the check out dives. With that said, they are more than willing to spend more time with you on anything that you may need more assistance understanding and learning outside of those preplanned sessions, to ensure you are comfortable with everything.

[@paulbaratta1566]

I still have my original manual from 1974: “ Diving For Fun” by Joe Strykowski! Boy have we come a long way in my recreational diving! Never forget checking that that J valve and buddy breathing exercises. And CO2 cartridges to blow up that vest.

[@Yggdrasil42]

Oh boy, I did an extended buddy breathing session during my Deco Pro training. It's hard during a relaxed situation, let alone when stressed.

[@dannchs]

I have taken SDI/TDI, SSI, and DAN courses online and they have nice pages with a breakdown of the material and some videos embedded in the sections along with quizzes at the end of each chapter. PADI on the other hand is just an image scan of the book. Even a PDF would have been nicer to have since changing the orientation leave black bars at the top, bottom, and sides of the screen. I feel like I wasted my money in the e-learning of PADI and I'm now seeking a friend to lend me the physical book.

[@leehouston4395]

As pointed out, different people absorb information differently. For me, E-Learning worked really well as the text content is often summarised in a nice concise video at the end of the module.

[@bobolthuis6309]

I can read online education but I remember the one where you turn the pages. Thanks James for your education and inspiration!

[@ramekd]

I teach for a non-profit and our group is developing/has developed our own (agency approved) eLearning courses. We give our students our eLearning course AND the agency's paper manual. They do not contradict each other, we just feel that our eLearning course is more thorough than the agency developed course. Our group is focused on teaching scientific diving to high school STEM students, college students, and Scouts BSA.

[@cmfamonteiro]

Hi James, very clarifying video and as an instructor I agree with you in absolutely everything. I just to want to point out that if you buy an e-learning from your regional manager for your student (we are from the same agency) , it's not so expensive as if he buys directly in the site...

[@jimmccann1600]

Great topic James. 👍 I prefer the manual / in person instruction to eLearning because you can always ask additional questions to the instructor during class, to help clear up any misunderstanding as you are going through the course, rather than try to remember ask any questions while eLearning. If someone is doing eLearning, I recommend that they always have a notebook to write down any questions. That way they have a method of remembering the questions they need to ask the instructor.

[@alevey64]

I have been on a day boat or live aboard more than once where there is no WiFi or cell service and questions have come up on topics such as Nitrox. Very handy to bring the textbook along or have all the certifications manuals on the boat. Plus it is easier to gather around the table and share the book.

[@bobroo007]

One drawback not mentioned about e-learning is despite having lifetime access to a course you've completed; an agency can at any point edit or modify their text and the diver will be none the wiser. This is particularly important for professional level courses where several years down the road the smallest of details at the point of accreditation might become very, very important.

[@jeffworst9939]

@bobroo007 I see your point, but that strikes me as an advantage also. For example, let's say that I took Rescue 3 years ago, used e-learning, and now I want to take the e-learning course again to brush up. If that course was updated over the past 3 years, I'm now learning the latest information... not the possibly outdated information in the book.

[@robertharrison4387]

@@jeffworst9939 exactly

[@jeffworst9939]

@bobroo007 I just learned that some PADI e-learning courses do expire. Currently only PADI OW, Advanced OW, Enriched Air Diver and IDC do not expire.... all others expire after 1 year.

[@berlincoachdrivergoescreat8721]

@@jeffworst9939 Interésting Information - could you please tell me where that information can be found in writing? I am a PADI Divemaster and I have finished my IDC eLearning Theory. Unfortunately I currently cannot dive or travel from my location. I am trying to find out how long my knowledge reviews are valid. PADI HQ is looking into the matter, but I haven´t gotten an answer yet.

[@cleb6846]

I much prefer the old school classroom sessions with a good instructor. Self study is okay but I take much longer to understand the material and nfortunately, e-learning isn’t a replacement for the complete learning platform. In my experience.

[@jamesaurich501]

totaly agree with James. I prefer manuals . This gives the instructor more time time get familiar with the student and answer questions that they think of in class. with eLearning they do not get the same amount and quality of instruction. keep up the great videos. I try to watch as soon as they appear. Thamks

[@maxoeoe]

23.06.19 since then i have the Open Water Diver with the old Manual course works pretty good but with the elearning course (Advance Open Water Diver) it is much faster and you learn more because you put more attention on it (sorry for my bad english im german)

[@bogopuar7463]

Thank you! As a fellow scuba instructor I much prefer my students to be in class and spend time with them. There are always questions asked that other students didn't think of.......these questions could help make others better divers and avoid diving accidents. Again, thank you.

[@Dorff_Meister]

Agreed. I think the manual + in person learning is better for how I learn.

[@Will-ol9lp]

For me I prefer a manual and time in the class room with the instructor. If the instructor is good then they are with there weight in gold. Having a manual at your bed side to read and reread the areas that one might need. Also I’m a fan of highlighting some stuff. So it’s a pain to login and highlight the content and then copy past ect and print so you can have a copy to better understand that chapter. Yes I had to have 3 chapters done by class time and the self quiz’s as well done…

[@gillesturner734]

I've done both and I prefer the manual method. I like the ability to flip back quickly to confirm an item, take to places without data/wifi and easy access after.

[@KB-gd6fc]

I like the way GUE does it. Theres no actual E learning like with SDI but when you register for a class you can download a zip file that contains all of the course content including the power point that the instructor will use. Of course you have in person classroom sessions but having all of the content allows you to start studying way ahead of class.

[@livinginbillingsmontana7418]

Thanks James. As always great content. I would agree. I have done both and found that the manual sticks and the material is easier to go back and review. I have been certified in a number of professional licenses over the years and e-learning is convenient but when I teach students Real Estate knowledge we find they retain better face to face with paper in hand.

[@thecontemporarydiver505]

Great topic and video!! I'm a huge fan of a hybrid method. Where the student goes through the elearning with the Instructor in phases. That way the instructor can respond to questions immediately or can add to the content at the moment. I also do a manual with the elearning! And honestly, there should be no "Self learning" it should always be conducted by an instructor/AI. Just an opinion though!

[@peterjulianphotos4659]

I did my OW course in the 80's (when Dinosaurs still roamed) it was 3 hours once a week at the instructors house in the evening, I think we got in the pool at the end of week 5, and on week 7 we did our first shore dives. It took 12 weeks all up and we had an written exam at the end which required us to prepare 2 repetitive dive plans based on BSAC tables as well as being able to recall no deco limits at 5m intervals down to 40m (multi choice). When we first started the course we renamed it 101 ways to die under water. Yes it may have been overkill in learning how to do a free ascent from 10 metres as well completely swapping your gear with the instructor whilst not wearing a mask, doing a basic underwater nav course, and practicing basic resusitation skillsas well as doing a 25 metre drag swim towing your 'unconcoius buddy'. BUT I meet "Advanced Open Water" divers and "Deep Divers" who giant stride into the water only to find they have an 80 cf aluminium haemorrhoid dangling between their legs or suck the chrome out of the first stage whilst watching their SPG needle drop like a stone and are still none the wiser about their diving skills. I've recently participated in a 'put another dime in' course on line and 1 hour later had my 'certificate' emailed to me. I agree the agency 'churning students ' is a broken model, and we need to find a better solution. I've spent my life working in front line healthcare, and the question I ask myself every time I treat a patient is "Can I stand in front of a Coronor and say I delivered best practice care". We need to stop talking about 'minimum standards' and start talking about 'desired standards' or acceptable standards. I could go on a rant, but.........

[@Guinonohaydive]

Great!!!! I do the same down here! Nothing beats classroom time with our students!

[@bubblef8073]

E-learning is really the same as classroom. The content is exactly the same, and your local scuba store is still there to help understand! Besides this covers only the theoretical part of Scuba diving!

[@alanheinrich132]

With the eLearning class with SDI you do have the option of downloading the manual, which I do and print on my printer for reference and future reference.

[@Yggdrasil42]

You do? Hmm. I'll have to check if TDI also has that option. I wanted to review the Deco Pro material and was annoyed that the e-learning module makes it hard to flip through to find the info I needed.

[@thomasw5430]

Ok first things first, we need more cameos by the 50 pound Husky! What a beauty! I have done all my learning via e- learning. After doing the e- learning and passing the courses, I went out and bought a copy of The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving. I wanted a more thorough book for reference. I will say this though, while the e-learning worked for me all of my other classes after A.O.W are via books.

[@tazccl]

I agree with you about having your e learning done before they go to class. There are some students that complete it on the last day. The class room part is a review of your e learning.

[@psarmstr]

I want the convenience of e-learning without the ripoff price tag. It's cheaper to deliver than a book and should be priced at, at most, the same price as a book. e-learning + instructor time is the best combo IMHO. Also, as an instructor, I totally agree: life is better when students do the pre-work and homework.

[@jasonharris4349]

Thank you! I've been absent from the channel for a while but on catching up, between this and "why hire a guide", you are on point! Oh, also the debrief guide, it is already something I do but I have some inspiration to improve. Thanks again for your videos!

[@butimo]

As far as I remember. All courses with SSI are digitial by default. So, if you want to have a paper book you have to buy it on top. If you're unsure, if you still have access in the future, you can simply download the digital kit as a pdf book as well. Time with your instructor stays the same :-)

[@ketsuno4914]

Both have advantages, I prefer to have a booklet to refer to later when access to an online manual not available. Face to face with your instructor is also very important.

[@randyphillips410]

I prefer the manual over Elearning because like James said in video it’s so easy just to grab it from bookcase and review at anytime. Great video

[@stephentoumi]

I need that in person interaction and it's been that way with every course I've completed for scuba. I feel there strong relationship developed with my instructor, who has taught me all my diving skills. I've only used paper manuals in my dive training and feel there is something to holding, reading and psychically writing answers and highlighting text that is important. That said, there is no wrong answer.

[@davewollenschlager5567]

James, I did the ELearning and wished I did the in person to get all of the tips and tricks. If I was close to Miami I would take all of my classes from you!

[@johnmontgomery2735]

Good video James. I wouldn't trade my in person instructor experience in for the world. I feel like I was instantly a better diver before I even hit the water because of it!

[@viperpm]

That’s what I love about my scuba shop, DeepSouthScuba. You do the E-Learning and have to pass that, but then you’ve got to go in and you get a full in-person class. Plus you also have to pass their paper test. They kick ass and I’m hoping to do a full TDI Tech class with you James. Gotta get that $$ first tho hahaha

[@martink.8132]

For me eLeraning is the most flexible self study option as I usually have text to read, videos to watch and quick tests to check my progress. The old fashion text book is last century for me. As the production for eLearnings is more expensive I'm willing to spend extra money on them, but I want to have them in a format I can refer to any time I like and not for a limited period. But actually I have added your KZbin videos and some other diving channels to my personal study material as well, because it broadens my perspective. In the end self study is nice but get you only so far. I need an instructor to discuss things with and practice. Thanks for your videos.

[@toriless]

I find reading more relaxing.

[@davidclawrence1971]

Hi James, At around 5.50 I the video you state that e-learning doesn't expire. I did my Padi OW as e-learning and after 12 months I lost access to the material, even though I completed the course. All other courses through to Rescue I've done with manuals. My son has had the same with his Padi Junior DM course that he was trialling here in the UK via our LDS. He passed, but access to the course expires in July. Books much better in my experience, and glad my daughter did her OW through to junior rescue with them to look back at when needed.

[@TheGingerNinja83]

The most important part of e learning or manual that is missing is just the cognitive retention difference. Some people need to feel that paper and write down details/response to retain the information and just won't with an online version only.

[@bowcaps]

James, these days there is a drive to educate students with a student centric approach ( we all learn differently ). I don't see how this can be fully achieved by online learning alone. The blended approach some e-learning with instructor consolidation prior to practical would seem to be the best approach. My concern here is, how many organisations invest in instructors and their ability to deliver different teaching approaches to cater for different learning styles? I think you seem to have a very pragmatic approach, pity we don't live in Florida. Keep up the high standards, others WILL follow.

[@ralphschiefer7576]

My first experience with e-learning was my Nitrox Course. At this point I was AOWD by SSI (I made all my courses with SSI because my local diveshop is a SSI one!) anything before the Nitrox was with books. I am a very digital person and I loved the e-learning BUT, it was a little diffent for me, because only the learning part was online. After I booked the course in my diveshop they said, go home learn the stuff in 2 weeks we see us in the classroom. So then I had a full classroom session as well, followed by the test which was checked by the instructor, afterwards we discussed the wrong answer (yes answer only one was wrong ;-) ) This was idial because I could learn viea PC or Ipad, and had the attentions of the classroomsession. SO I can say I love e-learning but only if you have a classroom session included. Of course all with regards to Covid, if possible! BTW I never look into my books from the courses because me as an exclusive SSI student, I have everything availible online as well in my SSI Portal.

[@toriless]

I did not start until 2015 so it had both along with a DVD for one course.

[@nosmosisprod]

Personal instruction and unrushed absorption is key. I do prefer the online learning but having taken a bunch of them it’s clear where modules have been updated in the early 2000s and more recently. I must say some of the stuff PADI has is looking quite dusty. SDI/PFI I thought was pretty good. In both cases, always wished I had a book down the road...

[@Bam-Bam74]

Yeah, but with SDI/TDI (and all the IT) the e-learning it is the Manual (just digital) AND you have access to the electronic manual for life AND when they update it that old manual is replaced online for you! Maybe I'm just biased to International Training Agencies ;) I do agree A hybrid is the best answer and taking time with a student is critical to forming a competent diver

[@eternaljonah]

With raid there is no additional cost, also there is just e-learning, but you can download the pdf. I still spend classroom time with my students where we can build on everything they have learnt in the e learning

[@OrenNoah]

It all depends upon the learning style of the student. Personally, i LOVE self study. I can go at my pace and not be slowed down by fellow students that just don't understand the material. I have found my instructors to be very responsive when I have had questions come up during my self study.

[@sergiollag1]

My padi e-learning expired after 6 month or a year, I can't remember exactly, so I can't go back to it. Great content man!

[@janinacooper4199]

Ziggy is so cute! Great points in the video James, I prefer to have the book in paper form. I only had one class as the online version which didn’t come with. Book and didn’t like that as much.

[@jeffconley6366]

Guess I'm old school I prefer a manual. Even though my profession was computer science. I use to be an instructor, read it, hear it, see it, do it.

[@hectortp92]

Great videos & congrants on the channel!! I was wondering if you know were to find any Spanish TecDive Manuals. !!! Have not been able to find them! Thanks in advanced!

[@PhlightYagami]

When you take an eLearning with SDI, you can also download a PDF manual for the course and print if you like. Best of both worlds!

[@briandhuff]

my whole family uses manual/books. Our LDS uses them as well. I've gone back and referenced them from time to time, which as you point out, you can't do with eLearning. Thumbs up for Ziggy... now that he's going out to get a job, will he be eLearning or books?

[@dean_murray]

Some people commented about elearning content always being the most up to date. That is true but agencies should provide some value to certified students with this. I'd love to see an email from agency to tell me that there has been a revision . Eg if their recommended practice or proceedure for something changes, I shouldn't have to re-do the elearning again to find out about it, I should get an email telling me about content revisions.

[@dom-i-mod6456]

What can I expect from a PADI wreck speciality course, what is the next upgrade and so on. I would like to know more about it

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

I prefer online but want a hard copy book for future reference. Being in a class full of talkers makes it tough

[@mikedavies4694]

My PADI OW, included the e-learning, but I purchased the book anyway. My AOW from same school, was book and instructor. In 2 days, I am doing the SDI Solo, which can have either option. I am going the instructor / manual option, not e-learning. Interestingly, for the similar PADI course, there is no student material. I am 60, this year.

[@kevindavison6019]

I have mixed feelings on E-learning. I have taken both in person and E-learning courses for the same certification and found there to be quite a difference in depth. I am old school and I would prefer an in person class but the "local dive shop" is more than 2 hours away so the travel time along with my weird schedule make it less than convenient, therefore I chose the E-learning option for a couple of courses. I am always seeking to expand on the courses, so I look for more explanations and opinions online like with Divers Ready and other KZbin channels. However there are people who are easily distracted and don't have the dedication to dig deeper and really need that one on one time to focus on learning the material with dedicated classroom time. I have also found that a lot of the E-learning material is an advertisement for the agency so there is a lot of fluff and distraction from the actual course material.

[@diver953]

With ssi you get the e-learning for free across all plattforms& you get to keep it forever if you login into your ssi account.

[@ayaanchitty1596]

eLearning is just a more convenient way to learn and ensure you always have the most up-to-date materials. For the courses I teach, it doesn't mean you don't get any instructor time though... there's some self study components + time with me on the academics. I would recommend that anyone wanting to take scuba training should look at how the dive centre / instructor conduct the classes... eLearning is not a bad thing if it's used in the right way. However, no academic time with the instructor most likely equals quick, cheap and low quality training.

[@steven_2880]

James Great Video I enjoy watching all your content. Bro, I saw you have a white Tip DPV!!! When are you doing a video about it. I got two of them the travel and the explorer ☺️. I lived in Hawaii but I’m from Miami I will be visiting soon loved to go diving with you let me know if you are available end of March early April Mahalo James 🤙🍺🌊🤿

[@DiversReady]

Very soon! "Black Tip" - but yes, it's in the works. Need to get the ear healed so I can get it wet!

[@jimmykabisch3258]

First of much love to Ziggy❤️. I’ve been thinking about this subject of having manuals available to me for some time now. Can you tell me what agencies have the most informative manuals and is it ok to cross agencies learning? I started with PADI and I just want more information on these diving classes. Also I love the tangible way of studying and would love to be able to reference the information from time to time. Great video and thanks again for your time James.

[@charlesbrouillette9707]

I wish I was able to take in person course, unfortunately the closest places to do those to me are 800 miles away and I can only get there by plane

[@savage5764]

Think you should direct a video towards instructors who solely rely on eLearning and do not go over the course material or in-depth with the person as a solid review instead of doing the bare minimum. Choose instructors wisely.

[@shuntao3475]

Choose instructors wisely, so true.... In my experience, I find dive shops more guilty of "solely rely on eLearning" then Independent Instructors. I am sure there are some Dive Shops that are not his way, I just have not meet that one yet. Yes there are Independents that take the short path too, those I have meet.

[@savage5764]

@@shuntao3475 I will say this, working at a dive shop and doing private are totally two different things. In a private I can spend a lot of 1-1 time with you and we will take 4 full days. Can not be said about when working with a shop cause, you have 8-12 students a dm or another instructor tagging along....

[@andrecandrade]

Nice Scooter! :-)

[@trcaso2431]

Where can I get the book manuals? Which are the best ones? Are there additional books worth reading?

[@terridelacuadra2783]

It is easier to look up and review info in the manual compared to the e-learning access

[@DiversReady]

I agree.

[@Teampegleg]

I wish that agencies gave electronic manuals with the elearnings. I have way too many books, every move I have to give away a crap ton of books. Trying to keep things down to a bookshelf or two. So it would be nice to get a PDF of the manual with the elearnings. Some agencies do this, IANTD I got the PDF of both of their major books upon certification.

[@jeffconley6366]

Good point about ton of books.

[@nilotubes]

Great video! However, I wonder, this 1 year statement on online course, do you have a source on that? I am a fresh PADI instructor and this was never mentioned in any the materials we went through during the IDC and I have not seen such a limit on the e-learning. It is true that most courses has to be completed within X time from last course activity but never heard that their e-learning itself expires.

[@davidressler9316]

I prefer books and paper.

[@davestewart8316]

Is there a manual I can study advice scuba over the winter??

[@397coney7]

You could put a Husky in Alcatraz and he’d escape the cell, get out of the prison and cross the channel🤷‍♂️. They are escape artist.

[@remcovanhal6336]

Dogs thinking, the weirdo talking to himself again 😂. Also I was told by PADI e-learning updates for free when anything changes, combined with my plans to travel as an instructor (when my house is sold) makes e-learning ideal!

[@NicolasLakoff]

Hi James, a friend of mine who is too lazy to ask you himself would like to know what watch you are wearing in this video. Thanks

[@DiversReady]

It's a very old Citizen Promaster. One of the few that has both analog and digital read outs. Depth sensor and dive time. I still use it as a back up bottom timer.

[@diversdown2116]

My dog does the same thing when ever I am doing something she must get in on it

[@johnpownall1511]

You mentioned there is an agency that does elearning only... SSI I’m thinking?

[@DiversReady]

RAID

[@crashlvmc]

eLearning or textbook, i only teach one way. You are going to get at least 6 hours staring at my ugly mug in a "classroom" either way. I prefer students have the book because they can highlight, underline, mark up, etc. But I've also done a few eLearning courses and most of them were little more than the book online.

[@dean_murray]

Elearning is fine but I find it extremely frustrating to then have to cover all the same content again in person. Either the elearning and testing is effective to convey and verify the knowledge or its not. I get that instructors want to get the feel for someone's level of understanding in person. To me that just shows that elearning is not a good substitute for face to face. I don't think the world has found the right balance here. Probably there isn't one and it's different for each student and each instructor.

[@wanderlustscuba]

Husky Break!

[@chrislangley6815]

I am looking to further my education as a diver. I am a rescue diver level and would like to find out more about going on into some technical diving can u help point me in the rite direction plz

[@Yggdrasil42]

I'd go for the TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures courses. They're usually combined because of some overlap and to me were a great start in my tech path.

[@Yggdrasil42]

I didn't like the e-learning I did last year. Content-wise it didn't add much over the book I think, except there were some videos (mostly for flavor). Having to wait seconds to 'flip pages' due to the slow website was annoying though. It seemed also impossible to skip straight to a certain paragraph, instead forcing you to click through the pages of the chapter (slowly). Lastly, no way to add annotations or bookmarks. I wasn't impressed.

[@95Fawkes]

I like the idea of the e manual... got my tablet always with me anyways so no mather where in the world I am I have my manuals with me... right ? right ? PADI??? WTF do you mean I need internet access to look at it? I'm at sea somewhere near the end of the world in a 3rd world country, internet is not a given, so why make it impossible to access without it? I mean I get it, if they make a pdf it will just get shared and the wont make any money... (buhh huuhh) but at least make an APP or anything tied to a personal device that we can download and use OUR manuals WE HAD DO PAY FOR even if we dont have a direct connection to the padi data miner...

[@toriless]

I do all 3, using the manual is usually faster, the video have a lot a useless filler designed for even dummies to understand. I do it at night. I am usually done way ahead. I do the quiz at the end of each chapter too. I just do a quick book review of each chapter or two before each in person. The questions in the book are always different from the eLearning one too with some overlap so you end end with more comprehensive knowledge then doing just one or the other. One last thing, both waste way too much time on stupid dive tables, be it OW or Nitrox. You might as well be diving with a metal helmet.

[@jeffconley6366]

I guess you don't dive if your dive computer dies. I think understanding the dive tables is important. Especially if you are going to move into technical diving.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Nice heterochromia.

[@DiversReady]

Yeah! Thats why we named her Ziggy. : )

[@mikeodell5915]

#husky

[@KristopherDick]

In person, where you get to spend 75% of your time listening to Joey and Betty ask the same stupid 🤬 question over, and over, and over again, and again, and again because the instructor isn't going to tell the outdoor they need to pay for private instruction.

[@DiversReady]

But you can pay for Private Instruction and avoid Joey and Betty...

[@todosobreelbuceo]

i like your baby