22 replies to this topic

[Drgnfiend]

To clear up something that was mentioned previously, NAUI also does the referral letter option. During both my basic and advanced open water classes we had students that were planning to complete their open water dives somewhere other than the chilly waters of Millbrook. If you find a shop in the DC area that will do a basic training class between now and December and they don't have their open water dives being done as a part of some trip they are planning you can pretty much guarantee they'll have to do a referral letter since Millbrook closes for the season the third weekend in November.

I'll also contact a couple of instructors I know that do private lessons and see how much they'd charge to do your pool sessions and book work with you if you plan on doing your open water testing dives down in Mexico. As was previously mentioned though if you can find a shop that will do all of it before you leave, and you don't mind the chill of Millbrook I'd complete the stuff up here that way you won't be killing part of your vacation time on training.

[Warthog]

Alas, I can't email you or PM you with the contact info for my instructor.  He replied "Sure. I charge $175.00 (negotiable). I have a training place in Florida if we need to go in the winter. Let me know.".  I'm assuming that means in addition to rental equipment and pool admission. 

Matt,

Silly question, I'm sure, but what is this $175.00 referring to exactly? An hourly rate; or cost of the whole OW course, excluding rentals, pool admission, etc.? Also, is this with PADI, or a different agency?

I'm guessing that was just for the classroom and pool sessions (excluding equipment/admission). And he's a PADI MSDT.

My plan was to just hook them up as I can't help. I'm already over-comitted to other activities until like June '06

I know, seems a bit low to me too

Edited by Warthog, 30 October 2005 - 09:30 PM.

[Warthog]

To clear up something that was mentioned previously, NAUI also does the referral letter option. During both my basic and advanced open water classes we had students that were planning to complete their open water dives somewhere other than the chilly waters of Millbrook. If you find a shop in the DC area that will do a basic training class between now and December and they don't have their open water dives being done as a part of some trip they are planning you can pretty much guarantee they'll have to do a referral letter since Millbrook closes for the season the third weekend in November.

I'll also contact a couple of instructors I know that do private lessons and see how much they'd charge to do your pool sessions and book work with you if you plan on doing your open water testing dives down in Mexico. As was previously mentioned though if you can find a shop that will do all of it before you leave, and you don't mind the chill of Millbrook I'd complete the stuff up here that way you won't be killing part of your vacation time on training.

I figured as much about NAUI, but it's good to know for sure.

As for Millbrook, he won't be back in the states until December, so Millbrook is out.

[annasea]

Alas, I can't email you or PM you with the contact info for my instructor.  He replied "Sure. I charge $175.00 (negotiable). I have a training place in Florida if we need to go in the winter. Let me know.".  I'm assuming that means in addition to rental equipment and pool admission. 

Matt,

Silly question, I'm sure, but what is this $175.00 referring to exactly? An hourly rate; or cost of the whole OW course, excluding rentals, pool admission, etc.? Also, is this with PADI, or a different agency?

I'm guessing that was just for the classroom and pool sessions (excluding equipment/admission). And he's a PADI MSDT.

My plan was to just hook them up as I can't help. I'm already over-comitted to other activities until like June '06

I know, seems a bit low to me too

When you took your class with this instructor, how many people were in your class, Matt?

[Warthog]

4 or 5, and I think the rate back then was something like $200 including gear and admission for the pool sessions. Which meant the shop would have made something in the neighborhood of $100/pp. The key here being the shop. I know for a fact our instructors don't make that much per student, so I see where you are going, I just expected him to put more of a premium on exclusive time.

[annasea]

4 or 5, and I think the rate back then was something like $200 including gear and admission for the pool sessions.  Which meant the shop would have made something in the neighborhood of $100/pp.  The key here being the shop.  I know for a fact our instructors don't make that much per student, so I see where you are going, I just expected him to put more of a premium on exclusive time.

I'd agree. An instructor I emailed had a much larger fee just for a refresher and check out dives. (In Vancouver, most of the dive shops charge the same rate for an OW course.)

The reason I'm asking is I'm still open to finding a really good instructor that I'll feel comfortable working with. Between this board and the *big* board, I'm learning what types of questions to ask prospective instructors.

If you don't mind, I'd like to PM you for more information.

[Warthog]

No problemo, I'll PM you his contact info. BTW, he's an airline pilot and single

Actually, I think he's been running the Seattle/Dulles leg lately.

[WreckWench]

No problemo, I'll PM you his contact info. BTW, he's an airline pilot and single

Actually, I think he's been running the Seattle/Dulles leg lately.

Now now...if he is an instructor ask him to talk to SD about being one for us! And if he is single then definitely tell him about us and oh yes.....will you share that info with other gals on the site???