My instructor, (Greg Olmsted, PADI instructor number IDCS-305025) failed to teach me about the dive computer. Additionally, he recommended I buy a computer from eBay (Oceanic Veo 1.0 - 8 years used) and provided a link for the purchase. He said he would disavow any connection or knowledge of the purchase ("we didn't have this conversation").
On my fourth checkout dive, the one I plan, he expected me to know how to use the computer and read it without any classroom instruction prior, and in the pool sessions, I wore one in the last session, learning that "the dive time resets if you surface". When I inquired about how the computer worked, his response was "read the manual", something he echoed at the dive site.
He said the same thing to a divemaster in training on my first checkout dive when he had that DIT lead the dive. He asked the NDL and he didn't know. Olmsted's belittling and testy answer was "check your computer - read the manual". On my first dive without an instructor, I wound up at 70 feet, beyond the recreational limit, because I didn't know how to operate the computer.
I was trained to check the air frequently, the dive computer wasn't fully integrated into my training, as it was only used on the last pool dive without instruction, and in my six checkout dives (4 open water, 2 PPB). There was mention (checking the time before descent) but no detail on what I needed to check or watch for using the computer. At no time on any dive, pool or open water, have I ever heard a computer beep - it was out of sight, out of mind.
I feel this lack of instruction put me at risk of injury or death. Even though I received personal and extensive pool instruction (classroom - he went through the knowledge reviews in one session... I failed the test the first time through) - I feel Greg Olmsted was negligent in teaching me how to use a dive computer. The dive store, Central Coast Dive Center, touts a dive computer simulator, which I've never seen and wasn't used in my instruction (see https://centralcoastdivecenter.com/about-us/our-facilities/ under "Modern comfortable classroom").
I now know PADI does not have specific guidelines beyond those in the student manual about use of a dive computer, but it should be more than "read the manual". I do know I was not comfortable with the response "read the manual" and I don't think it's good ethics to recommend a dive computer purchase from eBay. Central Coast Dive Center rents computers as well, all of which are the same model and age as the one I purchased - 8 years old.
There's no walkthrough, there's no demonstration, they just hand it to you, they don't even check if it's operating. I feel the instructor and possibly the facility are putting others in danger by not properly teaching students how to use a dive computer. True, the models vary, but the computers the shop uses are all the same. Olmsted uses a Teric - $1200 top of the line computer and apparently spending time showing students use of this tool, one your life depends on, is beneath him. I also had considerable difficulty completing my log book from information in the computer.
Olmsted gave me information from his rather than teaching me how to read it off mine. I was never taught what the content on the computer means. I feel both Greg Olmsted and the store were negligent regarding the dive computer and this facility and it's 40+ instructors are certifying students without necessary dive computer instruction. I did report the issue to PADI and it appears they are not going to reprimand the instructor for anything.
I think Greg Olmsted should be sanctioned for his recommendation to buy a specific used dive computer from eBay. He does not claim any responsibility in the matter. While I doubt there will be any action from PADI, I can warn others about this issue. So if you encounter Olmsted, IDCS-305025, know that he should not be instructing students based on my experience and other issues the facility he teaches at confirms have occurred and were supposedly addressed.
Kevin please except our apology from the staff at Central Coast. Our goal is always to train/mentor customers in safe diving practices. We strive to fulfill all our divers needs to insure a lifetime of safe diving. I hope your passion for diving is restored in the future. Students come first at the coast. Had we known of the issue a alternate instructor would have been assigned. Let me know if I may be of further assistance. Tommy Owner
Central Coast Dive Center Reviews
My instructor, (Greg Olmsted, PADI instructor number IDCS-305025) failed to teach me about the dive computer. Additionally, he recommended I buy a computer from eBay (Oceanic Veo 1.0 - 8 years used) and provided a link for the purchase. He said he would disavow any connection or knowledge of the purchase ("we didn't have this conversation").
On my fourth checkout dive, the one I plan, he expected me to know how to use the computer and read it without any classroom instruction prior, and in the pool sessions, I wore one in the last session, learning that "the dive time resets if you surface". When I inquired about how the computer worked, his response was "read the manual", something he echoed at the dive site.
He said the same thing to a divemaster in training on my first checkout dive when he had that DIT lead the dive. He asked the NDL and he didn't know. Olmsted's belittling and testy answer was "check your computer - read the manual". On my first dive without an instructor, I wound up at 70 feet, beyond the recreational limit, because I didn't know how to operate the computer.
I was trained to check the air frequently, the dive computer wasn't fully integrated into my training, as it was only used on the last pool dive without instruction, and in my six checkout dives (4 open water, 2 PPB). There was mention (checking the time before descent) but no detail on what I needed to check or watch for using the computer. At no time on any dive, pool or open water, have I ever heard a computer beep - it was out of sight, out of mind.
I feel this lack of instruction put me at risk of injury or death. Even though I received personal and extensive pool instruction (classroom - he went through the knowledge reviews in one session... I failed the test the first time through) - I feel Greg Olmsted was negligent in teaching me how to use a dive computer. The dive store, Central Coast Dive Center, touts a dive computer simulator, which I've never seen and wasn't used in my instruction (see https://centralcoastdivecenter.com/about-us/our-facilities/ under "Modern comfortable classroom").
I now know PADI does not have specific guidelines beyond those in the student manual about use of a dive computer, but it should be more than "read the manual". I do know I was not comfortable with the response "read the manual" and I don't think it's good ethics to recommend a dive computer purchase from eBay. Central Coast Dive Center rents computers as well, all of which are the same model and age as the one I purchased - 8 years old.
There's no walkthrough, there's no demonstration, they just hand it to you, they don't even check if it's operating. I feel the instructor and possibly the facility are putting others in danger by not properly teaching students how to use a dive computer. True, the models vary, but the computers the shop uses are all the same. Olmsted uses a Teric - $1200 top of the line computer and apparently spending time showing students use of this tool, one your life depends on, is beneath him. I also had considerable difficulty completing my log book from information in the computer.
Olmsted gave me information from his rather than teaching me how to read it off mine. I was never taught what the content on the computer means. I feel both Greg Olmsted and the store were negligent regarding the dive computer and this facility and it's 40+ instructors are certifying students without necessary dive computer instruction. I did report the issue to PADI and it appears they are not going to reprimand the instructor for anything.
I think Greg Olmsted should be sanctioned for his recommendation to buy a specific used dive computer from eBay. He does not claim any responsibility in the matter. While I doubt there will be any action from PADI, I can warn others about this issue. So if you encounter Olmsted, IDCS-305025, know that he should not be instructing students based on my experience and other issues the facility he teaches at confirms have occurred and were supposedly addressed.
Kevin
Kevin please except our apology from the staff at Central Coast. Our goal is always to train/mentor customers in safe diving practices. We strive to fulfill all our divers needs to insure a lifetime of safe diving. I hope your passion for diving is restored in the future. Students come first at the coast. Had we known of the issue a alternate instructor would have been assigned. Let me know if I may be of further assistance. Tommy Owner