Sharing the Dive - Difference between Teaching and Guiding, Coaching, Sharing.

As a PADI Course Director (Instructor Trainer) for 21 years, I've had the incredible opportunity to witness the transformative power of scuba diving education. However, I believe it's crucial to shed light on an important distinction that often gets overlooked; the difference between "teaching" and "guiding, coaching, sharing."

1. Teaching: A Vital Foundation.
Teaching forms the foundation of scuba instruction, providing essential knowledge and skills to ensure safety and competence. It involves imparting information, explaining concepts, and demonstrating techniques. However.... (jeng jeng jengggg)..teaching alone can fall short of creating an immersive and meaningful experience for aspiring divers. We need to go beyond teaching.

2. Guiding, Coaching, Sharing - Unlocking the Magic.
To truly ignite the passion for diving, we must embrace the role of guides, coaches, and sharers. It's about sharing our experiences, stories, and insights that go beyond the textbooks and manuals. It's about creating a connection between the underwater world and the hearts of our students.

3. Guiding - Leading the Way.
Guiding involves leading our students through the wonders of the underwater realm. It's about being a source of inspiration, pointing out hidden treasures, and helping divers appreciate the beauty around them. By sharing our favorite dive sites and personal encounters, we open up a world of possibilities and instill a sense of wonder that goes beyond the technical aspects of diving.

4. Coaching - Empowering Growth.
Coaching takes teaching a step further by fostering personal growth and development. It's about nurturing confidence, fine-tuning skills, and encouraging divers to overcome challenges. By providing constructive feedback, offering encouragement, and setting achievable goals, we empower our students to become skilled and self-assured divers.

5. Sharing - Creating Connections.
Sharing encompasses the heart and soul of the diving community. It's about creating connections, building friendships, and inspiring a lifelong love for the ocean. By sharing our own experiences, encounters, and even our mistakes, we create an environment of authenticity and camaraderie. It's through these shared stories that we cultivate a deep appreciation for the underwater world.

6. Let's Dive Together
As scuba instructors, it is our responsibility to ensure that learning to dive is not just a mundane process but an enriching journey. Let's remember to go beyond teaching and embrace the roles of guides, coaches, and sharers. By doing so, we breathe life into the learning experience, making it exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable. Together, let's continue our diving adventures, explore further, and create a generation of passionate and knowledgeable divers.

PADI Course Director Azman Sulaiman
Anti Gravity Divers
Perhentian Island, Malaysia.