cdnn blasts PADI unsafe at any depth

[AandA]

I just had to wade (pun  : intended) in on this one.  I've got cards from NASDS, SSI, PADI, and SDI, and I'm always looking for that next class or certification.  The idea, as the article presents, that the PADI SCUBA diver certification class is somehow flawed as it does not prepare a diver to dive unsupervised by a DM or instructor misses the mark.  Training and certifications ALWAYS have limitations!!  The limitations are related to all kinds of things; how deep, what kind of breathing gas, overhead environment, presence of buddy, ambient light, etc,etc, etc...  No matter what level of certification an individual has, who is responsible for that person's safety???  I pose that an individual’s safety MUST lie with the individual.  Each time I take another class, I learn just a little bit more that I can apply to extend my ability to dive.  I also learn each time I take a class that there is MORE AND MORE AND MORE that I don't know!!  My point is that the class, any class only prepares or trains you to the direct confines and limitations of that class.  But it does open your eyes to the next step or higher levels of certification.  I agree with others on this thread who have indicated that they have seen "advanced" divers do REALLY STUPID things!  The flip side is I've also seen some brand new divers DIVE smart.  Do I ALWAYS do the smart thing? Have I ALWAYS stayed well within the limits of my training?  Heck NO!  I've pushed my limits before, and sometimes been STUPID too ( although I don't often admit it- especially to my wife).  I do a better and better job of staying with the limits of my training as I EXPAND MY TRAINING! 

I have yet to see ANY training class or certifying agency that, who would say that when the DM tells ya we're going down 50 to 100 feet BELOW what your current certification is rated to, "follow him." 

The temptation to dive BEYOND your personal limits is always there.  If you’re deep certified, ya want to go deeper, if yer cavern you probably want to go in the cave.

I would advise anyone to get training BEYOND what it is that they want.....What I mean is that I would advise anyone wanting anything below OW to get OW.  I would advise anyone with OW to go for advanced.  I would advise the advanced to go for Master.  You get the idea

My thoughts are that the problem lies not with the courses, but rather with irresponsible divers and dive leaders.