The Recreational Dive Leader
Introduction
This initial chapter in the Leadership Manual effectively establishes the framework within which a recreational dive leader functions.
Of course, in order for one to reach this point as a leadership candidate, an individual already will have been actively involved in recreational diving for some period of time. Undoubtedly the candidate has accumulated an impressive assortment of c-cards, and the candidate’s log book will attest to significant experience in real world diving activities. 
Yes, in order to qualify for this leadership course, it is expected that an individual already is an accomplished diver. Based upon all of that prior training and experience, a leadership candidate might truly believe that he or she already has
a pretty good grasp of what recreational diving is all about.
It is important for the leadership candidate to recognize, however, that everything learned about diving up to this point has likely been from a diver’s perspective; now is the time to re-focus upon diving from the perspective of a recreational dive leader.
As noted, the information in this chapter establishes the framework. It starts with an overview of recreational diving. It then introduces the reader to various issues related to the professional side of recreational diving that have existed all along, but may have been previously overlooked or unrecognized by the candidate. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, it helps to define appropriate expectations.
Modern scuba (an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) was invented by Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1943. Some earlier systems certainly existed, but left much to be desired; as a French naval officer Cousteau himself had experienced the dire shortcomings of more primitive underwater gear. Following deployment by Allied forces in the latter days of World War II, scuba came home to the civilian world with some of the returning veterans.
something quite different than military diving, and thus the training should be treated accordingly. Los Angeles County was home to the first civilian diver training organization in the USA in 1954 and by the mid-1960’s several other certification agencies had appeared, all under the new banner of recreational diving. A primary goal was standardization and sanctioning of sport diver training. Anxious to attract wider participation, yet with a vigilant eye towards safety, ongoing efforts have been made to dramatically streamline entry-level training while simultaneously narrowing the types of activities deemed appropriate for sport divers. In the process, sport diving evolved into the avocation that we know today, with its standardized training requirements and its well-defined parameters and limitations.
It might include staged decompression, alternate breathing gases, or penetration into the dark recesses of wrecks and caves. By its very nature, technical diving frequently requires additional and specialized equipment far exceeding the traditional scuba system of the sport diver. However, the equipment by itself does not necessarily make a technical diver; this equipment is simply a means to an end, allowing the technical diver to participate in these advanced diving activities. Naturally, these types of activities also require appropriate training beyond the more basic knowledge and skills addressed in traditional sport diving programs, as well as a more disciplined overall approach. Technical diving is not for everyone; however, for those willing to make the proper investment in training, equipment, and progressive experience, it can prove to be a rewarding endeavor.
