07/31/2024
Egos and On the Job Training (OJT)
Unfortunately knowledge (aka.. certifications) and ACTUAL skills and ability do not go hand in hand.
Recently we were contacted by yet another grieving family (which is becoming more frequent) to return a previously unsuccessful searched scene of a missing and/or deceased diver and attempt to bring the family closure. Within minutes of each of our searches we found the diver’s gear, equipment, and other significant evidence. Of course the recovered items were documented and processed as a crime scene and the lead investigating agencies contacted. This is where it turns bad…. Even though we tried to use as much tact as possible during the interaction, it was filled with excuses and finger pointing instead of a learning discussion and remembering that it’s about the victim and their family.
Too often PSD’s use only OJT for their training, but to be blunt… having training without having actual experience from a trainer IS NOT quality training. For this reason we strongly disagree with having any recreational instructors teach any PSD courses, unless they have actual experience in PSD.
We believe that every instructor and/or PSD should be truly honest with themselves and know that merely being trained in a specialty does not make you proficient or skilled. Unless you work on this specialty on regular and routine basis, you cannot be proficient. Even then… we can always learn from other teams, trainers, or PSD’s.
So although OJT is needed and a great choice, it should never be the only choice. There is always room to grow…. And egos only hinder that growth.
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