Every dive professional who spends long enough in the industry will eventually find themselves at a crossroads: witnessing—or suspecting—another instructor of breaking standards. Whether it is allowing uncertified divers to descend unsupervised, skipping key skills during training, or forging documents, the reality is that breaches do happen. And when they do, the observing professional is faced with a difficult ethical decision: Do I report this?
On paper, the answer appears simple. Training standards exist to ensure safety and uphold the credibility of our certifications. Violations, particularly when deliberate or repeated, erode the foundation of trust that diver education relies on. When instructors cut corners, they not only endanger students but undermine the value of all dive professionals’ work.
However, this question is far from black and white. Diving is a tightly interwoven community, often built on personal relationships, professional reputations, and mutual reliance. To report a fellow instructor—especially in smaller communities—can carry a social and career cost that many are unwilling to pay.
The Ethical Obligation
From a professional standpoint, reporting clear, verifiable breaches is not about whistleblowing—it is about protecting the standards we all signed up to uphold. Divers trust that their instructors are trained and operating according to defined protocols. If that trust is betrayed, and someone is harmed or killed, the ripple effects damage not just the individual involved but the entire industry.
Reporting in such cases is an act of integrity, particularly when the breach creates a real safety risk or forms part of a recurring pattern. But that decision is rarely made in a vacuum.
The Social Stigma
Instructors who report peers—even with evidence—can face backlash. Terms like “snitch,” “troublemaker,” or “unprofessional” often get thrown around. The diving industry’s informal culture of “we handle things in-house” discourages open accountability. Many fear being isolated, losing teaching opportunities, or gaining a reputation for being difficult.
This stigma creates silence. And silence enables negligence.
But just as damaging—and often overlooked—is the flip side of the issue: what happens when an instructor is falsely accused?
The Pain of False Accusation
False accusations do happen. Whether born out of misunderstanding, professional jealousy, or personal grudges, a single claim—especially if made publicly or without proper process—can cause irreparable harm to an instructor’s career. In an industry built on reputation, even unproven allegations can lead to lost income, revoked opportunities, and lasting emotional distress.
The internal investigations conducted by training agencies often take time. Meanwhile, rumours can spread fast, particularly in small communities where dive shops compete fiercely. An accused instructor might find themselves shunned, their motivations questioned, and their professional achievements dismissed—long before any facts are confirmed.
This is why it is critical that reports to HQ are made through proper channels, based on verifiable proof, and not driven by emotion or hearsay.
What Constitutes Verifiable Proof?
Proof must be objective and independently confirmable. Acceptable forms include:
– Video or photographs clearly showing a violation.
– Signed logs or paperwork documenting false information.
– Witness statements (preferably multiple, neutral parties).
– Direct written or verbal admissions.
It is not enough to suspect or feel something went wrong. Accusations based on vague observations or interpersonal disputes can do real damage—and ultimately harm the reporting instructor’s own credibility.
When Should You Report?
Use two guiding questions:
- Was there a real or potential safety risk to other instructors, students or divers?
- Is this part of a pattern? A one-time lapse, acknowledged and corrected, may warrant a private conversation. But repeated or intentional violations require agency involvement.
If the answer to both questions is YES – the matter must be reported.
Reporting should be professional—not personal. Use neutral language. Present verifiable facts. Submit only to the agency, not on social media or among colleagues.
Balancing Accountability and Compassion
The diving industry must mature in how it handles internal misconduct. We must make space for both accountability and fairness. Yes, instructors must report real violations to protect divers and the profession. But equally, we must protect instructors from vindictive or ill-informed attacks.
Agencies have a role to play here. Investigations must be prompt, transparent, and based on clear standards of evidence. At the same time, instructors must be encouraged to speak up, when necessary, with the reassurance that due process will be followed, without prejudice.
The Real Strength of the Dive Community
Real strength in our industry lies not in silent loyalty but in shared responsibility. No instructor should fear being cast out for doing the right thing. And no instructor should be punished without proof.
The next time you find yourself faced with a breach—or an accusation—pause and remember this: Upholding standards is not about punishment. It is about safety, respect, and the long-term health of our community. Silence can be complicity, but rash judgment can be just as damaging.
Professionalism demands both courage and care. We owe each other—and our divers—nothing less.
Learn more at: https://www.diveisc.com
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