Beware of unearned knowledge.

The Value of Earned Knowledge in Diving Education

In the world of diving, knowledge is paramount. But beware of unearned knowledge—the kind of information or practices adopted without fully understanding their foundation. As divers, we rely on accurate information to ensure our safety and development. This is why it’s crucial for instructors to truly understand the methods and procedures they teach and to pass that understanding on to their students.

The Problem with Misinformation

The amount of information available online today is huge—and that’s a good thing. Divers have access to ideas, tips, and experiences from around the world. But not everything we see is necessarily right. Or maybe it is right—but only in a certain context. Taken out of that context, some things can become confusing, misleading, or even dangerous.

One important concept in education is the primacy of information—the first thing a student hears tends to stick. If that first idea was wrong, it’s hard to correct later. That’s why it’s so important to teach things clearly and correctly from the start.

Why Instructors Must Know Their Material

Being an instructor isn’t just about repeating what you’ve learned. It’s about understanding it deeply. You need to know the “why” behind every method and procedure you teach.

If a diver asks, “Why do we do it this way?” the answer shouldn’t be, “Because that’s how it is.” That’s not enough. When instructors can explain the reasoning behind their approach, it builds trust. It also helps students develop the ability to think critically and make informed choices.

Students need to understand that what we teach isn’t the absolute truth. It’s a method shaped by experience, training, and context. They need to know how to ask questions, compare options, and choose what fits best for the situation they’re in.

Empowering Divers with Knowledge

Good training doesn’t stop at “how.” It should always include the “why.” Divers should be encouraged to ask questions—and not just once, but throughout their entire learning path.

It’s not about challenging the instructor. It’s about building real understanding. When students know why they do something, they’re more confident, more adaptable, and ultimately safer.

Take gradient factors, for instance. They’re essential to decompression planning but often get copied without full understanding, which can be risky. Similarly, sidemount diving was originally created for no-mount cave diving, but that purpose is frequently misunderstood today, limiting progress in advanced training. Cave navigation techniques also vary greatly depending on the region, and without grasping the local context, divers may struggle to apply them effectively.

These are just a few examples, but the need for deep understanding applies across all diving skills and knowledge.

The goal isn’t to memorize answers. It’s to learn how to think through a situation underwater and plan accordingly.

Going deeper in control and understanding naturally leads to greater safety, but also to more enjoyment and pleasure, which is ultimately why we dive.

Conclusion

In diving, understanding matters. It’s not enough to just follow instructions or repeat what someone else said. Both instructors and students have a responsibility to seek real knowledge, not just copy-paste solutions.

Unearned knowledge might work for a while, but when things get complex or something goes wrong, only true understanding makes a difference.

Ask questions. Look deeper. Teach what you know, not just what you’ve heard. That’s how we grow safer, smarter, and more capable as divers.

Alain Pocobelli

TDI IT 17063