PSS Instructors may not do less than that stated in the Rules, but they may exceed the rules in the cases which do not compromise the students' safety. Therefore they may increase the number of dives in open water for any given course, but they may not reduce them. They may also broaden the theory content of a lesson but the required specific objectives of the training must not be modified. All PSS professionals must also observe a deontological code that should be a point of reference for anyone involved in the diving business. Here we will list some essential points.
- By requesting the PSS organization for the emission of a qualification, the PSS instructor certifies that the student has reached the general teaching objectives of the course for which certification is being requested.
- PSS instructors must continuously strive to improve the quality of the courses they conduct. The quality of the training must never be compromised for reasons of business or because of lack of time.
- Training must be based on the needs of the students and not on those of the instructor, the staff or the time available.
- In order to master a skill, it is not enough to perform a technique once. Having students repeat a technique is a fundamental concept on which training must be based.
- It is best to train a few students very well, rather than a lot of students to the minimum level required. Training a large number of students inadequately is viewed negatively by the PSS Worldwide organization.
- Anyone with the requirements established by the Rules or the local laws and regulations may participate in a diving course. The instructor may only refuse training if he or she considers that the safety of other students will be compromised.
- Skill in applying the buddy system is an essential part of dive safety.
- All the points covered in the General Course Rules and the Rules specific to the level of course must be respected.
- Quality Control protects the training needs of the student. It is in the interest and is the responsibility of every PSS professional to ensure that all PSS Worldwide courses, even those held by other professionals, are carried out according to the Rules. Any PSS professional who notes any violation of these Rules should inform the PSS Quality Control Service.
- The Instructor’s relationship with the students and divers should be based on reciprocal respect and esteem. The relationship with the student should not be based on ‘inferior’ and ‘superior’, but should be a relationship between two people working together to achieve a common objective.
- Always respect the safety procedures taught to the students. A good PSS professional is a model for other divers and should never do anything that the students shouldn’t do.
- Do not use products or equipment of just one manufacturer. However, suggestions and advice about diving products and equipment may be given in good faith. Do not conceal from the students that other manufacturers may have products that are of equally good, or better, quality.
- A professional should keep fit and be in good physical shape as this may prove to be an important safety factor for students and divers under the professional’s responsibility.
- The professional must be able to carry out all the techniques required by the student flawlessly (as they must be demonstrated to the student for training purposes)..