C-Card

[TheBlue1]

Anybody have a good comparison for different open water certifications? I'm looking at PADI and it seems to be the best, but i'd like some input!
Thanks

[FishFood]

I guess the real question would be, what do they offer in your area?

My LDS only offers NAUI, but I took private lessons through a PADI instructor. The ONLY reason I went with PADI was because it was either train all summer, or learn to dive in one weekend and dive the rest of the summer.

If I were you I would NOT go with PADI unless on a time constraint. If you have time to go through a longer course like NAUI or SSI, do it.

And for the difference...

If I had taken NAUI It would have been 2 classes a week for 6 weeks. Mulitple class room visits, and mulitple pool dives.

With my PADI, I went to the instructors house, went over some stuff, took the test. Then did two spring dives and two OW dives.

See the difference?

[Scuba-Bill]

I put more emphasis on the instructor than the certification agency. The instructor must know his stuff, be able to get the message across, and keep you engaged. Given that the basic principles are the same, it is up to you to build upon the foundation laid by the standards of the agency and the instructor.

Find a good instructor and enjoy the journey!

Good luck,

[Capt Hook]

Why do you think PADI is the best? Easiest, fastest, yes, but best?

[fire diver]

ASk around of other divers in your area. What instructor do THEY think is the best? The agency really have nothing to do with it but issue a plastic card. The instructor is whats important.

BTW- I say to ask other divers, becuase I have found that non-divers don't have experience to tell who good dive instructors are. Nice doesn't always mean good, and "grumpy" doesn't always mean bad.

FD

[mwhities]

Originally Posted by Scuba-Bill

I put more emphasis on the instructor than the certification agency. The instructor must know his stuff, be able to get the message across, and keep you engaged. Given that the basic principles are the same, it is up to you to build upon the foundation laid by the standards of the agency and the instructor.

Find a good instructor and enjoy the journey!

Good luck,

I agree, go with the instructor that's there to instruct. Not make a quick few hundred dollars.

As for the length of instruction? If you can't get certified before you leave to Cozumel, well, it's your own fault. Maybe you should've planned the training before the trip.

Michael

[JCAT]

Please no! Enough with the agency bashing posts! It is non-relevant.

Scuba-Bill has stated the crux of the matter very well.

[fire diver]

I didn't see anyone bashing any agencies. I saw a couple questions, but it hasn't got ugly. Remember, this isn't "SB".

FD

[JCAT]

Sorry, perhaps I was a little too quick.

I do agree 1000% that its the instructor, not who he's aligned with.

And agree with what you said as well FD.

BTW- I say to ask other divers, because I have found that non-divers don't have experience to tell who good dive instructors are. Nice doesn't always mean good, and "grumpy" doesn't always mean bad.

My first instructor was a mean SOB and I disliked him from the start, BUT he taught OW in a way that has stayed with me.

[wxboy911]

I got certified through the YMCA-My instructor was excellent and came recommended. I went based on the instructor more than the agency because I heard there are not huge differences in the OW course. It worked out great.