NAUI or PADI?

[Streamline]

I'm taking Part 1 of the PADI OW course this weekend and was recently told that NAUI is a better course. I would think that they both teach you the same skills ... is there really a difference ? Can a PADI diver dive at a NAUI resort and visa-versa?

[Charles R]

You will hear this 100 time its not the agency its the instructor If you feel comfortable with the instructor you choose then go with PADI Congratulations on the decision to go DIVE.

[fisheater]

And, yes. Once you have a C-card from ANY agency, you can dive at any resort or other operation affiliated with any other agency.

Further, many people hold various ratings from multiple agencies.

Seems to me that the "my agency is better than your agency" arguments many exist in cyberspace.

[Streamline]

Originally Posted by fisheater

And, yes. Once you have a C-card from ANY agency, you can dive at any resort or other operation affiliated with any other agency.

Further, many people hold various ratings from multiple agencies.

Seems to me that the "my agency is better than your agency" arguments many exist in cyberspace.

So, down the road ... or rather... down the river, when I decide that I want to take a night dive course, I can choose any agency I want? I don't necessarily have to stick with PADI for all my training!

[Charles R]

Originally Posted by Streamline

So, down the road ... or rather... down the river, when I decide that I want to take a night dive course, I can choose any agency I want? I don't necessarily have to stick with PADI for all my training!

Yes, take OW with PADI then Nitrox with SSI advanced with NAUI Most agencies honor each others certs until you get to the instructor level then they make you take crossover classes.

[Z-naught]

The quality of the instruction is dependent upon the quality of the instructor. The agency is irrelevant. Certifications are generally recognized between agencies, so always choose the best instructor and pay no heed to the logo on the C-card.

[KGNickl]

I don't know if its everywhere, but in St. Louis, Missouri I have only noticed one shop that told me they do certifications other than PADI. So PADI it is for me! But I choose the shop I go to for goods and training based on fair prices and quality instructors.

[in_cavediver]

As others have said, at the OW level, agency is really pretty irrelevant for a student. Its the instructor and the style of class presented that makes the difference.

As for more advanced classes, especially tec level classes, shop both agencies and instructors. There can be many different philosophies to meet the same diving goal and you will want to choose what suits you the best.

[Streamline]

Are both PADI and NAUI recognized internationally?

[Scuba-Bill]

Originally Posted by Streamline

Are both PADI and NAUI recognized internationally?

They are.