Question for PADI Divemasters and Instructors

[tbeck3579]

I would be somewhat surprised, but not totally shocked, if a certification from a DIR agency (GUE/UTD/ISE) would not be recognized, but that would likely be at a zero-to-hero dive operation, and I'd recommend avoiding those.

Since you seem pretty keen on acquiring good diving skills, why not just go the GUE/UTD/ISE route? The only issue would be if you want to go sidemount. GUE doesn't currently have a sidemount program. I have been told that it is being looked at. UTD has the z-system, and while I see the thinking behind it, I plan on going the traditional sidemount configuration. ISE doesn't have a presence in the US yet. So your choices for now are GUE and ISE. I'd recommend developing good diving skills that you will learn at both agencies (they are both excellent), and if you want to go sidemount, seek out a good instructor like Andy Davis in the Philippines or meet someone like Tom Steiner (who I plan on training with) for caves in Mexico.

It's good to know that almost everyone is aware that PADI isn't the only cert. I would be disappointed if I traveled to Fiji and they told me I couldn't dive Also, if I have a GUE cert, but want to take a PADI class with the prerequisite of having an advanced OW cert, is PADI going to let me take the class if it's GUE advanced OW cert? I assume they will but I should ask. Side mount is probably a "future" cert not immediate. I would like to find a good instructor and buy my gear from their shop, or by their recommendation. I obviously have a very good idea of what I would like, and what fits, but that doesn't mean I won't keep an open mind.

 

[HantsDiver]

It's good to know that almost everyone is aware that PADI isn't the only cert. I would be disappointed if I traveled to Fiji and they told me I couldn't dive Also, if I have a GUE cert, but want to take a PADI class with the prerequisite of having an advanced OW cert, is PADI going to let me take the class if it's GUE advanced OW cert? I assume they will but I should ask. Side mount is probably a "future" cert not immediate. I would like to find a good instructor and buy my gear from their shop, or by their recommendation. I obviously have a very good idea of what I would like, and what fits, but that doesn't mean I won't keep an open mind.

Yes they would - you'd still be able to take AOW after rec 1. However, I'm not sure you'd want to. There are other issues - GUE will mandate you learn in a certain equipment set up. That's a good thing - it's what I use. However when you go on holiday it's very very unlikely most diving centers will have that equipment. It's not a big deal as it's very similar. But it's something to be aware of.

I can't see any diving shop not letting you dive with a GUE card. They may have to look up what it means. GUE are known more as a technical diving agency than a recreational one.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

It's good to know that almost everyone is aware that PADI isn't the only cert. I would be disappointed if I traveled to Fiji and they told me I couldn't dive Also, if I have a GUE cert, but want to take a PADI class with the prerequisite of having an advanced OW cert, is PADI going to let me take the class if it's GUE advanced OW cert? I assume they will but I should ask. Side mount is probably a "future" cert not immediate. I would like to find a good instructor and by my gear from their shop, or by their recommendation. I obviously have a very good idea of what I would like, and what fits, but that doesn't mean I won't keep an open mind.

I'd suggest contacting dive ops to see if they will recognize your certification in advance.

If they don't recognize GUE/UTD/ISE, they are total complete f-ing clowns and you don't want to dive with them. If I was ever at a dive location and they turned down a DIR diver, I'd demand my own money back. And I would be extremely vocal on my thoughts of them. I'd have to check my GUE fundies rec pass card, but I believe it certifies me to 100 ft through GUE. If you take GUE fundies / UTD essentials, you will have better dive skills than any recently certified AOW diver of any rec agency.

If you start the DIR route, you won't want to go through a non-DIR agency, unless you are going to go pro, as being a PADI pro you would have more opportunities worldwide.

I have the utmost respect for the DIR agencies and I try my best to provide that level of quality to my own students. I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it.

 

[HantsDiver]

I'd suggest contacting dive ops to see if they will recognize your certification in advance.

If they don't recognize GUE/UTD/ISE, they are total complete f-ing clowns and you don't want to dive with them. If I was ever at a dive location and they turned down a DIR diver, I'd demand my own money back. And I would be extremely vocal on my thoughts of them. I'd have to check my GUE fundies rec pass card, but I believe it certifies me to 100 ft through GUE. If you take GUE fundies / UTD essentials, you will have better dive skills than any recently certified AOW diver of any rec agency.

It doesn't. Fundies doesn't give you any more depth than you already have. But it would be pretty rare for someone to do it straight after OW. I'd respect them if they did - but it would be rare. The reason you don't get any more depth is because it was originally just a workshop with no pass/fail to see if people were ready for a tech course. Which is still is really.

I don't think the issue is if they would let her dive. They would. But how comfortable would she be with jumping into a bcd and have a short alternate with very little expereince after fundamentals? I know you can take your own equipment but for most people that is rare on holidays.

 

[oldschoolto]

It's good to know that almost everyone is aware that PADI isn't the only cert. I would be disappointed if I traveled to Fiji and they told me I couldn't dive Also, if I have a GUE cert, but want to take a PADI class with the prerequisite of having an advanced OW cert, is PADI going to let me take the class if it's GUE advanced OW cert? I assume they will but I should ask. Side mount is probably a "future" cert not immediate. I would like to find a good instructor and buy my gear from their shop, or by their recommendation. I obviously have a very good idea of what I would like, and what fits, but that doesn't mean I won't keep an open mind.

If the instructor is also PADI... Just pay the few bucks and get the PADI AOW card at the same time..

Jim..

 

[HantsDiver]

If the instructor is also PADI... Just pay the few bucks and get the PADI AOW card at the same time..

Jim..

Depending on what GUE course the OP was doing that would be a standards violation. Yes they happen all the time. But I can't see a single GUE instructor who I know being willing to play that sort of game and risk their reputation. It wouldn't be practical on loads of levels.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

It doesn't. Fundies doesn't give you any more depth than you already have. But it would be pretty rare for someone to do it straight after OW. I'd respect them if they did - but it would be rare.

You are probably right on that. I'm just trying to remember what my cards said.

That said, I did go back to the GUE site. Rec 2 is to 100 feet. Rec 3 to 130.

I don't think the issue is if they would let her dive. They would. But how comfortable would she be with jumping into a bcd and have a short alternate with very little expereince after fundamentals? I know you can take your own equipment but for most people that is rare on holidays.

Do you think @tbeck3579 is going to be the average diver? I wouldn't be surprised if she travels with all of her own gear.

 

[tbeck3579]

Yes they would - you'd still be able to take AOW after rec 1. However, I'm not sure you'd want to. There are other issues - GUE will mandate you learn in a certain equipment set up. That's a good thing - it's what I use. However when you go on holiday it's very very unlikely most diving centers will have that equipment. It's not a big deal as it's very similar. But it's something to be aware of.

I can't see any diving shop not letting you dive with a GUE card. They may have to look up what it means. GUE are known more as a technical diving agency than a recreational one.

I didn't see the equipment requirements when I looked at GUE -- I need to spend a little more time on their web page. Can you give me the basic idea of the required equipment?

 

[tbeck3579]

If you start the DIR route, you won't want to go through a non-DIR agency, unless you are going to go pro, as being a PADI pro you would have more opportunities worldwide.

That sounds like work -- work is a 4 letter word so watch your language

hehehe

 

[HantsDiver]

Do you think @tbeck3579 is going to be the average diver? I wouldn't be surprised if she travels with all of her own gear.

I really hope she won't be. I've intentionally on here never said what my training level. But I've done courses with both padi and GUE. I'm not an amazing diver at all. But I am okay. I will still happily rock up and rent gear on holiday. When I'm doing serious dives it matters to me. But on holiday I'm totally not bothered, as long as there are pretty fish or nice wrecks I'll dive any crap they have.