Best value location for PADI Certification

[wetb4igetinthewater]

@zich6

If you got to Vancouver BC, I’d highly recommend John Nunes if you choose to go with PADI.

 

[oly5050user]

Koh tao, Thailand is probably the best value for learning that I know of. Elearning these days makes it cheaper and easier with padi you can study at home and then do the dive training.
You can probably do the confined water in salt water instead of a chlorinated pool in koh tao.

Elearning actually more expensive . Elearning cost $185.. Traditional crewpack of text book and DVD video $108. Can study at home with crewpack , actually it is recommended to do so before start of class. Elearning easier on instructor as it can eliminate academic presentations .

 

[JackD342]

Elearning actually more expensive . Elearning cost $185.. Traditional crewpack of text book and DVD video $108. Can study at home with crewpack , actually it is recommended to do so before start of class. Elearning easier on instructor as it can eliminate academic presentations .

Doesn't mean they won't have an additional charge for the classroom portion with book and video. Contact the operator first, understand the price structure, then spend your $$.

 

[Blasto]

Ah, thanks. Does RAID do the same thing?

Yes. The online manual/e-learning thing works similarly across agencies - PADI is actually late to the game here.
RAID generally requires online learning, as their manuals are all-online and continuously updated.

NB: Not to turn this into an agency thread, but keep in mind that while PADI is the most popular, they're one of many. Their accomplishment was turning the image of diving from an extreme sport into something to do on vacation, without taking much time away from other activities, with a focus on keeping the learning process itself entertaining and accessible, and also highly standardized.

Other agencies each have their own philosophy. SSI is like PADI, while tech-rooted agencies like GUE, SDI, RAID, ANDI take a more goal-oriented and individualized approach, laying out a path to what one wants to do. The choice among the latter depends largely on geography, as they're popular in different parts of the world (and there's a few more) - otherwise it's down to the instructor. With the latter you can reliably expect experienced tech divers as instructors, as a baseline, while with PADI/SSI you'd have to seek one out.

 

[Edward3c]

To the OP.

If you do decide on KT then my suggestion is Master Divers. Not the cheapest, but I like their attitude to safety. I’ve used them on 4 trips to Thailand, and spent nearly 2 weeks diving with them each time.

I’ve found the bus/ferry just as quick as flying which involved an overnight on Koh Samui.

I would also iterate what others have said. If it’s purely the cost of getting certified you’re worried about, do the course nearer home.

 

[zich6]

Yes. The online manual/e-learning thing works similarly across agencies - PADI is actually late to the game here.
RAID generally requires online learning, as their manuals are all-online and continuously updated.

NB: Not to turn this into an agency thread, but keep in mind that while PADI is the most popular, they're one of many. Their accomplishment was turning the image of diving from an extreme sport into something to do on vacation, without taking much time away from other activities, with a focus on keeping the learning process itself entertaining and accessible, and also highly standardized.

Other agencies each have their own philosophy. SSI is like PADI, while tech-rooted agencies like GUE, SDI, RAID, ANDI take a more goal-oriented and individualized approach, laying out a path to what one wants to do. The choice among the latter depends largely on geography, as they're popular in different parts of the world (and there's a few more) - otherwise it's down to the instructor. With the latter you can reliably expect experienced tech divers as instructors, as a baseline, while with PADI/SSI you'd have to seek one out.

Very good information. Thanks.

 

[zich6]

To the OP.

If you do decide on KT then my suggestion is Master Divers. Not the cheapest, but I like their attitude to safety. I’ve used them on 4 trips to Thailand, and spent nearly 2 weeks diving with them each time.

I’ve found the bus/ferry just as quick as flying which involved an overnight on Koh Samui.

I would also iterate what others have said. If it’s purely the cost of getting certified you’re worried about, do the course nearer home.

Good advice. Thanks.

 

[zich6]

I have not done any training for quite a while and did none of my training in Key Largo. @The Chairman or [USER=67808]@mselenaous have extensive experience in Key Largo and could probably advise you. There are many experienced members on SB that can also give you their recommendations for training in Key Largo.

Best of luck, Craig[/USER]

Thanks so much

 

[zich6]

You get the cold water and really crappy viz at the quarries without the difficult entry (depending on quarry!) or current! I had 30ft viz in a quarry last Saturday and I was in heaven! But then our gear froze between dives (25F air temp, probably 5F wind chill, 52F water temp)!

You weren't kidding about liking cold water dives....

 

[zich6]

@zich6

If you got to Vancouver BC, I’d highly recommend John Nunes if you choose to go with PADI.

Thanks for the recommendation.