PADI and technology (what’s the deal with e-cards?)

[Angelo Farina]

I guess that is up to the diver to decide if it’s worth the money, to me it isn’t.

Exactly. If it is just a duplicate of the old one, it is not worth 45 bucks. If instead they upgrade the certification to an higher (adult) level, then it starts to have some value...

Of course they try to add some value for everyone, such as providing a nice underwater photo with dolphins or sharks, and allowing you to update your ID photo to a more recent one.
These are valuable benefits, although I am not sure they are worth 45 USD if you still have your original card.
When the card is lost, as in the case of my son, you weight benefits and and costs and decide...

 

[BlueTrin]

Stupid question from a SSI certified diver: what is so special abbout the eCard? I have all my certifications since 2006 linkedto my SSI diver account and have them available in an app even if online. When I certify a diver, I can get the plastic card made or skip it (e.g. only have the AOWD card send to the diver but not the 4 single speciality cards)

If you dive with a non PADI shop you have to show either the e-card or the plastic card.

non PADI shops cannot check your status and there is no other way for you to show your certs. Some shops can accept a picture of your card but some won’t.

I did one class with SSI and I really like their e-learning and their website. I find that their e-learning is much more up to date with modern technologies.

 

[Angelo Farina]

If you dive with a non PADI shop you have to show either the e-card or the plastic card.

non PADI shops cannot check your status and there is no other way for you to show your certs. Some shops can accept a picture of your card but some won’t.

I did one class with SSI and I really like their e-learning and their website. I find that their e-learning is much more up to date with modern technologies.

In reality it is quite easy to show online and proof your certification status everywhere there is an internet connection.
Just go to the site where Padi sells duplicate cards:
PADI | The Way the World Learns to Dive®
Select your country and proceed to the identification page:

Now click on Search Record and the PADI database will retrieve you:

and your certifications (click on "click here to continue"):

So it is very easy to provide proof of your certifications thanks to the PADI database online.

 

[Ripley]

I'd much rather see a single certification card (plastic or digital) that lists all of the training courses a diver has completed through that agency. Each new certification could be added like an endorsement on a commercial driver's license. If you complete a new course, you get a new card that contains your entire training history with that particular agency. That way the diver has only one card to carry and the shop or dive op has only one card to look at (per agency, at least) to see if you're qualified.

I don't see the point in that.
Not every diver wants to "use" his highest certification at all moments.
E.g. my buddy is (aside from GUE diver) a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
However, he almost never takes his highest certificate with when going on holiday. Why not? Because several times he got "hired" (for free) by local dive shops to help train/guide inexperienced divers once they know his level.
Nice? not really when you're on holiday and want to spent time diving together. Therefor he only takes his AOW + some useful specialties certificates along with him.

 

[sandanbob]

I'd much rather see a single certification card (plastic or digital) that lists all of the training courses a diver has completed through that agency. Each new certification could be added like an endorsement on a commercial driver's license. If you complete a new course, you get a new card that contains your entire training history with that particular agency. That way the diver has only one card to carry and the shop or dive op has only one card to look at (per agency, at least) to see if you're qualified.

I wrote to PADI a little over twenty years ago to suggest this The example I used was for a driver's license, where they list all the permissions (car, bus, truck, motorcycle) and restrictions (glasses) on one license. At that time, they had invested in a new card system, and had no interest in changing the system.

I can see how at time you may not want the highest card (especially if it's a professional level) but I would still like to have one card with all my training listed.

 

[tursiops]

Because several times he got "hired" (for free) by local dive shops to help train/guide inexperienced divers once they know his level.

This kind of thing has come up repeatedly on SB. I'm not sure why....all the pro has to say is "No." If more explanation is desired, point out you are (probably) not insured for that location, and you get paid to be a professional. If you do happen to be insured for that location, then tell them your rate to take a private student or act as a guide. If they offer you that rate, you can still say "No."

 

[tursiops]

PADI used to offer a replacement card that had your cert level on it AND stated you were EANX certified (if you were).
That was worth the extra money; just carry and show one card.
They even offered a ruggedized version that was submersible, which you could put on your BCD.
That was REALLY worth the money! But the company that made them went out of business; DAN also used that company to make submersible ID tags that gave your DAN insurance status/number.

 

[Ripley]

This kind of thing has come up repeatedly on SB. I'm not sure why....all the pro has to say is "No." If more explanation is desired, point out you are (probably) not insured for that location, and you get paid to be a professional. If you do happen to be insured for that location, then tell them your rate to take a private student or act as a guide. If they offer you that rate, you can still say "No."

That's a possible solution.
He has chosen the soft way by taking only the certificates which are required for certain dives.

 

[Bob DBF]

Because several times he got "hired" (for free) by local dive shops to help train/guide inexperienced divers once they know his level.

Obviously he did not quote his normal fee for training divers, I’m sure the dive op would reconsider if he asked for a contract and payment.

Having a lower certification doesn’t insure one won’t be asked. I’ve been in the same spot as an experienced OW diver, more a function of being known than the card. If I don’t have an objective for the dive I say yes, I remember when experienced divers let this new kid tag along.

 

[MargaritaMike]

Well, mostly it is exactly so, as I am an academic, my wage is paid be the Italian state, coming from general taxation, and I provide free answers and consultancy to privates.
I also do some research contracts with big companies, and in this case they pay my University (but not me directly).
When I was young, before working for 5 years as a professional scuba instructor in commercial resorts, I was for 6 years a CMAS instructor, teaching for free as a volunteer in my club.
I am still a volunteer in "Civil Protection"...
And I am also an off-service firefighter, which means that they can recall me at any moment if they need my help. It is very nice not to worry about being paid when doing your job!
But of course we are going off topic.
The point is not me giving instruction, training or consultancy for free, which is just fine, the point is if issuing a duplicate card is worth 45 USD...
PADI is a money-making organization, and they are excellent at this. Usually they provide quite decent return for the money you give them: if not, the market rules had already destroyed them, as they have excellent competitors, but still they keep the edge. Which means that they are not that bad, both in training and in other stuff.
And this is proven by the fact, albeit both I and my wife are CMAS instructors, and both our sons had got also CMAS certifications, we sent them also to PADI courses. So now they are aware of the "other" way of diving, which in the end is the most widespread one. And they have no problem adhering to the procedures and safety rules employed in most places all around the world.
Back to the card: as PADI will update the card of my son to an adult AOW without need of further training (which of course he does not need at all), I will be happy to pay those 45 bucks.
If instead they had sent us just a copy of the old card with Jr AOW certification, I had saved those bucks easily, as in most places a printed copy of the card is all what they need (for their archives), and PADI shops can easily check the certification online also without exhibiting the plastic card.

I would think that if you have it scanned in, give the scan to your son either printed and/or electronically on his phone. Then he wouldn't have to get a new card at all since his Jr card is good forever. Also, since he is automatically upgraded when he reaches a certain age, those looking at the card can look at him and tell that the card is upgraded and valid.

Save your $45

Cheers - M²