theduckguru
Contributor
If you take any of the agencies open water courses at your local community college, you are likely to receive a better course than you will at your local dive store. IMO
Certification Agency
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The agency provides a framework, within which the instructor functions. Most recreational agencies provide a relatively loose framework, in order to allow instructors to apply some of their own standards or adapt the class to their local conditions. Some agencies prescribe more specific content, and some are quite specific as to their standards.
Within the "usual" recreational agencies, probably the most important factor is the instructor, and as you have read, there is a lot of information here about how to select a good instructor.
Some of the "boutique" agencies, like GUE and UTD, are much more predictable with respect to course content, both in classroom and in-water work, and have published standards for student performance. Classes from these agencies are likely to be longer, more difficult, and more expensive.
Within the "usual" recreational agencies, probably the most important factor is the instructor, and as you have read, there is a lot of information here about how to select a good instructor.
Some of the "boutique" agencies, like GUE and UTD, are much more predictable with respect to course content, both in classroom and in-water work, and have published standards for student performance. Classes from these agencies are likely to be longer, more difficult, and more expensive.
DevonDiver
N/A
My Instructor Examination was at Key West Community College. There were Instructor Candidates from 4-5 different IDC's; Pro Dive, Ocean Divers, FlaKey's (all less than 2 week long IDC's) and the host KWCC's "large" group that trained an entire semester.
From everything I heard, over half the KWCC Candidates failed the Open Book Standards Exam.
Recently, on the Maui dive boat I work on, I met a young Russian woman who is a Graduate Assistant at UH Hilo. She is a new PADI Instructor and part of her "duties" include certifying divers. I am pretty sure the local Hilo dive shop would produce at least as proficient divers as she does for UH.
Is it not true, though, that classes (at least those that are part of the regular curriculum, like a PE class) given through colleges are longer, and have much more pool time? That certainly was true for my husband's original class, although I have to admit that was back when they were using regulators carved out of stone . . .
In a number of cases that is indeed true. But it also comes down to just what is done with that time by the instructor.
If you compare the standards for courses from the 3 agencies, NAUI, PADI and SSI and also compare the Instructor Course training, you will find that NAUI has the most thorough and demanding standards at all levels.
The quality of the course will also depend a great deal on the instructor and/or LDS. Some of these instructors/LDS who are cross certified teach to the same lowest common denominator and in their case, it is true and it doesn't matter which is which.
For those that NAUI and live up to the true standards and expectations, they will teach to a higher standard. SSI comes a distant second.
The quality of the course will also depend a great deal on the instructor and/or LDS. Some of these instructors/LDS who are cross certified teach to the same lowest common denominator and in their case, it is true and it doesn't matter which is which.
For those that NAUI and live up to the true standards and expectations, they will teach to a higher standard. SSI comes a distant second.
Rhenry
Contributor
At the end of the day, all of the certifying agencies are all about the same. What make the difference is the instructor, and the shop. I was very fortunate to have found both a great instructor and a great shop. My instructor has moved to Hawaii, and the shop is as good as ever. Why do I say the shop? Because it is the shop that helps you after the class, guides you and has the resources to provide you with the best diving in your area, and the “fun dives”.
The instructor provides you with the training; the shop provides you with the diving opportunities and the continuing training. It is the combination of instruction and diving with experienced divers who guide you to become a better diver. The shop if it any good at all, can put you in contact with those dives who enjoy diving with those who are less skilled and help you get better.
The instructor provides you with the training; the shop provides you with the diving opportunities and the continuing training. It is the combination of instruction and diving with experienced divers who guide you to become a better diver. The shop if it any good at all, can put you in contact with those dives who enjoy diving with those who are less skilled and help you get better.
I would choose the Advanced course that included gas consumption rate calculations and gas planning as part of planning dives.
I cannot speak for every agency, but I know that PADI does not. The YMCA did at the OW2 level, I'm pretty certain that SEI continues with the same approach.
PM Jim Lapenta to confirm this.
It seems that the word advanced means very little, as some will say that the advanced course is only to advance your current training level.
Despite what the term "Advanced OW" might infer.
Since you cannot conclude anything from the course title, I would specifically ask about gas calculations being a part of whatever course you feel is "advanced".
Beyond Open Water, you should be taught how to plan dives (including gas consumption calculations).
In my opinion, I would base my choice on that, all other aspects being equal.
-Mitch
I cannot speak for every agency, but I know that PADI does not. The YMCA did at the OW2 level, I'm pretty certain that SEI continues with the same approach.
PM Jim Lapenta to confirm this.
It seems that the word advanced means very little, as some will say that the advanced course is only to advance your current training level.
Despite what the term "Advanced OW" might infer.
Since you cannot conclude anything from the course title, I would specifically ask about gas calculations being a part of whatever course you feel is "advanced".
Beyond Open Water, you should be taught how to plan dives (including gas consumption calculations).
In my opinion, I would base my choice on that, all other aspects being equal.
-Mitch
WVUdiver1:
What is better? Are you looking for something fast? Are you looking for something easy? Are you looking to learn as much as possible? Are you looking for more experience in different situations?
Depending on your answer to what you want, which is better will change.
While most folks are telling you there is little difference between agencies, that comes from a lack of study. There are big differences between agencies, although there is probably less difference in their AOW classes than in any other area.
Some agencies offer an alternative to the typical 5 dive, learn very little AOW approach.
NAUI's AOW has a bit of academics missing from most AOW courses and requires an extra dive.
SSI doesn't have an advanced class, they have an advanced rating that you can buy after completing a number of specialty classes and about 26 dives.
In addition to the typical AOW class SEI offers Advanced Plus which includes class room study and 10 dives.
NAUI and SEI also encourage their instructors to add material (and requirements) to their classes.
The bottom line is, yes, some agencies are better than others, but which agency is best will vary depending on your personal value system.
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