Certification through 2 dive shops

[bdizzle]

Ok, so my question is: Is it possible to start an open water course with one dive shop, and finish with another.
Example: Girlfriend is taking the plunge and wants to get certified but refuses to do her open water here (Lake Pleasant for those interested). We have a trip planned for St Croix in June.
Can she start her training here...class work, confined dives, then when time for St Croix...do her open water dives there (instructor here will not be going as far as I know)? Both shops are PADI.

Scuba Shop in AZ, Cane Bay in St Croix.

Thoughts?

Thanks all!
-Brandon

 

[fjpatrum]

Yes. I did this. I did my class work in Tucson while on a business trip and did my OW dives here at home. All you have to do is get a referral, which is a routine part of every training manual, I believe.

 

[MX727]

Referral is an easy and popular option. Many people choose this option when there are few open water choices in their local area that interest them.

You will pay each shop, independently, for their portion of the training. The best thing to do is to talk with both shops to coordinate referral and find out what it will cost from each.

 

[nimoh]

My LDS in Minnesota is based on this model. Many people want to get certified for a spring vacation but can't complete OW part 2 in the frozen waters on Minnesota. Similarly, these same students don't want to waste 2 precious vacation days diving in a swimming pool.

 

[Scott]

As mentioned yes it is possible.
I would contact the shop in St. Croix with the days that you'll be there, just to ensure they have an Instructor available and firm up any additional costs.
I suggest making copies of the student files and forwarded them on and have a copy to take with you, just in case they accidentally misplace them.

 

[DandyDon]

People do it that way all the time, but keep copies of everything for yourself. Always good to check the Instructors credentials with Padi in advance.

 

[hilld]

As others have mentioned it is a good way to maximize fun time during your vacation, however, you end up paying about 50% more in my experience. That additional fee is of course much less than an extra night or two of a hotel to get fully certified in a nice and warm location.

 

[rhwestfall]

yes, but cost goes up, and time is lost on the vacation.....

 

[elan]

Yes but usually more costly

 

[bdizzle]

Thanks all for the help all! Exactly what I needed to know to pass on to those going!