Do the certifying agencies recognize each other's courses? I'm SDI certified, one of my neighbors is neighbor is SSI and another is PADI. My dad is NAUI. We are all interested in Nitrox certification. Do all 4 of us have to do it with our own agency? If so, that seems a bit goofy. For example, if I took the Nitrox with SSI, PADI or NAUI, could I sent that documentation to SDI (along with the $15) and get my C-card updated with SDI?
Certifying agency question...
- Thread starter Jetskiman
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In general the agencies recognize each others' courses.Jetskiman:
There are exceptions, however. A PADI Advanced card can't get an SSI Advanced card until you have 24 logged dives, for example.
As for your specific question, all of you are qualified to take anybody's basic Nitrox course, so just pick the one that has the best instructor and you can all go together. You'll get a Nitrox card from the instructor's agency, and if you want one, you can also get one from your original agency by sending them money and proof of certification.
Rick
daniel f aleman
Contributor
Rick has it perfectly. Also, there are slight differences in the ways that each agency runs their nitrox course, and cost may be a factor dependent on LDS. Don't worry about having all your certifications with on agency, I've got cards from at least six different agencies.
I did my basic nitrox with TDI because I want to do advance nitrox and gas blending which they offer. One difference between TDI and PADI is that TDI doesn't require you to do any training dives with nitrox which PADI does.
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
Contributor
If you can, I'd get Nitrox SSI. No dives required and it'll probably save you some money (jeff says TDI is the same deal so maybe that's less expensive too). The dives for Nitrox cert don't really matter as there are no "skills" per se. You still do the hands-on tank analysis anyway with SSI.
Anyway, just a thought.
Anyway, just a thought.
There are lengthy threads on the value of Nitrox certification dives. I am in the "value" camp and I require them for my SSI course.Humuhumunukunukuapua'a:
Rick
Thanks much for the quick and informative answers! I had no idea that you could mix and match certifications. I figured that you had 1 card and it contained everything. As you can tell, I'm new at this. Certified a couple months ago and have 12 dives since. I didn't see any Nitrox use in Cayman or Mexico, but in Florida I think I was the only one diving with air.
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