Changing Dive outfits (PADI)

[1RUSTYRIG]

I took my open water 15 years ago and never looked back. I dove constantly throughout high school (santa barbara) and while in the Army. I have dove many locations around the world all on my OW cert. Prior to my parents divorcing and me joining the Army I had hundreds of logged dives (dive logs weren't to be found when I got out of the Army).

That being said, I recently (last weekend) went and signed up for my AOW at the LDS. I was absolutely amazed at the literature that I was sent home with. When did PADI switch from straight forward, fact based training to the diving for dummies and appeal to the lowest common denominator? Or am I being too harsh?

So, once I complete my AOW with PADI (I already paid so might as well do it there) how can I switch out to another dive service and does anyone have any recommendations? Will there be any ramifications further down the road? It was my intent to devote a large portion of the next two years to furthering my dive education...I just don't think I will be happy with PADI anymore.

Kevin

 

[Firebrand]

Most agencies honor each other. The best thing to do is to do your homework about various agencies. For a quick list, check out the "Edit Dive Information" in the USER CP link. The next step is to find where those certifying agencies that are in your area are, call them up, and ask questions about thier teaching style. Choose the one that best suits your learning style with a knowledgable instructor. These days, it isn't so much the certifying agency that matters, it's the professionalism of the instructor. Good luck in switching over. I switched from PADI to NAUI with no problems. By the way, be sure to check out the military section within ScubaBoard!