cross certified

[snorkl]

Sorry to ask this question but i am new to scuba diving. If i was to get open water certified with one organization will another organization honor this certification so that i may take advanced courses in their organization.

thanks

 

[Diver Dave 69]

yes I have Padi OW
NAUI AOW,Wreck,Nitrox,
and Padi Rescue Diver

 

[spectrum]

Yes.

Some may have additional prerequisites such as making a number of dives but the lower level cert will be recognized.

Classes will often begin with a skills review to close any gaps left between agencies and instructors so by migrating around you can cover your bets. See my profile and you'll see what I mean.

Pete

 

[snorkl]

thanks a lot i am looking forward to other more advanced courses possibly from different organizations.

 

[spectrum]

If you find an instructor that really knocks you socks off and gets the best out of you stick with him or her. Otherwise take your time and money elsewhere.

Pete

 

[CrawfishDiver]

PADI OW SSI all the way to divecon

 

[jpsexton]

My OW was SSI and then I took AOW through a NAUI instructor. He had me take the NAUI OW written test and then we done an evaluation dive.

 

[randini]

I did OW through SSI, then AOW & rescue with PADI. Then I pretty much did most of a dive master through NAUI. For the DM I never oficially took the written test nor paid the fees since I wasn't planning on continuing that route professionally.

So the answer is yes you can do it without retaking the whole course. As jpsexton's story shows, you may have to retake an exam or do a check out dive, but I'm pretty sure that depend on the instructor.

 

[scubatoys]

We have people come in all the time that say they are Padi certified, and they want to take one of our Naui classes.

We tell them that's fine.... We'll just talk slower.

 

[WetDawg]

Since the minimum training standards for each level of certification are established by the RTSC, an independent council made up of representatives from the various agencies, on the surface the courses are interchangeable. However, that being said, the Instructor will make a whole lot of difference in your learning experience based on their personal style and approach to the course material.

Also, an Instructor who is actually certified to teach with multiple agencies (I teach with 4) ) can tell you the real differences that distinguish the various agencies and courses that are offered.