DM application help

[fayezzz]

Hi there,
I am having problems getting my PADI DM application sorted out and could really do with your advice.

After 6+ months, 2 different dive shop locations (the school relocated) and 4 different managers I finally completed my course and was ready to get certified. There was just one problem - the dive school I did my NAUI advanced through hadn't processed my application (as you know evidence of this is required to process the DM application) and I had to leave town the next week.

The manager of the shop I did my Divemaster course with suggested all my paperwork should be left with them, that when they had proof(of my NAUI advanced) my application would be sent by them to PADI. This seemed like the best option at the time.

When I hadn't heard/received anything 3 months later I started to worry and e-mailed the school. The reply I received worried me even more as it indicated my paperwork had been lost

"I'm afraid I have got our Instructors looking for the paperwork as it
seems they had cleared out that area without my knowing.

I will let you know if they find it, but I don't hold out much hope as
there was so much old paperwork in the office that I am concerned it
has been put with that."

At this point I was an unhealthy mix of angry and helplessness and in my next e-mail suggested they fill out a new form, which they wouldn't/couldn't do.

All further communication I received from my certifying shop suggested I track down previous the previous managers (who are now instructing in countries different to myself, each other and the dive school) who should correct the problem.

Where I'm at now (after tracking down my certifying instructor) is I have a digital copy of the form dated/signed and ready to go but no decal. I e-mailed the shop I completed my DM with who have told me the decals for 2010 (when I completed my course) were gold and are no longer valid, they have also sent all the unused gold decals back to PADI. And again said I sould ask the previous managers of the shop to contact PADI to see what to do.

I'm sooo frustrated and worried that my whole DM course has been for nothing and I'll never be recognised as a professional diver! What should I do? Who is responsible for getting me my decal? Is it too late to put in my application (My course completion date is 24th May 2010)?

Thank you for any help you may be

 

[DevonDiver]

I'd suggest contacting PADI for advice. Be firm with the dive centre - they need to rectify this. The administrative/filing procedures of the dive center are hardly your concern or failing.

 

[=C=]

I would work with the shops. The shop knows you did the course, they should deal with the instructor and paperwork. Just be firm and tell them to get it done. Then get the Padi office involved but first call NAUI because thats the real holdup. Without having the pre qualifications filled they can't help you with DM.

PADI ASIA PACIFICUnit 3, 4 Skyline Place
Frenchs Forest
New South Wales 2086
Sydney, Australia
Telephone – + 61 2 9454 2888
Fax - + 61 2 9454 2999
Email: padi@padi.com.au 

NAUI Worldwide
9030 Camden Field Parkway
Riverview, FL 33578
813-628-8253 (Fax)

Good luck. It sucks when your papers sit at a shop. My DM file was hanging out for months in the shop.

 

[fayezzz]

Thanks for your help,

I already have my NAUI advanced card and had forwarded this to the dive school in my first e-mail (January) so there no problem with pre-qualifications, just getting hold of a decal and knowing who is responsible for doing so, Is it the manager I started the course with (who sold me my pack)? or is it the current manager, who is ignoreing my e-mails?

also which PADI office would you suggest I contact as my course and shop are in Honduras (PADI americas) and I'm currently in Australia (PADI AsiaPacific)?

Thanks again for your advice

 

[Ste Wart]

If you were signed off on the 24th May then there would be no need for a decal. By the dive shop procrastinating they have gone over the deadline and caused you to need a decal (without checking I believe Decals became compulsory in June, but had a margin for courses started prior to that). However this is all the dive shops fault.
Use the addresses above to e-mail PADI and explain the situation. Be firm with PADI as they will probably try and get you to pay for a decal as well. Ask them to send them where in any PADI related material it says this. In the past I've had to get PADI International to tell PADI Asia Pacific they were mis-informed.
Anyway. If the course was completed and paid for certification should have been issued according to PADI standards. As the instructor offered to post the application and then failed to is again their fault.
Which dive center in Perth is it? You can PM if you don't wish to disclose on the forum. I used to work in WA and would probably know the people.

 

[=C=]

What address did you write on your application? The way it works is PADI Americas would forward your application to the Area Office that would service you at that address.

 

[fayezzz]

Thanks for your advice Wart, the shop I completed my course with is in Honduras and the address on the form is here in Perth, Australia.

So, thanks to your help, I will now be e-mailing PADI and asking their advice. I just can't help but think the dive school should be doing all this running around :confused4: but thnk you all for giving me the confidence and pointers for taking this on on my own (being far away from the problem has made this seem impossible, cheers )

 

[scubadiveilat]

If the hold up on your DM application is a decal? Your set to go. As a Divemaster you don't need a decal, it for the Instructors. If a decal is required it would be included in your DM package etc.... They're for instructors and included in the Instructor Package.

Confirm that everything else is ready and complete. And send it to PADI. Keep on every week and conact padi direct to check up on the status. Otherwise you'll never see the DM cert.

Send it and if they need something they'll inform you and follow up on in.....


Good Luck!!!

 

[fayezzz]

thank you all so much for your help without it would not be a DM!!
I'll see if I can close/delete this post, so you guys can help others

 

[Simon-]

If the hold up on your DM application is a decal? Your set to go. As a Divemaster you don't need a decal, it for the Instructors. If a decal is required it would be included in your DM package etc.... They're for instructors and included in the Instructor Package.

Confirm that everything else is ready and complete. And send it to PADI. Keep on every week and conact padi direct to check up on the status. Otherwise you'll never see the DM cert.

Send it and if they need something they'll inform you and follow up on in.....


Good Luck!!!

Page 2 of the current divemaster application has a big box which states "Place decal from Instructor Manual here"