Florda Keys CDC/IDC ?

[DMEpat]

Hello Scuba-nuts!

I'm currently working/training/interning here as a Divemaster candidate in Playa Del Carmen. Upon my release, my plan is to wander up to the Florida Keys to continue my education. I envision OWSI, MSDT, and maybe even IDC staff. This will be a long term commitment, monetarily and emotionally. That being said, I want to make the best possible choice as to the dive center I join forces with, or at least start out my IDC with. I have narrowed it down to Rainbow Reef, Horizon Divers, Florida Keys Dive Center, and Ocean Divers. I'm looking for a place with top notch education, but also a place that treats their customers right and a place where you can feel the passion for what they do. Of course, there could be someone I am leaving out, so feel free to give opinions on anyone outside those big 4. I have seen some archived threads on these centers, but those might be a bit dated, so I'm looking for the freshest scoop. I trust you all implicitly for the most sincere and honest opinions and thank you all for your help in advance. You are all awesome.

Alright, let's hear what y'all have to say!

Love always,

Patrick

 

[mselenaous]

Glad to hear you are enjoying your DM training.

As far as the PADI IDCs here in the Keys, there are 4 - all with good reputations.

Let me start with my training backgroud. I completed my PADI IDC at EASE in Vero Beach, FL with great CDs, Phillipe Yersin (10+yrs as CD) & Dianne Carter (CD since 1990s). I followed up with my IDC Staff at Rainbow Reef with Tom Witmer (10+yrs as CD). I have also team taught with Donna Askew (CD since 1980s), now at Scubaworks in Jupiter, FL.

The CD at Rainbow Reef is now Pam Bradley who is great (and became a CD at EASE in Vero Beach a few years ago). Tom Witmer, who did my SI, is now the CD at Horizon Divers (one of my other favorite dive ops in Key Largo). You can't go wrong with either of these choices. I also know Joe Angelo, CD & Manager at Ocean Divers. He has been there a long long time and also has a great rep. OD has at least one other CD on staff whom I do not know. I do not know much about Flakeys other than they are also well regarded by their grads.

I recommend you contact each of the CDs and chat a bit so you get a feel for their personalities and styles. I think the key to getting the most out of your IDC, is to work with a CD with whom you communicate and mesh well with. Everyone one of these CDs goes above and beyond to ensure their candidates are well-prepared and successful. It may sound like a tired cliche, but it's about the instructor, not just the shop they are affiliated with (though a good suport system is important), nor the agency. IMHO, If you have the flexibility do your IDC with one, later complete your MSDT with another, and then SI with another. I also recommend spending some time actually working at each of these levels honing your new skills before progressing. I have found that each CD brings their own unique strengths, emphasis, and varied experiences when presenting the same basic material. My exposure from working with various CDs and team teaching with other CDs and experienced instructors has broadened my perspective, improved my own skills and knowledge, and given me a wiki of useful hints, tips, etc.

With all of that info, don't discount instructor training with other agencies (most accept/cross-over professional ratings from other agencies). Although PADI is the most recognized (probably the most requested in tourist destinations), it is not the only agency. Each agency has something different to offer and I as well as many instructors carry an alphabet soup of various agency(s) instructor credentials. Below is Phillippe Yersin's stack of cards.


I have recently added NASE Instructor Trainer (= PADI CD) and will soon be teaching NASE IDCs here in Key Largo.

Best of luck with your training, and do stop by to say hi :wavey: while you are in the Key Largo.

 

[DMEpat]

Elena (mselenaous),

Thank you so much for your advice. From the looks of it, I don't think I can go wrong in the Florida Keys. And while there are plenty of other good IDCs in Utila and Thailand, the Keys seems like a good place to seriously spread my wings. I will certainly reach out to the Course Directors you have mentioned above. Seems like a close knit family of CDs down there.

You raise an interesting point with regards to taking each level (IDC, MSDT, OWSI) at a different shop. While I can see the benefits of shop loyalty, It would definitely provide some variety and scope to my overall training. Just as long as these operations don't perceive me as some scuba floozy who likes to "get around". I also agree with spending some quality time at each new certification level. Slow and steady wins the race after all.

Again, thank you for the advice. I will certainly say hi when I hit the water in Key Largo. At that point, I'll ask for your advice on more important matters, such as bars, restaurants, and other points of interest...

Best Regards,

Patrick.

P.S. Nice stack of cards! By the looks of it, Mr. Phillipe Yersin can teach Scuba diving in Swahili, blindfolded, on the moon. Of course, as I've heard before on multiple occasions, it's not the size of your stack, but how you use it....

 

[scuba pro]

DMEpat,

I just completed my DM course and when I go to Key Largo, I use Florida Keys Dive Center. They are very knowledgeable and have a great crew. Either way you will be set up pretty nice. I have tried to make reservations at Rainbow Reef on several occasions, just to try another shop to see how their operations run compared to others in the local area, but they are always packed. Maybe I should call sooner, LOL! However, when I call they are always very professional with me and try to work out something. It just never seems to meet my schedule. My mentor on the other hand highly recommends Rainbow Reef. Good luck in your journey.

 

[ScubabunnyCR]

Good advice from mselenaous. contact all the relevant CDs and have a chat, preferably on the phone as you get a better feel I think than just from an email. See what the different structures of the IDCs are, whats included with each. The IDC centers that you mentioned I have heard all good about so I don't think you can go too wrong. Good luck with your IDC!