How difficult is it to change Certification from 1 agency to another?

[tstormdiver]

I recently completed a Nitrox course through IANTD. All of my other certfications are through PADI. I went through IANTD because my PADI instructor didn't offer Nitrox & it was too far to travel to the next nearest PADI center. In the interest of keeping things simple & all my certifications together, under 1 agency, I would like to cross my Nitrox Certification from IANTD to PADI. How difficult is it to do this? Any information is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[spectrum]

Generally money can fix this. I have heard $50. is a common fee. Just ask the PADI shop. Since PADI has dropped the requirement to make Nitrox dives I doubt that there will be a problem.

pete

 

[HowardE]

I recently completed a Nitrox course through IANTD. All of my other certfications are through PADI. I went through IANTD because my PADI instructor didn't offer Nitrox & it was too far to travel to the next nearest PADI center. In the interest of keeping things simple & all my certifications together, under 1 agency, I would like to cross my Nitrox Certification from IANTD to PADI. How difficult is it to do this? Any information is appreciated. Thanks.

Your desire to keep it "simple & all together" will only benefit PADI and have no bearing on your certification. It's a valid Nitrox cert, and anyone will accept it.

 

[mislav]

What Howard said.

You won't benefit in any way by getting another Nitrox cert from PADI. Your IANTD Nitrox cert is valid and will allow you to dive on Nitrox mixes anywhere you go. If I were you, I'd save my money or use it to pay for other certs instead.

 

[rakkis]

I concur with the posters above. An IANTD nitrox course is actually more comprehensive than PADI's version.

Also, I doubt PADI will just print you a nitrox card because of liability reasons. You would need to complete the knowledge reviews and take the exam that goes along with the PADI nitrox class.

IMHO, not worth doing... and even if it was, there's no point to it.

 

[DeputyDan]

I wouldn't do it either - all the cards go into one dive log don't they?

 

[String]

Theres absolutely no point in changing a cert to another agency, especially nitrox. It gains you absolutely nothing.

Generally cross overs are only done if you want further training. You cant (with most agencies) "buy" another agencies equivalent cert however you cross over to a comparable level where you can then enroll on the NEXT course up.

 

[SparticleBrane]

The next question is, why would anyone actively want to change an IANTD cert to a PADI cert?! :11:

 

[pir8]

Really no point in collecting another (2nd) Nitrox card. It gains you nothing to have all your certs from the same agency. I'm a PADI instructor and I have some certs from other agencies.

 

[String]

In fact id recommend people experience different agencies as they go through training. Different instructors also.

Every agency and every instructor has different ways of teaching and different philosophies. Its good to be exposed to as many of these as possible to make your own mind up as to whats best for you.