I hold certifications from more than one organization, but PADI is the main one. PADI bashing is ignorant, as with any bashing of any dive training organization on this board. There will always be those who are envious of a big, successful organization, simply because that organization is more successful than the others. Others may not be fully educated on the differences, or may just make assumptions, or be biased for whatever reasons. If you haven't personally trained with all organizations, then you are just speculating. Speculation does not hold water in my book.
There is a place and organization for all types of training, depending on what floats your boat. I use technical configurations, and recreational configurations, and the techniques associated with each, depending on what kind of diving I'm doing. PADI caters more towards simple, fun, minimal risk, conservative, recreational diving, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Most importantly, it's not the organization you should be focusing on; it's the instructor you choose. This determines the quality of training you will end up getting. Divers need to remember they are responsible for their own continued education and safety once they are certified. Certification is only the beginning. I am very proud of all of my PADI certs, and they weren't given to me by anyone. I worked my butt off for all of them, and I owe it all to great instructors and my desire to succeed.
As an instructor, do I get disillusioned with some of PADI's marketing schemes to make more money?.....Yes, of course! That still doesn't take away from the fact that they are highly recognized all over the world, and they are a fine organization.
PADI bashing....I just ignore it and chalk it up to ignorance, bias, speculation, arrogance, and even boredom. Let's focus on the positive, and try to help new (and not so new) divers become better divers. We are adults....aren't we?
