Question How old are you and how long certified? Poll- please take part!

[BoltSnap]

Finally got a NAUI cert card in 1984 (40 years next year)

I got my NAUI card same year, I think it was April. Pool training in Worcester, MA, and openwater training in Rockport MA.

 

[tursiops]

I have noted, a few of us older guys 'got a NAUI cert card' around the same time, 84 and 85, here you requiring one for gas fills.

To be clear, I got certified because it was available free at my place of employment (an oceanographic institution), not because I needed it. I had not actually been diving for some years. And what was available was NAUI, which made zero difference to me then.

 

[Pressurehead]

I got certified because it was available free at my place of employment

Same as me, free at my place of employment.

Made it easy to get fills at local dive shops helped.

 

[BoltSnap]

To be clear, I got certified because it was available free at my place of employment (an oceanographic institution), not because I needed it.

You didn't need it because the institution didn't require their divers to be certified by a national agency or because you weren't diving and didn't need a card then?

 

[jcparkey]

54, certified in 1986, hundreds of dives

 

[tursiops]

You didn't need it because the institution didn't require their divers to be certified by a national agency or because you weren't diving and didn't need a card then?

My job then did not require diving. It was Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; they were serious about diving, and required AAUS and considerable training to dive as part of one's work. Post certification, I did evolve some of my work to include diving.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Hijacking my own thread slightly,
But, reading about you original guys talking about not being certified and diving anyway, then certifying later just because it was convenient and to get fills, get on boat, etc.. I find that concept a thing of beauty BTW.
I remember starting a thread a long time ago about possibly not needing an “official” certification to be able to dive safely. In other words, was it possible for a person to self teach themselves to dive safely with information in books and online materials?
I can’t remember how the thread went but it might have even derailed at some point. I seem to be very good at starting threads that go off the cliff?

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

53. PADI open water in 1990. About 280 dives, Live in central Illinois.
Sucks.

Yes, when poor-vis water is all you have it is discouraging. I have found artifacts in total blackout water that are unique. 1889 glass electric insulator made by Columbia of Lynchburg, VA w/threaded wood spindle. ‘Skank-water’ my gear and wetsuit just reeks and needs a good baking soda wash. I am too old for that stuff.
giantfroginthepool
Scott G.Bonser, Harrellsville, NC

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

Hijacking my own thread slightly,
But, reading about you original guys talking about not being certified and diving anyway, then certifying later just because it was convenient and to get fills, get on boat, etc.. I find that concept a thing of beauty BTW.
I remember starting a thread a long time ago about possibly not needing an “official” certification to be able to dive safely. In other words, was it possible for a person to self teach themselves to dive safely with information in books and inline materials?
I can’t remember how the thread went but it might have even derailed at some point. I seem to be very good at starting threads that go off the cliff?

I can relate, Eric, as I could buy air and gear at Hudson Marina in Hudson, FL with no c-card back in ‘76 & ‘77. I could also get air at the Grafton, VA fire department to 2250 psi, until Keith Fetterman and I got some contaminated air. both of us sick. Headache for me as Keith just puked and puked some more. ….not Fun.
giantfroginthepool
Scott G. Bonser, Harrellsville, NC

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

Not sure how to do the second question in the poll ?. Turned 44 last week, certified since 2006 (17 years, when I was 27). Around 5-600 dives (haven't bothered logging local shore dives for a decade). Looking forward to diving half my life soonish. 10yo kiddo just got his Open Water, he'll beat me to the 1/2 life diving mark, though.

Young folks take to SCUBA readily. I have done demos where a 5 year old did the best especially with basic SCUBA routines like mask clearing and others. She wanted to learn. Mom said”wait until you are 7 or 8 as no other responsible folks were ready to take her except myself plus fitting her for scaled down gear. I love turning folks into ‘Frogs’. I have assisted many instructors ( PADI DM since ‘84 ) . Congrats on a formidable diving buddy .
giantfroginthepool
ScottG. Bonser, Harrellsville, NC