How to take a NAUI course and get a PADI certification?

[KoryBeth]

Hey Everyone!
I am a student and I am currently interning in the Burlington, VT area. I currently have my PADI Open Water certification, and am looking to get my PADI Advanced Open Water certification. Unfortunately, I researched the local dive shops and they only offer NAUI Advanced certifications. What do I have to do to get my PADI certification even though I do not have access to a PADI shop? I am aware of the PADI eLearning, is that a possibility? Thanks everyone!

 

[drrich2]

Well, to get a PADI certification, you'd have to take a PADI course.

That said, out of curiosity, is there an advantage you expect with the PADI AOW instead of the NAUI?

Richard.

 

[japan-diver]

As Richard said why bother- take the NAUI course get the NAUI card and when you want to move on to rescue or other certs just take those from whichever agency is available at the time.

 

[JamesK]

Don't worry, once PADI see's the fact that they do not have a shop near you, they will make one. LOL...

 

[gurnie]

It may not be a PADI shop but the instructor may hold both agencies an could cert under either. Honestly why would it matter if the cert is PADI? Focus on the quality of the instruction and the instructor not the agency..

 

[DevonDiver]

As Gurnie stated... you only have to have a PADI instructor near-by.

There is no method for taking a NAUI course, and then receiving a PADI qualification though. That's kinda like going to Burger King and asking for a Big Mac.

 

[diversteve]

This one looks fairly close (15mi.?) - Vermont PADI Scuba Diving Classes - Victory Sports Dive Shop - Colchester Vermont
or Green Mountain Scuba about an hour south.

 

[agilis]

While you are at it, consider taking courses at MIT and Princeton in order to get a degree from the Hollywood School of Harmonica Repair and Pet Embalming.

 

[KoryBeth]

My reasoning for wanting to persue my PADI cert rather than my NAUI cert is because my parents have both taken the course and we have always been certified through PADI so I am already very firmilliar with their methods and such. Also, I have all of the books and course materials for the program.

Thanks Diversteve, I actually contacted Victory Sports and have found something through them.

But thanks everyone for your oh so helpful and not at all snarky comments.

 

[parzdiver]

KoryBeth - There are actual benefits to moving cross agency, but the most important thing is the instructor and what they are going to provide for your training. I took both a NAUI AOW and a PADI AOW. Due to a sinus infection and other reasons I never completed the NAUI course which is why I subsequently did the PADI class. The NAUI class was MUCH more informative and it wasn't because of the course material or the agency, it was all about the instructor. To get the most out of an AOW class, I would suggest you speak with a few of the instructors in your area and see what their course entails and figure out which instructor will provide the best training and experience for you. The letters on the card don't matter at all.