i need a refresher...do i NAUI again or Padi...whats the difference?

[klovesdiving]

Hello : )

I passed my course atleast 6 years ago, sadly that was it for my diving due to not having a dive buddy and being slightly shy. I miss it unbelievably. I have decided that i want to get into a refresher course, i have snorkeled but thats not close to what i really want to do.I have wanted to get into diving for many years and thought I should wait until i had a boyfriend who wanted to get into it (hahaha not anymore!!). I'm doin this for me and i'm super excited. I would love to quit my jobs and dive everyday...but i'm taking one step at a time!
I am certified with NAUI but see alot of things about PADI... what is the difference?

I also only have my basics, i would like to get a bc and reg. For starting out is it better to buy a new expensive or is used ok?


SUPER EXCITED
klove

 

[skearse]

I can't answer your NAUI vs. PADI question specifically, but I'll offer this up...

Rather than focusing on the agency, do some looking around and find an instructor that you are comfortable with. I was in a situation similar to you-I was originally certified through PADI, took a hiatus, and last spring did my refresher through SSI because we found and instructor that we (wife was doing her OW cert at the same time) that we 'connected' with. Being in Florida, I'm sure there are a number of LDSs around, and there will be plenty of people around to chime in on recommendations.

As for gear-new is good if you've got the money; if not, there are some good deals to be had buying used as well. Just remember when you buy used its best to have it checked out by a service shop before you get it wet, so factor in the cost of that service when comparing it to something new-and when checking out regs, make sure it's a manufacturer you can get serviced (either locally or inexpensively/quickly if you don't mind sending it off). And just like the diving everyday part, take your time and try out as many gear configurations as you can before you decide on something-jacket BC, back inflate, and BP/Ws (there'll likely be a number of BP/W advocates showing up in here) and regulators as well.

 

[Phil_C]

Hi Klove, your enthusiasm comes through in your e-mail and that's great, I returned to diving after a long break (much longer than your six years) and after a couple of years back I'm still completely hooked. I think you should to take things one step at a time and you obviously have the right approach - you recognise the need to refresh, and you have come on Scubaboard so are planning/thinking about how to do that. To me 99% of dive planning takes place dry before you get in the water.

As to how to do it, I think in your position I would go through the OW course again. If you did a OW course and haven't dived sinse you will probably be surprised how much you will have fogotten. For a refresher it doesn't really matter whether that is PADI, NAUI or some other course, they will all take you through the basics again and give you a couple of dives under close supervision to get back to being a safe diver. Of course depending on your finances you could hire a private DM/Instructor to take you through a refresher but I think this will be more expensive than taking a course.

At OW level there is not too much difference between the the various organisations, it is more about the instructor, and a good instructor will make all the difference, not the certifying agency, talk to the instructor, explain your position and see how you 'feel' about the response you get.

For equipment - new doesn't have to be expensive, but second hand can be. With second hand you have to consider whether it has been looked after and serviced properly, and if you can't be sure it has then you really should get it serviced yourself before trusting your diving safety to it. This can make buying second hand a false economy. Personally I would go for basic new to be sure it didn't need any service or maintainance. Then I would upgrade as and when I needed to and could afford it. Renting to start with is a good approach because you should be able to be confident that the kit is serviceable and safe to dive with.

Whatever route you go best wishes and have fun - P

 

[klovesdiving]

Thanks! Being that there is so many different places you can do your courses i wasnt sure what i should look for. If one isnt better than the other then i'll look for someone who can teach me the best....i'm so excited and ready to jump in that i also have to make sure i do everything right! There is so much i need and want to learn.

 

[Zen Diving Inc.]

If you are already certified, the agency you choose doesn't matter... Your not getting a new card... I recommend you talk with the lds or someone here on the board to get a recommendation for a good instructor in your area.

 

[klovesdiving]

I orginally learned in a private class. I cant find the instructor who taught me so now I have to find a class, i know there is so much i have forgotten. As for the equipment i think i'll buy new so there is no suprises

I have fun with everything and where ever I go!!!

 

[DMDavid]

You can check out the different websites for certification agencies and there you'll find local instructors that can assist you with a refresher course.

NAUI Dive Centers

PADI Online Scuba Tune-up Course

 

[Jim Lapenta]

There are some significant differences in basic open water training. Don't let anyone tell you different. Agencies have standards as to what should be taught, what can be taught, what can't, what instructors can add, and if they can test on those additions. And they are nowhere near the same across all the agencies. NAUI allows instructors a lot more freedom to add to classes and test on that. You are already a certified diver. You need to really interview instructors and let them know what you need. Don't accept a by the book refresher if you need more or need or just want to focus on certain areas. Find an instructor that will tailor a course to your needs. We are out there. I don't care if I issue you another card. What I care about is that after we are done you have the tools and knowledge you need to dive safely.

There are questions you should ask any instructor you select no matter what class you are taking. I have a list of them that I suggest and they are the following, (if you want to see the answers I expect you'll have to buy my book)


1. “When did you become an instructor?”
2. "Have you had any large gaps in your teaching career? How recently? How many courses have you taught in the past year?"
3. “What is your certifying agency?”
4. “How much time is required for the course?”
5. “How large are the classes?”
6. “What equipment do you provide and what do I as the student need to supply?”
7. “Is your class schedule set or flexible?”
8. “Do you teach skin diving skills?”
9. “What methods do you use to teach proper weighting?”
10. “What methods do you use to address the panic cycle?”
11. “Do you teach students to perform skills in a horizontal position from the beginning of the class?”
12. “Will I have time to just swim and practice the skills we learn?”
13. “Can I sit in on a class or pool session?”
14. “What methods do you use to teach buoyancy and trim?”
15. “How much time will I get to practice these skills?”
16. “Do you dive with students after class has ended?”
17. “Where do you do your checkout dives?”
18. “How many places have you been diving?”
19. “When was the last time you were diving?”
20. “How often do you dive for fun?”
21. “Do you have references – former students that I can talk to?”

 

[spectrum]

Either one can provide the refresher. From the OW curriculim standpoint I think NAUI maybe has a little more on the topic of rescue but I don't know if that extends into a refresher. Is there even a standard refresher course content? Bottom line is that you are in the market for an instructor and the advice of Jim and others will serve you well.

Getting into a shop or instructor's realm with lots of active divers may help you develop your network of buddies.

As for gear new/used you need to be careful. Are you gear savy (or have a friend) to make sure you don't get taken? Be sure to factor servicing (before use) and loss of warranty into a used price. If it's not a bargain then it's not worth it IMO. Don't get me wrong, there are some great deals in used gear but you need to know what you are doing.

Pete

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

when you say a refresher are you talking about the short refresher most give before going on a dive, or are you talking taking the full course again?