IAC (formerly Barakuda) Dive Leader

[kassj0peja]

Does anybody if the IAC is the same as a CMAS***?

Is it theoretically possible to work in PADI or other dive shops with this certification?

Thank you

 

[knotical]

International Aquanautic Club (IAC), formerly Barakuda, is a member of CMAS; so the certifications should be equivalent. see:
Home: International Aquanautic Club

So yes, an IAC Dive Leader should be equivalent to CMAS 3-star.

And this page:
CMAS Assistant Instructor - IAC Basic Instructor
under prerequisites, seems to confirm that.

As for working in a PADI shop, they would probably require a cross-over or some other training to get PADI equivalency.
I'm not sure, but IAC DL / CMAS *** appears to be roughly the level of PADI DiveMaster, or perhaps Assistant Instructor. Often it requires at least PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor to get employment.
Further, the PADI system of training is dissimilar from others, so starting with their Assistant Instructor course to get familiar with it might make sense.