I have not forgotten about responding to this post however, I was waiting to take the AI/IDC prior to responding. The choice was between Scuba Emporium and Pro Dive heading down from April 28th through May 11th. Narrowed down as per the reasons listed below:
I heard a number of great things about Rich from Scuba Emporium as an IDS staff instructor hear on the board. From his response to my telephone conversations and e-mail correspondence, everything else aside, he would fit my profile of a good instructor. Rich has a military background and I respond extremely well in organized, structured programs not as a former military person but as an engineer. Wanted to make clear I am not a military person looking for the “good ole boys club”.
Due to logistics reasons I could not visit either place being in NJ. Therefore, my wife going to Florida on business took on the challenge. She was impressed by Rich (Scuba Emporium) for 30 or so minutes and confirmed I would be a good fit. Further details are being left out for the reason below.
Upon arrival to Pro Scuba she met Kelly and toured the place for a good 30 minutes. The place a little smaller, a huge pool located at the facility, and the dive boat in walking distance from the shop. Logistically this place makes total sense for me to choose. Forward thinking if I bring students from NJ the shop is 10 minutes from my condo and the student will not be overwhelmed by traveling from the shop to the boat or to the pool. Further details are being left out for reasons below.
I recently learned from Scuba Emporium that they have closed their doors in Florida due to the economy. There website is closed. Therefore, I will be taking the IDC with Rich at Pro Divers. Rich has made a full circle back to where he came from. I believe this is a win win situation for me. I have the pleasure of experiencing the good things that were said about Rich and the convenience of being 10 minutes away from Pro Divers. From the conversations I have with Kelly it appears Pro Divers is run like a business and I do respond well to this type of structure.
It was asked why I am not taking the IDC on my home turf. I also live in Ft. Laduerdale and I do consider it half of my home turf. Coupled with the fact I have to drive 1-1/2 hours to take the IDC in Pennsylvania and at least a 2 hour drive to go to the warm 50 degree waters of Dutch springs PA to do pre-exam training and take the exam. The other reason is I get tired of chasing my local shop to take my money to schedule the classes.
Alumni benefits were the same for both locations.
Thank you to the board for all of your help and guidance along the way.
Any other questions feel free to PM me. I will post more on the board when I return from the course.
