Dear Community,
I could use some advice....
The time has come to crossover to PADI for a new endeavor. For a bit of background I am currently a PDIC OWSI/Nitrox instructor and Cave/Trimix (etc) diver.
So, I have narrowed it down to 4 IDC/IEs in January:
EASE in Vero Beach FL, Rainbow Reef and Ocean Divers in the Keys, and ProDive Mexico.
All were very professional and prompt in their replies to my inquires.
EASE offers a bonus of housing AND basic food and is the least expensive option with great additional "shop" training right after MSDT prep. Seems OK, however, the lake they train in and some of the dives are... lacking a bit.
Rainbow Reef is the next least expensive and in the KEYS (Bonus!). Housing is also available, but eating in the keys can't be cheap. DJ was very prompt in getting back to me and very through in explaining costs, and offered a few nice discounts in particular on training materials. They seem to be well regarded among their Alumni as well.
Ocean Divers, also in the Keys, has a good program as well. Pam was just great and enthusiastic on the phone (giving me her cell number to reach her promptly with any questions) and through our Cave connection we share a few friends and philosophies on diving. Housing is also available. They are doing a few real usable extra in the IE (included) and Pam was very accommodating and determined to work with my on my time-frame and budget. Another real plus is dives on the Spiegel Grove and Duane, neither of which I have dove yet. Did I mention how great Pam was?
Now ProDive Mexico; I got a very through and friendly reply from Anders (Platinum CD) and it turns out we have several mutual friends from shared time in TCI, and may have even met. (Small World, eh?) Their program runs about a week longer than everyone else's. This is a double edged sword as it gives more opportunity to digest everything, but adds expense in time off from work and lodging/food expenses. There is a "Scubapro Equipment Maintence Class" included. Think I'll get enough cave diving in while there to make it worth while? Seems unlikely......
Do any of these programs stand out in any meaningful way? Employment contacts? Training experience? Good or Bad reputation? Accommodations or diving conditions (beyond the obvious rankings)?
Personal experience with these programs, or what happens when you hire graduates of these programs are welcome. I've read anything posted over about the last 5 years on the subject and operations themselves, and still feel I could use a good bit more input....
Bear in mind I can teach well already, but need to learn the "PADI System", and spend some more time on the boat.
THANKS EVERYONE! I could really use the input!
~Justin Bates
--
Justin Bates
TekDive TCI
1-646-319-8252 USA
1-649-345-6369 TCI
I could use some advice....
The time has come to crossover to PADI for a new endeavor. For a bit of background I am currently a PDIC OWSI/Nitrox instructor and Cave/Trimix (etc) diver.
So, I have narrowed it down to 4 IDC/IEs in January:
EASE in Vero Beach FL, Rainbow Reef and Ocean Divers in the Keys, and ProDive Mexico.
All were very professional and prompt in their replies to my inquires.
EASE offers a bonus of housing AND basic food and is the least expensive option with great additional "shop" training right after MSDT prep. Seems OK, however, the lake they train in and some of the dives are... lacking a bit.
Rainbow Reef is the next least expensive and in the KEYS (Bonus!). Housing is also available, but eating in the keys can't be cheap. DJ was very prompt in getting back to me and very through in explaining costs, and offered a few nice discounts in particular on training materials. They seem to be well regarded among their Alumni as well.
Ocean Divers, also in the Keys, has a good program as well. Pam was just great and enthusiastic on the phone (giving me her cell number to reach her promptly with any questions) and through our Cave connection we share a few friends and philosophies on diving. Housing is also available. They are doing a few real usable extra in the IE (included) and Pam was very accommodating and determined to work with my on my time-frame and budget. Another real plus is dives on the Spiegel Grove and Duane, neither of which I have dove yet. Did I mention how great Pam was?
Now ProDive Mexico; I got a very through and friendly reply from Anders (Platinum CD) and it turns out we have several mutual friends from shared time in TCI, and may have even met. (Small World, eh?) Their program runs about a week longer than everyone else's. This is a double edged sword as it gives more opportunity to digest everything, but adds expense in time off from work and lodging/food expenses. There is a "Scubapro Equipment Maintence Class" included. Think I'll get enough cave diving in while there to make it worth while? Seems unlikely......
Do any of these programs stand out in any meaningful way? Employment contacts? Training experience? Good or Bad reputation? Accommodations or diving conditions (beyond the obvious rankings)?
Personal experience with these programs, or what happens when you hire graduates of these programs are welcome. I've read anything posted over about the last 5 years on the subject and operations themselves, and still feel I could use a good bit more input....
Bear in mind I can teach well already, but need to learn the "PADI System", and spend some more time on the boat.
THANKS EVERYONE! I could really use the input!
~Justin Bates
--
Justin Bates
TekDive TCI
1-646-319-8252 USA
1-649-345-6369 TCI