Is it just me or is the PADI cert hard to understand?

[Allen-1]

The first guess is correct. It is just you.
The process is clear and not complicated.
You might try actually talking to the professionals in the dive shops rather than trying to avoid human interactions and working only with apps and your guesses and assumptions.

I think that's unduly harsh and viewed from the perspective of a very experienced diver who forgets what it's like to be new at this.

I'm a software developer, been using computers and writing code since the late 70's. I was unable to figure out the overall work flow from PADI's web site. There's enough specific detail, but the big picture is lacking.

My instructor guided me through it. OP didn't have that benefit, and I understand his frustration.

Hell - I just wanted to get a dive table. Started at PADI - why not? Should be there, right? Couldn't find it. Ended up going to Amazon to get PADI table...

 

[halocline]

I was certified through PADI before there were online options for the classroom stuff, so I can’t comment on what that is like. But….I did use the elearning materials for a couple of TDI technical courses, and they were definitely not good quality. The text itself was poorly written, and the formatting was obviously constructed to discourage anyone from being able to print the material conveniently, which made it clunky to navigate.

So it does not surprise me at all that the online interface for PADI OW certification process is not great. This is a business that was developed long before online materials existed and has had to adapt.

I’m old, but I find that there are all sorts of apps that work badly.

 

[Rob9876]

Unfortunately, the current young generation are internet and App savvy. And will use on-line facilities over face-2-face interactions.

True now for really Gen Y & Gen Z -- but regardless, everyone I know these days, 8 to 80, looks up new things on the internet (to even know who to contact). When you Go0gle "scuba certification" and click the PADI link, it takes you to a page the describes the OW course and has an "Add to Cart" button.

So, (though we here would contact a dive shop) to the un-initiated it would definitely seem that buying through that button would be the next step. I'm not a PADI hater or lover, but this is definitely a PADI issue (perhaps unintended, perhaps intended).

 

[Edward3c]

True now for really Gen Y & Gen Z -- but regardless, everyone I know these days, 8 to 80, looks up new things on the internet (to even know who to contact). When you Go0gle "scuba certification" and click the PADI link, it takes you to a page the describes the OW course and has an "Add to Cart" button.

So, (though we here would contact a dive shop) to the un-initiated it would definitely seem that buying through that button would be the next step. I'm not a PADI hater or lover, but this is definitely a PADI issue (perhaps unintended, perhaps intended).

We, BSAC, have a 'learn to dive' button, which takes users to a page explaining what happens next.

 

[JuLe]

We, BSAC, have a 'learn to dive' button, which takes users to a page explaining what happens next.

Same here. Google takes you to the national federation page (CMAS) and the "learn to dive" link there to a page that explains how to get started and has a search for clubs offering course, so it is easy to find a course near you.
There is no link to the e-materials before enrolling in the course.

 

[Edward3c]

Same here. Google takes you to the national federation page (CMAS) and the "learn to dive" link there to a page that explains how to get started and has a search for clubs offering course, so it is easy to find a course near you.
There is no link to the e-materials before enrolling in the course.

BSAC students have to use their membership number to access e-learning.

 

[JuLe]

BSAC students have to use their membership number to access e-learning.

Same here.