from that long ago I doubt you will find any records at the agencies. You've got plenty of time, get a fresh start
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PADI actually has one as well, though somewhat indirect. Just follow the "diver replacement card" process at the bottom http://www.padi.com/scuba/applications/studentRCOL/default.aspx
All you need is a name (how many names did your wife have in the 80's?) and DOB - assuming she used her real one it should be easy to confirm if it was PADI. If it happens to be PADI, you're already most of the way done ordering a new card
I wouldn't blindly send money to them and assume it was a PADI certification. I was referring to PADI Dive Check which, for some oddball reason, can only be accessed by DMs or higher. I always thought that was a poor idea, especially if a shop with a different agency wants to verify a PADI diver.
Also, not all certifications are easy to confirm with PADI. Especially older ones. PADI's system is very, very picky about searching names. If there was no middle initial and you search with one, it won't find it. Same with the other way around. Then you get people who fill out paperwork wrong and mix up day and month. Then you're searching a correct name but incorrect DOB. It can be a cluster...
I wouldn't blindly send money to them and assume it was a PADI certification. I was referring to PADI Dive Check which, for some oddball reason, can only be accessed by DMs or higher. I always thought that was a poor idea, especially if a shop with a different agency wants to verify a PADI diver.
Also, not all certifications are easy to confirm with PADI. Especially older ones. PADI's system is very, very picky about searching names. If there was no middle initial and you search with one, it won't find it. Same with the other way around. Then you get people who fill out paperwork wrong and mix up day and month. Then you're searching a correct name but incorrect DOB. It can be a cluster...
You don't send them money (unless of course you actually want the card) you just fill the info out and see if it returns any record matches. It may not return anything but there's no reason to not try it.
I was assuming we would find the card and do the sit in as the refresher. I'm checking with the nearest dive shop to see about a refresher course and if we can't find or get a replacement card I'll check about a OW course for her.
Thank all who have helped me out with this. I found her books and certificate but not her card. She was certified under national association of scuba diving schools in 1986. Now I just need to contact ssi and see if I can get a replacement card.
thanks again.