The NAUI and PADI Master Diver programs are completely different animals. To say they cover the same but NAUI crams it into one course, as was stated in a previous post, is inaccurate. Many of the diving activities/skills in NAUI's program would be covered under the separate PADI specialities used to get the PADI MSD (such as equipment, night diving, navigation, etc.). In that regard they are quite similar. But I'm unaware of any PADI specialities that cover diving physics, physiology, environment or decompression/recompression theory; all of which are heavy topics in the NAUI program.
I think each program serves its purpose and it's up to the diver to determine which aligns more with his/her interests, since there isn't one ruling organization to determine what constitutes a "master scuba diver." Some believe mastering only practical diving skills is the ticket to being "master," PADI would fit the bill (assuming you select real specialities). Others believe understanding the science involved in diving in addition to the skills makes you a "master scuba diver," NAUI better fits that philosophy.
Certainly PADI is in business to make money. But to say all they're doing is grabbing your cash isn't a fair statement. I will say this.... since there's no difference between a PADI diver with Rescue, 5 specialties and 50 dives and a PADI diver with Rescue, 5 specialties, 50 dives and a MSD card (except one paid a $40 processing fee), it would be nice if PADI recognized their divers with a free MSD card once they've completed the requirements. You've spent nearly $1,000 in training beyond AOW by the time you complete the PADI MSD requirements.
I think each program serves its purpose and it's up to the diver to determine which aligns more with his/her interests, since there isn't one ruling organization to determine what constitutes a "master scuba diver." Some believe mastering only practical diving skills is the ticket to being "master," PADI would fit the bill (assuming you select real specialities). Others believe understanding the science involved in diving in addition to the skills makes you a "master scuba diver," NAUI better fits that philosophy.
Certainly PADI is in business to make money. But to say all they're doing is grabbing your cash isn't a fair statement. I will say this.... since there's no difference between a PADI diver with Rescue, 5 specialties and 50 dives and a PADI diver with Rescue, 5 specialties, 50 dives and a MSD card (except one paid a $40 processing fee), it would be nice if PADI recognized their divers with a free MSD card once they've completed the requirements. You've spent nearly $1,000 in training beyond AOW by the time you complete the PADI MSD requirements.