NAUI then PADI?

[aychamo]

Hey everyone

This is my first post.. I've been certified since I was 12, now I am 24. I was certified under NAUI. I did a bunch of dives when I was younger, then didn't dive for many years. I've started diving again, and I want to pursue some further dive education. I understand that PADI is the "most popular" people certifying these days. Is it possible to get Advanced certification through PADI using my NAUI as my open water certification? Or do I have to get an OW through PADI first?

Thank you kindly
Aychamo

 

[Heffey]

Yes, this is absolutely possible.

Actually, my instructor teaches all of his OW classes NAUI and then does the AOW through PADI.

 

[mike_s]

There is no reason in the "rules" that you have to take PADI OW before taking a PADI Advanced open water (AOW) class. Padi (or just about any agency) accepts open water cert from other agencies.

WIth that said, if you haven't been diving in 12 years, you might want to take some type of a refresher course. Doesn't matter if it's a "course" for some badge/card/certification, it's just important to make sure your skills are proficient before you drown yourself or have nitrogen/decompression issues.

Ask around in your area with divers and find a good instructor that you can review/refresh your skills with, regardless of the agency.

 

[Walter]

You may want to choose PADI for your advanced training, but being "most popular" doesn't sound like a very good reason to choose it. You might want to look a little deeper at content before you decide. After you've looked, then choose what you feel suits your wants and needs best.