NAUI v PADI

[graat]

I have been on a couple PADI "Discover Scuba" dives and would like to get certified. However, I am trying to determine what the difference is between NAUI and PADI programs and if there are any drawbacks to either (i.e. needing one or the other to rent gear at various places or is one more recognized than the other?).

I am really comfortable in the water and understand safety procedures, but the most available course for me is the NAUI and I want to make sure that I am going to be able to use it when I travel.

 

[H2Andy]

graat, welcome aboard. NAUI is a fine organization, widely recognized. you will
have no trouble with its cards.

that said, you should pick a class for how good the instructor is, not for which
agency is offering it, particularly at this level.

have you talked to the instructor? asked for credentials? asked others about them?

make sure you have a good instructor as this will make or break your learning
experience.

and have fun!

 

[gfisher4792]

As far as recognition, both agencies are well known, so renting gear shouldn't be a problem. And like, others have written, many shop/boats, especially non US/Canada and possibly Europe don't ask for your card. Many people have issues with PADI courses, but when it comes down to it, as long as you find a good instructor who you are comfortable with and who will go the extra mile with you if you need it, that's what counts.

 

[JKSteger]

NAUI or PADI...that is the question.

Officially I am certified thru PADI. My instructor is certified instructor with both NAUI and PADI. I can say that I really got more out of my instuctor than I did any "Open Water Crew Pack" book or anything. My instuctor blended both together and says that he will "customize" the way he teaches depending on the class. He keeps small classes just for this reason. There were a total of 3 students in my class (myself, my brother and 1 other guy). The class was very hands on! As my instuctor is certified as a Master Diver Instructor I am planning on taking my AOW from the same instructor.

So I don't care, NAUI, PADI, SSI, YMCA, etc. I don't care as I believe all teach the fundamentals of diving. The diference is with your instructor and experience.

JKS

 

[IndigoBlue]

graat, welcome aboard. NAUI is a fine organization, widely recognized. you will
have no trouble with its cards.

that said, you should pick a class for how good the instructor is, not for which
agency is offering it, particularly at this level.

have you talked to the instructor? asked for credentials? asked others about them?

make sure you have a good instructor as this will make or break your learning
experience.

and have fun!

In addition to Andy's excellent advice, I would add that more dives is better than less dives, in a training class.

So if you have a choice of scuba stores for training, find out which one gives you the most dives for the course, and choose that one. NAUI and YMCA often offer you several weekends of dive training, not just one weekend alone. Dont forget to ask about that.

 

[Brian Gilpin]

Also when I did my NAUI OW class I didn't have to do the PADI crawl. We call it that on account of all the PADI classes at Monterey who have to crawl out of the water on their hands and knees as one of their drills. Not dignified at all.

 

[IndigoBlue]

Also when I did my NAUI OW class I didn't have to do the PADI crawl. We call it that on account of all the PADI classes at Monterey who have to crawl out of the water on their hands and knees as one of their drills. Not dignified at all.

I believe all PADI instructors are required to teach their students the crawl exit, even for a flat beach with no surf at all.

In the other agencies, the instructors will probably have more flexibility, and adapt the course for the circumstances.

My own view of the crawling exit is that it is good to know, but should not be taught as the primary beach exit. And if a beach requires a crawing exit, then it is not an appropriate beach for open water students to be learning to dive at.

 

[jbd]

I was originally certified through PADI and we didn't do a crawl out of the water. Actually we had to climb out of the water up a steep bank. There are various methods for exiting through surf. What I do recall from my OW class is that sometimes the safest way to get out may be to crawl to the beach. I now teach for NAUI and this info is passed on to my students.

 

[graat]

Well, thank you all for the information. Now I just need to determine which instructor I'm more comfortable with.
Again.....Thanks

 

[scubadiverjunkie]

I am anxious to see if this thread will turn into the PPV event of PADI "the bubblemaker" vs. NAUI "splashdown" - for the undisputed BCD championship......these posts always seem to go in that direction.....