newbie (wannabe) certification questions

[fins]

Hello everyone,

As I mentioned in a previous thread after attending a "Try Scuba" class that a LDS offered in a high school pool I am hereby hooked.

The next step for me is selecting an LDS for classes which I hope to start after the first of the year.

Here's my questions (please forgive me if I'm misusing some terms);

There are two dive shops in my area that would be very convienent for me in regards to location, time of classes, pool schedules etc. Both shops offer SSI certifications

The closest shop that offers PADI certifications is about a 45 minute drive for me and class offerings and pool time are not as convienent.

So I'm looking for your thoughts on the different course structures, certifications, etc. Is one better than the other? Is one certification more widely recognized than the other? How should I pick which dive shop/instructor to use (by cert? by the instructors experience? by my impression of the instructor? etc.).

Thanks,

 

[daylight]

Fins,
First of all, welcome to the board. Glad to see you doing your homework before heading off on your journey.
There really isn't any difference in either agency as far as acceptability or level of education. It really gets down to selection of an instructor. The questions you proposed are good starting points. I would also attempt to determine the style of the instructor and is that compatible with your personality. Attempt to determine how much diving is done outside of teaching classes. Remember, it's all about the instructor.
Remember, you're the customer and you want to get as much as possible from your training.
Enjoy and dive safe,
Larry

 

[Jerryg]

What Larry said is correct. You should also know that your C card is acceptable by the other organizations. You can get your Open Water certification with SSI, then get your Advanced Open water with PADI, then move back to SSI for more advanced classes. Be more concerned with the caliber of instructor than the certifiying agency, since you have flexibility in switching organizations in the future. Good luck
Jerry

 

[Diversauras]

Like has been said so far, you are the customer. Make sure you understand everything the instructor puts out, question everything, make him / her explain it! Use alternative sources to cross reference what is put out in class, and when it comes to equipment recommendations don't take everything at face value, just because it isn't sold by the LDS you are at doesn't mean it's not good gear.

 

[diverlady]

Do you HAVE to go through an LDS? When I signed up for my BOW it was with an area club that was not part of any LDS. As such, they provided info about several LDS's when it came to equipment. Not to say going with an LDS isn't a good thing. You just may have more options available to you than you thought.

Diverlady

 

[ScoobyPat]

Hi Fins,

Go and take your class whereever you feel most comfortable with (and also at a convenient distance for you). I am PADI certified and really enjoyed their course material and classes. I cannot speak for any other agency, but from what I have heard they all offer more or less identical courses for OW and are all recognized world-wide. PADI is by far the largest agency, but that doesn't mean that larger is better. All agencies are recognized world-wide (PADI, NAUI, SSI, YMCA - is there any other?). Many experienced divers prefer NAUI or SSI, some others stick with PADI. I am very happy with PADI, because I liked their website and the professional course material and felt that I can't go wrong to go with the largest agency, but as I said, I don't have a comparison. All in all, it all depends on your instructor, not the agency that he/she is affilated with.

Check out some LDS and search for others online, stop by or call them up. Ask them about the locations they use for the confined and open water dives, the dates/times for the classes and about the class size. Also be sure to compare the price! I'd say do not pay more than $350 for your OW cert and keep in mind that you will have most likely to invest another $100 for mask, snorkel, fins and boots.

Hope this helps!

 

[boney]

To expand on ScoobyPat,

you want to see if the price of the course includes the books and the OW dives. I'm not sure but I think at most places those are included with the OW course but with the other courses that's where they get you...

 

[scubajoe]

With that said, all the agencys are good if you get a good instructor. I am obviously partial to SSI but that is me. Regardless of which agency you choose be sure and get the actual price of what is and isn't included. Good luck, Hope to see you in the water!


Joe

 

[fins]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions.

I have visited a couple local shops and have two more on my list to visit before I make a decision on where to take classes.

Thanks again,

 

[MCL]

I'd say you are ahead of the game just putting the time and effort into researching different LDS's, most people would pick the one closest, and just sign up. Good Luck!