PADI + ACUC = what license?

[viperz]

Hi all,

I have this little dilemma.

I took the PADI beginner course in Toronto 3 weeks ago, which included all theory and pool dives. So still needed to do 4 open water dives with the instructors. I told them that I was going to Cuba in 2 weeks, so would like to do the open water dives there.
So I go to Holguin, call the dive center there (under ACUC), book the dives, etc. I did the four dives with all skill tests this week. Instructor signed and stamped everything necessary in the log book. I asked him for the paperwork to be mailed to ACUC, and he said - no, you're with PADI, go to PADI when you go back to Toronto and get your license.

So now I am stuck with fully stamped/signed log book, but where and how do I get a license?? Thank you.

 

[TMHeimer]

The PADI shop in T.O. said you could do the OW dives with another agency? I'm almost certain PADI doesn't allow that. I could be wrong, since PADI can't yet legally be in Cuba. You may have an issue with your shop at home in getting certified. If someone told you incorrectly maybe you can get the OW dives at home no charge?
Once you are certified you can then take other courses (like AOW, etc.) up to Rescue Diver with any agency.

 

[viperz]

What I was told at PADI shop is go to Cuba, do 4 open water dives, and they'll get you ACUC license, which is convertible to NAUI if I wanted to. Honestly, I wouldn't care which agency gets me the license, because I'd like to do the advanced course in May.

 

[cerich]

Hi all,

I have this little dilemma.

I took the PADI beginner course in Toronto 3 weeks ago, which included all theory and pool dives. So still needed to do 4 open water dives with the instructors. I told them that I was going to Cuba in 2 weeks, so would like to do the open water dives there.
So I go to Holguin, call the dive center there (under ACUC), book the dives, etc. I did the four dives with all skill tests this week. Instructor signed and stamped everything necessary in the log book. I asked him for the paperwork to be mailed to ACUC, and he said - no, you're with PADI, go to PADI when you go back to Toronto and get your license.

So now I am stuck with fully stamped/signed log book, but where and how do I get a license?? Thank you.

yeah, the ACUC instructor was wrong. With PADI the instr that does the final dive signs off..and certifies you with PADI.

With ACUC it's not that way, it's the instructor that did your referal paperwork (the Class and pool instr) so when another instructor finishes you the paperwork goes back to the org. instructor that sends the paperwork to acuc and gets you a card.

PADI can't help you because they don't accept other agency instructors doing open water dives and certifying you.

You need to convince the ACUC shop to certify you, they may have you do additional stuff like write the ACUC exam.

You could also email ACUC for assistance CONTACTA CON NOSOTROS/CONTACT US/CONTACTEZ NOUS | ACUC

unfortunately it's my understanding the ACUC Canadian office has closed.. :-(

 

[RainPilot]

Worst case scenario you might need to do the dives again, that's not the end of the world. A little extra practice never hurt anyone. Either way welcome to the board, let us know how you get on!

 

[viperz]

Just wanted to thank Chris (cerich) for helping big time to sort this out. Thank you, Chris! Merry Christmas!!