Padi Cert question

[jlowell]

Hi,
I got certified 30 yrs ago didn't keep up with it. I want to get re-certified. Is the padi Open water DVD a good re-fresh?

Also.....Is a used book 1990-1995 adequate. I see the book around for $5 used or is there new material in the new versions.

Thanks, advice appreciated.

Jim Lowell
photographer at large )
jimlowell.com

 

[Garrobo]

The physics of scuba diving hasn't change lately. But you can bet your granny's dentures that any LDS with an OW program will be selling you a new book if you sign up. Look on Ebay.

 

[jlowell]

yes the new books I looked at seemed completely familiar. I go to Cozumel a lot and have talked to several. They said review and come on down when I want. I didn't think there was much that had changed although i didn't ask when i was discussing things with them.

i've dived some over the years but use friends equipment and haven't needed to rent or prove capability/certification.

I'll do a quick re-read of a used book.

thanks, J

 

[k4man]

my guess is that some updates since a 1990 copy write date are available and might be helpful...

 

[jlowell]

yep sounds reasonable. I'll just see what the most recent used book is I can find (amazon, ebay, used bookstores locally, etc) and take it from there.

thanks, j

 

[rstofer]

Did you lose your original c-card? If so, can the agency resurrect it? If so, you can just take a scuba review course.

If you plan to retake the PADI OW course:

The OW DVD is pretty good. It is very probably worth the money and viewing it before the class is required. It's only $30!

It isn't just the book, you also need the RDP or the eRDP. The eRDP is the easiest approach to dive table problems but I personally prefer the RDP (actual table). Oh, and you need the Student Record File which is included with the Crew Pack.

Course materials with RDP -> $40
Course materials with eRDP => $44
DVD-> $30

Worst case: $74. Kind of insignificant when compared to the total cost of diving!

PADI Open Water Crewpack with Tables
PADI ERDP Crew Pack
PADI Open Water DVD

You will also need a PIC card. I think there is a new and improved (read, higher) price but:
PADI Pic Envelope Cert Card

Richard

 

[Web Monkey]

i was open water certified 30 yrs ago and didn't keep up with it. I need to get re-certified. Is the Padi open water DVD worth getting. Also....is a used book ok ? I see 1990 and newer versions around for $5 or is there new material in the latest versions.

Although you probably won't immediately drop dead if you go diving, a lot has changed in the past 30 years.

• The recommended ascent rate is 30'/minute
• The recommended OOA procedure is to share air to the surface, not "blow and go"
• Everybody has an alternate second stage and attempting "buddy breathing" will just freak people out.
• A bunch of other stuff that doesn't immediately come to mind.

If you have the opportunity, I'd recommended doing the class/book/pool portion of a good OW class even though you don't need the C-Card.

Terry

 

[mislav]

i was open water certified 30 yrs ago and didn't keep up with it. I need to get re-certified.

It's quite normal to expect that there are skills or knowledge that has evaporated over this time. I see that you're aware of it. There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve your diving, so if you can track your original certification info - there's no need to get re-certified. Go for the Scuba review program someplace instead. It's cheap, fast and focused on the important things. You will feel safer on your dives.

If you can't track your certification and you plan to dive more often in the future, getting re-certified would be the best and cheapest course of action.

Don't let other people tell you that you "already know everything you need to know". They won't be there with you if anything goes wrong. How is your buoyancy? Are you comfortable taking your mask off while diving? How about the trim, air sharing skills etc.? It's your comfort, safety, satisfaction and life that you're investing into.

 

[jlowell]

Did you lose your original c-card? If so, can the agency resurrect it? If so, you can just take a scuba review course.

If you plan to retake the PADI OW course:

The OW DVD is pretty good. It is very probably worth the money and viewing it before the class is required. It's only $30!

It isn't just the book, you also need the RDP or the eRDP. The eRDP is the easiest approach to dive table problems but I personally prefer the RDP (actual table). Oh, and you need the Student Record File which is included with the Crew Pack.

Course materials with RDP -> $40
Course materials with eRDP => $44
DVD-> $30

Worst case: $74. Kind of insignificant when compared to the total cost of diving!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

hey...great info. My previous certification history is sort of screwed up. My parents had just divorced and I somehow (don't remember why) was registered for the class under my mothers maiden name....so it isn't really my legal last name and I lost my card. Doesn't seem insurmountable to sort out in a way......but seemed simple to me to just do it over. maybe I'm wrong? Any ideas??

Some of the instruction I received I don't think was that good. I've surfed all my life and was a competetive swimmer at that time in college so being a "fish in the water" the physical part was easy....some of the technical part I feel was lacking and definitely need to review whether I get rcertified or whatever.

 

[jlowell]

My certification being 30 yrs ago and under my mothers maiden name just after her divorce is a bit of a problem.......or maybe not?????. The name would need to be changed...or updated or something...so I may be able to sort it out. how would I track it down? Through PADI?

It's quite normal to expect that there are skills or knowledge that has evaporated over this time. I see that you're aware of it. There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve your diving, so if you can track your original certification info - there's no need to get re-certified. Go for the Scuba review program someplace instead. It's cheap, fast and focused on the important things. You will feel safer on your dives.

If you can't track your certification and you plan to dive more often in the future, getting re-certified would be the best and cheapest course of action.

Don't let other people tell you that you "already know everything you need to know". They won't be there with you if anything goes wrong. How is your buoyancy? Are you comfortable taking your mask off while diving? How about the trim, air sharing skills etc.? It's your comfort, safety, satisfaction and life that you're investing into.