PADI Distinctive Specialty Certification??

[MrChen]

So I bought an Oceanic dive computer and with it came free online training at ediving.us. When I successfully completed the online class, it offered up a certificate that I could purchase for $5 and in tandem with that, do a dive with a PADI instructor and get a Distinctive Specialty Certification for my dive computer.

Hey, I'll use any excuse to get in the water, but does this certification count towards anything for more advanced certifications? I don't want to spend the time, money, and energy on it if it doesn't. What's the benefit to me, if any, in the advancement of my certification process? Currently I have Padi OW, Nitrox, and AOW with no specific certification plans.

It looks like SSI and PADI both recognize this usdiving.us certificate.

PADI: ediving.us ? View topic - Oceanic Geo 2.0 Computer Diver PADI Distinctive Specialty
SSI: ediving.us ? View topic - Oceanic Geo 2.0 Computer Diver - SSI Unique Specialty

 

[paulw]

First how was the course? I hope you learned a lot about the new computer, I have not had the pleasure of one of the Ediving course yet.
Now for the cert, $5.00 for the (I take it) Ediving certificate and then whatever the PADI instructor would charge for the dive will get you a nice Specialty Certification card and if those are of interest to you go for it but I know of no class that will require or need it. I would save the money for another course like maybe rescue which by the way was one of my favorite classes but thats just my opinion.

 

[nimoh]

I agree with Paul.

If you want to collect cards, get the card. It can be a confidence booster for some to have a pile of certification cards however, you have already received the education for free.

 

[fjpatrum]

+2. Save your money and go dive (with or without an instructor) and learn something else. Like, how cool that octopus looks or how big a smile you get swimming next to a ray. (Or maybe even nitrox or something...)

 

[aprivetera]

I agree with Paul. Take the card and the course. I learned with my computer only on the manual and tests in the water. From my point of view it shows you made the extra effort and really know your equipment without having to prove it to anyone.

 

[MrChen]

First how was the course? I hope you learned a lot about the new computer, I have not had the pleasure of one of the Ediving course yet.
Now for the cert, $5.00 for the (I take it) Ediving certificate and then whatever the PADI instructor would charge for the dive will get you a nice Specialty Certification card and if those are of interest to you go for it but I know of no class that will require or need it. I would save the money for another course like maybe rescue which by the way was one of my favorite classes but thats just my opinion.

The online course was great, I can't recommend it enough. The GEO 2 has a fairly confusing menu system which uses abbreviated letter(s) for menus, like Set F, Set M, Set A, Set T. This is pretty daunting when you first get the computer. The online course walks you through basic settings and then gets into dive planning, air/nitrox settings, alarms, and actual use. I can CONFIDENTLY say that without it, I would always be wondering if there was some setting I had wrong or missed.

To me, the certification sounded like a "so what" type thing. Maybe I'd need it if I was an instructor and wanted to teach the certification? But I'm not and don't have any plans to be an instructor any time soon. Now if the certification could be applied towards a specialty or Master Scuba Diver, then I'd do it. But if all it means is I'm going to get a card, then I'll take all the recommendations here and save my money.

---------- Post added June 12th, 2013 at 10:59 AM ----------

I agree with Paul.

If you want to collect cards, get the card. It can be a confidence booster for some to have a pile of certification cards however, you have already received the education for free.

I have enough cards! I wish they'd consolidate all your certifications on one card. This is something Microsoft does when you get technical certifications.

 

[nimoh]

Have you seen the Zombie Apocalypse Diver specialty class?

 

[Progen]

Have you seen the Zombie Apocalypse Diver specialty class?

I don't want to know!!!!

 

[paulw]

The online course was great, I can't recommend it enough. The GEO 2 has a fairly confusing menu system which uses abbreviated letter(s) for menus, like Set F, Set M, Set A, Set T. This is pretty daunting when you first get the computer. The online course walks you through basic settings and then gets into dive planning, air/nitrox settings, alarms, and actual use. I can CONFIDENTLY say that without it, I would always be wondering if there was some setting I had wrong or missed.

Thanks for the info! I have been curious about the ediving courses, it sounds like they have a nice training system.

 

[DiveNav]

.... it sounds like they have a nice training system.

Yes we do
We serve ~ 1,000 courses each month.

The Distinctive Specialties are optional. They are for those people that like to check out a new piece a of gear under the guidance of an expert.

The product offer of the Distinctive Specialties is well documented so the customer can make an informed decision.

Alberto (aka eDiver)