What is the difference between PADI 5 Star, PADI Gold Palm, etc etc? (Can't wait for the analogies!)
PADI dive shop designations
- Thread starter del_mo
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They are marketing designations that a shop pays PADI to use. They have no real meaning as to quality.
mike_s
Contributor
I think to be a Padi "5 star" that the shop has to agree not to teach other certifications (like NAUI, SSI, etc) and of course pay Padi the extra fee of being such. "Gold Palm" Padi dealers can teach other agency courses.
It is no difference in the store, the courses you take, or the instructor. It's just another "marketing level" created by PADI.
It is no difference in the store, the courses you take, or the instructor. It's just another "marketing level" created by PADI.
boomer68
Contributor
I agree with Mike. If you do a search on the new diver forum, you will find a similar question submitted by me a few months ago. Hope this helps
mike_s:
"padi 5 star" doesn't have anything to do with what other agencies the shop teaches through. It's based on the level of instructor's at the shop. I believe the 5 star means that at least one of the instructor's is able to teach classes up to I believe the instructor rating.
It's like SSI has "Platinum Facility", which means that the SSI shop has an instructor who is able to teach up to the instructor rating.
I have no idea what the gold palm is.
Gold Palm is a designation for a resort, which may not have as much of a retail presence but would have lodging available.
amascuba:
You are mistaken.
It's a very good marketing ploy. That's really all it is.
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