PADI elearning and choice Dive Center

[kos1977]

Hello !
I want to take PADI Open Water Course on my vacation, and I've found that doing all the academics online through PADI web site is really good idea. Though I signed up for PADI eLearning and on the step 2 faced with the big (for me) problem - necessity choosing PADI Dive Center. But I don't know now which Dive Center I will choose. I want, immediately after arriving on the place (in my case it'll be Roatan, Honduras) look at different Dive Centers, talk with instructors and only after it, choose the most suitable center for me. I can not choose beforehand. And what will happen for example, if I choose one Dive Center now,go through elearning, and on the place I'll decide to change Dive Center? Will my elearning certificate be taken into account by another Dive Center?

Thanks in advance !

 

[AggieDad]

Where in Roatan? West End, South Side etc. What "resort" are you going to?
Patty at CocoView Resort is the only one that I personally know. First class lady.

 

[rstofer]

I'm surprised that more people haven't replied to this. Perhaps the eLearning concept hasn't really caught on just yet.

It is quite common to do the book work and confined water dives with one shop and then get a referral to complete the open water dives somewhere else.

But eLearning doesn't involve a shop and the confined water dives aren't done until you select a shop. I guess I would call or write to PADI for advice.

There is at least one PADI dive center in Moscow (according to Google) so I would suggest you talk to them and arrange to do the confined water (pool) dives with them. They will give you the referral for the open water dives in Honduras. I am guessing that they would accept the results of your eLearning program for the normal lecture/test.

Richard

 

[oly5050user]

I'm surprised that more people haven't replied to this. Perhaps the eLearning concept hasn't really caught on just yet.

It is quite common to do the book work and confined water dives with one shop and then get a referral to complete the open water dives somewhere else.

But eLearning doesn't involve a shop and the confined water dives aren't done until you select a shop. I guess I would call or write to PADI for advice.

There is at least one PADI dive center in Moscow (according to Google) so I would suggest you talk to them and arrange to do the confined water (pool) dives with them. They will give you the referral for the open water dives in Honduras. I am guessing that they would accept the results of your eLearning program for the normal lecture/test.

Richard

the way I understand it is that you must pick a facility..this way the facility gets a cut of the $$ you paid to PADI for access to elearning.Really does not matter if you go to that facility for confined water or training dives..

 

[diverbob]

I am not a big fan of the e-learning process. I think it takes away from what diving is all about, meeting new people and sharing experiences. Without the classroom, I think you miss out on people asking questions that maybe you didnt think of.

I would also recommend looking into at least doing your confined water here. Why spend vacation time going pool work? Just my .02

 

[blainer]

I completed my elearning just a little while ago, and next weekend i will take my pool dives locally. Then in January i will complete my open water dives. This is probably the most expensive way to go, but it is either this or take 3 to 5 days of my vacation in Roatan to do the whole course or elearning referal. when i signed up for elearning the gentleman on the phone that waked me through the signup asked me to specify the dive company that i would be completing the course with but said that i was not limited to staying with that company. The only problem i can see is if you choose a dive company that does not recognize the elearning traning. I am not sure if there are any that dont but it may be something to look into. On a side note, my wife took her (book) learning with a Padi dvd and book, and it does not cover half of what the online course provides. I think the elearning is a great tool for those of us that either do not offer a local course or have the time to take a course. The elearning wont let you continue without passing all quizzes and knowledge reviews, i found it a great way to learn.

My only complaint was the rdp tables online. I really struggled with this until my wife got her dvd/book course and a dive table card with instruction booklet. After reading the booklet i imediately caught on and now understand how to use the tables. If i had any suggestions i would suggest you get a rdp card and instruction booklet from your lds to go along with the elearning.

 

[kos1977]

Thanks everyone for answers!

I've just recieved email from PADI expert, who explained that I may use my eLearning eRecord anywhere and I am not limited chosen during the registration process dive company, exactly as blainer wrote before.
So all my apprehension are resolved

Thanks for advise, but doing confined water is rather expensive here in Moscow and require free time, which, unfortunately, I don't have now.