drrich2
Contributor
The PADI Master Diver cert. provides:
1.) Encouragement (via a goal) to some (not all) to seek more formal training than they might otherwise (e.g.: perhaps Rescue Diver, or a couple of extra specialties.
2.) A single card summarizing a fairly substantial listing of formal training.
3.) A sense of accomplishment and pride for those who value it so.
The repetitive debates on the issue make me think of someone who has completed enough college hours at a community college and met the requirements for, oh, say, an associate's degree in something not job related. And let's stay they can receive that degree for a hundred dollar processing fee. Would you get it?
The criticism that I've found off-the-wall on another thread was basically 'Don't waste that money on a card! Use it to buy gear or dive!'
I agree; if your finances are so tight that $50 is going to make the difference in whether you can go diving or get a desired piece of gear, maybe you shouldn't get the card!
If you can part with the money, and you'd like it, and working toward it might inspire you to get more training, that's fine.
Richard.
P.S.: Naui has a different 'Master Scuba Diver' program that's an actual course, if that's of interest.
1.) Encouragement (via a goal) to some (not all) to seek more formal training than they might otherwise (e.g.: perhaps Rescue Diver, or a couple of extra specialties.
2.) A single card summarizing a fairly substantial listing of formal training.
3.) A sense of accomplishment and pride for those who value it so.
The repetitive debates on the issue make me think of someone who has completed enough college hours at a community college and met the requirements for, oh, say, an associate's degree in something not job related. And let's stay they can receive that degree for a hundred dollar processing fee. Would you get it?
The criticism that I've found off-the-wall on another thread was basically 'Don't waste that money on a card! Use it to buy gear or dive!'
I agree; if your finances are so tight that $50 is going to make the difference in whether you can go diving or get a desired piece of gear, maybe you shouldn't get the card!
If you can part with the money, and you'd like it, and working toward it might inspire you to get more training, that's fine.
Richard.
P.S.: Naui has a different 'Master Scuba Diver' program that's an actual course, if that's of interest.