PADI, NAUI, and more...

[scubajoh44]

I'm going through my divemaster program and feel really nieve. I have only got PADI certifications. That's all that I have ever had the chance to get. I haven't even gone diving with someone associated with anything other than PADI. (even in other countries). Is this unusual? Do I just have PADI tunnel vision? :eek5: I love PADI, but would like to know about others. I know NAUI is very common. Why haven't I seen them anywhere? What's the good and bad on the rest? Thanks..... Jo

 

[scubajcf]

Like you, when I started on the PRO Trek, most of my educational experience was through PADI. Although, I had done a little research with the basic NAUI and SSI course offerings -- they seemed to have a lot of the same expecations.

I made a decision to try out some other advanced (technical) diving through an IANTD instructor. It was a noticeable difference and not saying one was better than the other, I think I was a better PADI divemaster for (1) extending my skills, and (2) experiencing another organization's curriculum.

I would encourage you to keep learning ... Divemaster is not the end of the trail, it's the beginning of a new one.

Good luck,

JcF

 

[SubMariner]

I'm going through my divemaster program and feel really nieve. I have only got PADI certifications. That's all that I have ever had the chance to get. I haven't even gone diving with someone associated with anything other than PADI. (even in other countries). Is this unusual? Do I just have PADI tunnel vision? :eek5: I love PADI, but would like to know about others. I know NAUI is very common. Why haven't I seen them anywhere? What's the good and bad on the rest? Thanks..... Jo

Jo, there are many other agencies out there: NAUI, SSI, BSAC, CMAS, ACUC... the whole alphabet. Their philosophies & teaching styles may be a bit different, but in the end their goals are the same: to teach people to dive in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Some agencies are geographically specific: you probably won't see BSAC outside of the UK or ACUC outside of North America. I'll wager there are some that no one has heard of outside their own area. And I'm not even talking about the Tech or DIR ones.

Just take a look here on the Board to find some agencies, then Google them to see what you come up with. Couldn't hurt.

Bonne chance,

 

[scubajoh44]

Great idea! Anyone had problems being able to dive somewhere with an organization that is not known in that area?