PADI vs other cert agencies? Pricing differences cert agency vs dive shop?

[Carl_F]

So, is it the agency, the cert company or a combo of both? Guess I have to shop around to get the best prices? (Rescue diver is next)

It's the shop (or the instructor if its an independent instructor.)

You have to evaluate what you're getting for the $$$. Ask the question about classroom time, pool time and dives that are or are not included in any certification. Then compare that across the shops. If one shop charges $100 for nitrox class, with two hours of classroom time and no dives and another charges $250 for three hours of classroom time and two dives, you have something to compare to determine best value for money. The extra class time and the dives might be above and beyond what's required for the certification but if that's what is of value to you then the higher price might be worth it to you. (The agencies I've been familiar with don't require any dives for a nitrox cert ... the above is just an example.)

 

[gopbroek]

I will probably be corrected but as I understand it PADI's primary revenue stream per student is the card charge of $40 per cert that they get via the instructor / shop. Additionally the get a part of any PADI materials, if purchased, but lack a meaningful enforcement mechanisim to enforce the 'required materials' rule other than the mutual profit stream by having the Instuctor / shop market them to the student.
I paid the card charge via friend for Nitrox and after I hit 500 dives I plan the same for AOW.
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Now the cost of meaningful instruction is worth the additional knowledge you gain (not just the card) and truly varies from instructor to instructor. I have yet to meet a rich instructor.

 

[1bubbleoff]

ERIC-

It's been already remarked upon, but I'll say it again... actually....let me YELL IT.
" IT'S ALL ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR.."...There..I feel MUCH better now!

Most of the Certifying agencys cover the core materials...so for the most part...regardless of agency..you'll recieve the same basic syllabus. Note I said "for the most part"...
REGARDLESS..of the agency..the right instructor will not only facilitate your learning of the materials..but ENSURE...you actually understand the materials and reasons for them.

Experiance comes at a cost... and it's worth every freakin penny. I'd INTERVIEW...the prospective instructor and get a clear understanding of what they teach, how they teach it, and WHAT..they expect of you as a student... regardless of agency or specialty. I can pretty much assure you...any PROFESSIONAL...will appreciate the chance to explain and show..why they are a good choice for YOU. I've never met a dive PRO yet who didn't live for that kind of student. Thats why they teach!

And since your gonna be in FL...avail yourself of the wealth of experiance and knowledge right at your fingertips. Hell...I'd be bold enough to send Mscelaneous or Netdoc a personal pm asking for some guidance. They can give ya a straight steer. May even consider asking if THEY are available to teach you.

Just my .02...
Just my opinion...


Bubs

 

[DevonDiver]

It's not about the agency.
It's not about the shop.
It's not about the instructor.
It's not about the certification card.

It's about the training.

That's what you pay for. That's what you keep afterwards. That's what the benefit is... The actual skills, knowledge and competencies you gain.

Add to that factors like comfort, safety and enjoyment whilst undergoing the training... temporary benefits, but necessary to consider also.

To appreciate the cost of training... you have to understand the actual training you'll get for your money.

Too many people compare courses based upon some perceived equality... because those courses might result in the same certification card.

In reality, certification card aside, there is a world of difference between each individual course...

---------- Post added November 12th, 2015 at 04:36 AM ----------

I will probably be corrected but as I understand it PADI's primary revenue stream per student is the card charge of $40 per cert that they get via the instructor / shop. Additionally the get a part of any PADI materials, if purchased, but lack a meaningful enforcement mechanisim to enforce the 'required materials' rule other than the mutual profit stream by having the Instuctor / shop market them to the student.
.

PADI sell manuals/materials based on regional price lists. Invariably, manuals come packaged with a corresponding PIC credit... an account credit to process the certification card. The coat of a manual alone isn't much cheaper than a manual plus PIC. The cost of a PIC alone is relatively high.

Whilst policies vary by region, or even country, it has become much more difficult to buy PIC alone. Here in the Philippines we need to get permission to buy a PIC alone from most PADI materials suppliers...

It is possible to circumvent the PADI standard on requiring manuals to be taken away by students... but getting caught can mean QA action. Given the financial investment most pros and dive centers have made to PADI... It's just not worth the risk.

In my experience, only the shadiest dive centers/instructors would take that risk...