Private Certification

[morecowbells]

Several years ago my husband and I completed our class and pool portion of training at home and completed our certification/referral dive with Scuba Tony. It was just the two of us with Tony as our instructor. Granted this was several years ago, but his website still states "private instruction". I know the pool dives may be a hardship for you, but I strongly encourage taking that route. By trimming the didactic portion of training, you are essentially adding 2 days as a OW certified diver. During that additional 2 days you will learn valuable skills and experience.

 

[ggunn]

I promise, I've looked at a dozen sites. A few list "private instructions" as part of the OW course, but it doesn't say whether it's one-on-one training or if it just means an instructor will spend some private time with each person enrolled in the group class.

What difference does it make if you are by yourself or with a couple of other students?

FWIW, if you are interested in diving other places besides Cozumel, it might be better to get it all done somewhere else under less idyllic conditions.

 

[DjDiverDan]

FWIW, if you are interested in diving other places besides Cozumel, it might be better to get it all done somewhere else under less idyllic conditions.

I did my OW certification dives at Balmorhea State Park in far west Texas. The water was clear, so vis was good, maybe 50-75', but it was about 74 degrees and chilly, even with a full 3mm suit. Cozumel, at 80 degrees and 200 ft. visability, was a dream after that. When I got my AOW, we did our certification dives at Possum Kingdom Lake, a bit west of Fort Worth. Water was COLD, especially below the thermocline, and even with a full 7mm wetsuit, I was shivering; visability was 6-10 feet, at best. With the sun shining brightly above, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face without a dive light once you descended below 20', and descending to the bottom at 85'-90' (we had to have two dives to at least 80', IIRC, to get the AOW certification), you had to go feet first, slowly, and with your dive light shining down to avoid getting impaled on a dead tree branch from one of the many trees that grew before the valley was flooded to create the lake. Yes, I much prefer Cozumel diving. But after Possum Kingdom Lake, I'm pretty confident that I can handle scary conditions without panicking.

 

[ggunn]

I did my OW certification dives at Balmorhea State Park in far west Texas. The water was clear, so vis was good, maybe 50-75', but it was about 74 degrees and chilly, even with a full 3mm suit. Cozumel, at 80 degrees and 200 ft. visability, was a dream after that. When I got my AOW, we did our certification dives at Possum Kingdom Lake, a bit west of Fort Worth. Water was COLD, especially below the thermocline, and even with a full 7mm wetsuit, I was shivering; visability was 6-10 feet, at best. With the sun shining brightly above, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face without a dive light once you descended below 20', and descending to the bottom at 85'-90' (we had to have two dives to at least 80', IIRC, to get the AOW certification), you had to go feet first, slowly, and with your dive light shining down to avoid getting impaled on a dead tree branch from one of the many trees that grew before the valley was flooded to create the lake. Yes, I much prefer Cozumel diving. But after Possum Kingdom Lake, I'm pretty confident that I can handle scary conditions without panicking.

Precisely. I got certified in Lake Travis where the water temp was in the low70's and the viz was maybe 10'. After that Cozumel was a breeze but Monterrey Bay did not intimidate me.

 

[sharky60]

Mateo at Blue Angel.

 

[macado]

I'd prefer to do the class work/studying at home (if there is such a course that allows it) but the pool work is a pain to arrange/schedule/get to here and it's much cheaper in Mexico.

My suggestion would be to try to get all academics done prior to arriving in Cozumel. You will get a lot more out of them if you give yourself time to digest and absorb the information. The "easiest" option is probably PADI eLearning (other certification agencies have their own online academics but PADI is easier to find in Cozumel).

Most open water courses are designed so that you can complete the academics at your own pace. I would also highly suggest doing your pool sessions at home. I know scheduling can be a bit tough but it's more rewarding when you have already mastered the skills and are simply just doing your open water checkout dives however since you will be in Cozumel 2-3 weeks then you shouldn't have an issue doing pool work there as well. Just giving you the pros/cons..

Almost all dive operators will do private open water sessions. Typically you may be on a boat with other divers but you'll usually have a dedicated instructor with you doing your checkout dives. If you absolutely want a completely private course (i.e., charter your own boat or have complete 1-on-1 instruction) then it's best to let them know in advance

I would start but researching dive operators here and contacting a few by e-mail or phone.

 

[kelemvor]

I guess you know what they say about opinions...

I never want to take a class at a dive destination. Personally, I find any class puts stress on me. Stress to perform and impress your instructor. That's not limited to diving, that's just how I react to formal instruction. I don't think I would describe any of my scuba training so far as fun. Necessary, good, educational.. those words I'd use. The only exception was the lights out and obstacle course line drill we did in the pool part of NAUI OW. That was actually a lot of fun. That was around 2 out of 24 or so hours of class.

I'd much rather take a class in some dark local hole and then enjoy the hell out of diving in Cozumel on my own time.

I've always scratched my anatomy when I hear about referral type scuba courses. Obviously some people like it this way, but I don't "get" it.

 

[SOFDiver]

I won't comment on The Cozumel part of the Question. As an instructor I conduct "Private" OW classes all the time. To me "Private" is one or sometimes two students (couple, father/mother and child) and one instructor. I can see no way a OW course can be completed in three days, and a private course should include significant class room time, a few confined water sessions, the appropriate number check out/OW dives. IMO eLearning should never replace contact hours with your instructor, I only use it as back up/ home work. Find an instructor either at home or in Cozumel who will take the time to make you a safe, confident, and competent diver.

 

[cvchief]

... I can see no way a OW course can be completed in three days, ....

Ha. Back when we took OW the shop that was holding class near us was doing it on a Sat and Sun to get you to the 4 OW dives. They sent the book and you were expected to read and complete the exercises before showing up. I loved it and was ready to roll. The missus I think would have preferred a slower pace.

Recently, we cert-ed some nephews and nieces. Same shop NOW does it on a Saturday. Class and pool, BOOM, done. Then we took them to Coz for the 4 checkout dives.

I am not saying it is a good idea to do it that fast, I am just saying it is done!

 

[SOFDiver]

Glad that you are happy with your quickie course, hope you were provided and absorbed what you need to be safe, and competent. Doubt that nieces/nephews are as confident as you may be. Hope you all remain safe.