PSAI and CMAS: costs, locations and instructors

[FlyingSquid]

I want to have a more thorough training than the somewhat massified, one-size-fits-all approach I came to believe PADI offers. I want to go to at least the equivalent of Divemaster level, but once there, possibly to instructor levels and beyond.


After some reading I believe PSAI and CMAS would be my best alternatives. Alas, I found it harder to find information about them. (PADI is very well organized this is for sure)


If more senior forum members familiarized with any of the two (or both) associations can give me some orientation, it will be appreciated.


Here's what I am looking for:


1- To go from my current OWD level to at least PADI Divemaster equivalent, probably Instructor, too, in intensive mode. Some people may prefer slow. I would fare better by stacking one course after the other and learning, thinking and doing scuba diving full-time until I reached my goal. I also like to be able to move fast when reasonable, that is, thorough is good, but if I learned and can move on to other subjects I like to have the freedom of choosing a faster pace.


2- I am willing to relocate in order to do that. Could be somewhere in Europe, Asia, Central America, Australia. Even better if not in the USA.


3- My budget is somewhat limited, and living expenses would be a concern, as well as the courses prices. Costs can be a deal-breaker, and lower monthly costs are better, insofar as it doesn't cut critical corners in quality and safety. (I am curious as to how both CMAS and PSAI compare to PADI's prices)


4- I have a special interest in cold waters and ice diving, so a specialization would be a plus. But can be done later somewhere else too, no problem.


Given the above, any recommendations on locations and instructors?
Inputs on how PSAI and CMAS compare (in course duration, prices, quality etc)?

Thank you.

 

[oly5050user]

Only experience I have had with agencies other than PADI is their instructors can be as good/as bad/better/worse than any PADI instructor..its not the agency-its the individual teaching a course..
As for the chance to be employed, the best choice again would be PADI as there are far more locations where PADI has recognition. As to costs involved; What good is it to go with an agency that may offer a low cost route to an instructor card if you cannot recoup your investment ?
So what I am writing here is that any agency you choose to teach thru is ok IF you can get a job in it.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

I would say PSAI is what you are looking for. I have read their course material and the books are written towards a more serious diver. Instead of cartoons and colorful information boxes with cheesy language that PADI manuals have, PSAI would have actual photographs. The text is also more in depth. You have not mentioned your location but I am taking a few courses from PSAI in Woodbridge VA and I am extremely pleased with the instruction. Trace Malin is the head of PSAI. If you pm him with your location he will be able to refer you to the closest PSAI office.

 

[FlyingSquid]

Captain Sinbad,

You had me at "doesn't have cheesy text and photos". I do get that making it fun appeals to the general public's taste, and find nothing wrong with approaching serious subjects with intelligent humor (not PADI's case), but I feel PADI's books's language is often annoying, silly and condescending.

Regarding your suggestion to contact Trace Malin, given the lack of answers to this post I was going to do just this, since I first heard of PSAI exactly because I read one of his posts.

Thank you.

---------- Post added January 30th, 2013 at 03:52 AM ----------

Captain Sinbad,

No, actually, it was because of your own post asking if PSAI was legit. So you were the one responsible for making me aware they existed, thank you.

 

[DCBC]

CMAS (the World Underwater Foundation) is made-up of a number of Branch Offices in various countries. They have a full range of training programs from basic (One Star * Diver through *** Instructor). They also offer technical diving instruction in various areas.

They are one of the largest certification agencies (although not a large one in North America). I was the CEO of CMAS Canada and am a *** Instructor and also teach Cave, CCR and Trimix. Their training programs are available on-line (CMAS International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual). I'm sure that you would have little trouble finding out contact information for the area you're interested in.

As far as PSAI is concerned, I'd contact Trace (as previously mentioned). I don't think you'll be disappointed for doing so. Good luck!

 

[Doppler]

I am in the middle of the process of crossing over my instructor and instructor trainer creds to PSAI (for some of the reasons cited above). You did not mention where you're situated (which makes me think you are a yank) so Trace would be a good contact point. However, the PSAI website has links to and contact information for regional offices around the world. Good luck.

 

[manni-yunk]

Another mention of Trace. I think he is TRACEMALIN on here. I know he was down in Florida running a cave class - but soon to be returning to the poconos. Here is his website with contact info:


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