PSAI vs NSS-CDS vs IANTD

[victorzamora]

Hey guys,

I've signed up for a course in Cavern and Intro Cave through Cave Adventurers in Marianna. I was told I could be issued a card through one of many organizations. I was told that PSAI has the highest/strictest standards and the course will be based around it. I was also told that due to PSAI being the strictest, I kinda have a choice as far as agencies on my card.

Does it matter which agency I get a card through? What are the benefits of each? The only choices I remember are PSAI, NSSCDS, and IANTD.

Thanks in advance.

 

[daniel f aleman]

Of the three agencies you mention (and you can only choose one c-card), get certified through the NSS-CDS. But no matter which agency you are certified through, be sure to join the NSS-CDS-- other posters on this board can tell you why.

 

[Akroedge540]

Who's your instructor for cavern/intro?

 

[victorzamora]

Michal Turek, but I didn't want to call him out directly

 

[Akroedge540]

You have a PM! On Another forum. He was my instructor as well

 

[victorzamora]

Responded. I saw your review of him in another thread. I'm glad to hear positive reviews about him. I haven't seen/read/heard anything negative, I simply haven't found much at all. Which cert agency did you get your card through?

 

[TSandM]

I really don't think it matters what agency you get your card through. The only real use of a card is to get access to places you want to dive, and everyplace I've needed to show a card has been happy with any card I showed them.

 

[rigdiver]

NSS-CDS probably carries the most weight. Not saying anything negative about the other 2. You've got a choice. I'd ask for another card to go along with the one you choose first. Carry one and put the other in a place of safe-keeping. Hal Watts/PSAI have been around a long time as have Tom Mount/IANTD. All good cards. Never heard of any of the above not being accepted.

 

[Superlyte27]

I'd say nsscds is easily the most respected, but iantd is accepted throughout the world too. If you cant decide, get all three.

 

[victorzamora]

One reason I was asking is that I'm under the impression that NSS-CDS Intro cards expire after 18 months but the PSAI certs don't expire. I know I'll be diving in caves with some frequency, but I don't know if I'll have the time or money to continue my education (graduating college in May, getting married in September). I had never really heard of PSAI before a few months ago. I have heard very little about IANTD. other than that they're respected. I know that the course is the same to me, so is the knowledge.....but the specifics of the cert vary.

I'll see if I can get all three, but if I can only get one....are there any reasons to go PSAI or IANTD over NSSCDS?