Recertification (it's been a while...)

[singgoddess152]

Hey! I was certified probably 5 or 6 years ago and logged all of the necessary hours, but at the time I was a minor. I know that I should have been recertified quite a while ago, but now I'm not sure if I need to go through all of the training again, since I'm fairly sure I've forgotten a few things. I'm going on vacation in January and was hoping to do some diving while there and could find a refresher course, but how do I know how long is too long to not be certified before needing full training again?
Also, how do I apply for recertification?

Thanks!
Singgoddess

 

[NudeDiver]

Why would you need to "re-certify" ?

My advice: take a refresher class. If you still feel uncomfortable or unsafe after that, take it again! Still a lot cheaper and more to the point than taking the OW class again.

 

[texdiveguy]

Get with Gary and do a Scuba Tune-Up/$95 according to his web site.

 

[ChimChim75]

Yah... I was in the same situation. Just find a reputable place and ask for a refresher. They'll team you up with an instructor, etc. Not much to it.

 

[spectrum]

Are you holding a junior card?

In either case a refresher is in order and in the process you can upgrade that card if it is a junior level. After 5-6 years repeating the full course should not be needed but you are wise to see the need for some professional help be fore going on a dive vacation.

Some shops will let you fast track through the water sessions with a regular class. This will give you lots of refresher activity and you may even find yourself mentoring a first time student.

Pete

 

[robint]

I agree that you might want to do the whole course again if you have a Jr cert card. Either do that or do a Refresher and also take the AOW course.

Ask at your LDS what types of Refresher courses they offer. Our local dive shop has 2 different Refreshers - one is only 2 hours of quick review then in water skills practice with instructor or DM, the other course is actually a full classroom and pool session with an OW class of 8 hours. They recommend the second one for anyone who has been out of diving for more than 2 years, plus it only costs $100 more than the quickie Refresher. For some people who were good divers before their break, the quick course may be fine. But for anyone who only did the cert course then hasn't been back in the water, the longer Refresher is much better for their confidence and skills practice.

robin

 

[sanderw]

Junior to regular doesn't normally involve any re certification.

At my LDS they would let you do a refresher. And if you want they will let you sit in on a whole OW course for free, just to brush up on the theory a bit. You won't need to do all the in-the-water skills that the open waters do, so normally an hour or two in the pool just to make sure you can still do everything. And of course you won't need to do the exam again.

Now South Africa may be a bit far, but I am sure the local shops there would offer something similar.

Good luck and enjoy your diving trip!
Sander

 

[singgoddess152]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! I'll search my local dive shop and find out some more information about the refresher courses...and yes, it was going from junior to regular that I was worried about, since I never actually upgraded.