The old can of worms ...

[Surf & Sky]

This is yet another NAUI vs PADI vs SSI vs everyone else question, but with a twist.

Has anyone every had their NAUI certification refused by a tour or charter group? Of course, this is assuming that the dive in question was within the prudent limits of that certification.

By the way, this newbie actually did bother to look through the old posts (there are 9911 in this forum, well, 9912 now that I'm posting). There seems to be a lot of discussion about which organization is better, but I am not so interested in that. All I want to know is if my NAUI certification will be "accepted worldwide" per NAUI claims.

Other than certain troubles with CMAS not accepting PADI divemasters, I haven't read anything. Hopefully that means it doesn't happen

By the way, I chose NAUI because they seem very prevalent here in the panhandle of Florida, the school my friends recommended prefers to teach NAUI to newbies, and because they offer skindiving instruction for basic OW. If I move to an area without a good NAUI school, does PADI recognize NAUI certs for continuing instruction, or do they try to make you start over?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bubble Junky]

I chose NAUI because they offer skindiving instruction for basic OW.

Skindiving is part of the PADI OW cert too.

 

[Walter]

NAUI is one of the bigger players and even the small guys are accepted worldwide.

Skindiving is part of the PADI OW cert too.

The skin diving in PADI's OW class is so minimal as to be, for all practical purposes, non-existent. Your statement is misleading. While some instructors may include it, it's not part of the PADI program.

 

[Bubble Junky]

The skin diving in PADI's OW class is so minimal as to be, for all practical purposes, non-existent. Your statement is misleading. While some instructors may include it, it's not part of the PADI program.

I agree it is not exactly extensive, but it is a course standard and a part of the programme.

 

[Walter]

And it in no way compares with what is included in a NAUI OW class.

 

[divingbuddy]

I took my OW through NAUI - the town I lived in had only 3 shops - 2 NAUI and 1 PADI (My girlfriend had trained through the shop I picked). I have traveled extensively and have never had my NAUI card refused or questioned.

I am currently a PADI instructor, who does teach skin diving skills as part of the OW course (and have the students practice these skills). Having been a DM with NAUI and an instructor with PADI, I see little difference in how these agencies deal with skin diving...perhaps it is just a matter of different instructors.

As for PADI recognizing courses taken through NAUI...they did with me. Cheers!

 

[Walter]

Having been a DM with NAUI and an instructor with PADI, I see little difference in how these agencies deal with skin diving...perhaps it is just a matter of different instructors.

No. It is a matter of published standards. I'm glad you go the extra mile with your students even though you are not so required. Good for you!

 

[countryboy]

I believe the skin dive portion of the PADI OW class is optional. I haven't checked the standards lately, but it was an optional component last year.

So you could take a PADI OW class and not perform any skin diving what so ever.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

This is yet another NAUI vs PADI vs SSI vs everyone else question, but with a twist.

Has anyone every had their NAUI certification refused by a tour or charter group? Of course, this is assuming that the dive in question was within the prudent limits of that certification.

Only once ... by some podunk shop in Maui who said they only accepted PADI cards.

We laughed all the way across the street, where we booked our charter with his competitor ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Surf & Sky]

Only once ... by some podunk shop in Maui who said they only accepted PADI cards.

I have traveled extensively and have never had my NAUI card refused or questioned.

Thanks, this is really the type of info I was looking for. Anyone else with any stories about being turned away?

The debate aboute the differences between PADI and NAUI seems ... extensive.