Trying to understand PADI's Enriched Air - Nitrox certification costs

[JohnN]

I don't mind supporting the shop, and do it all the time, but doesn't mean I will pay $80 on a book (why create more waste? consume more? Plus PADI is the one making the big bucks), if I can buy used, or even get for free.

TDI offers the course on-line for about $120. I agree about 'owning' yet another paper book. Once you go over the basics, the refreshing your memory (if you're math challenged) of the details from free on-line sources is too easy

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I offer the TDI course two ways. Do it on line then come to me for the practical analyzing step. I charge 35 for that plus 15 for the card. My time, use of my analyzer, and I have to get a couple tanks of mix to analyze. Normally I dive air and I have my 100% deco bottle all the time. Or come an do the entire class with me, takes about three hours, for 145 and that includes everything including the books, tables, and card processing. That's for a private class. I have one next week in fact.

 

[divebrasil]

Hi All, thanks for the replies.

I called a very good LDS close to home and they charge $80 for course and $35 include all materials and c-card. I will be signing up for the next classes.

Thanks

 

[RJP]

some liveaboards include Nitrox for the rest of the week if you take the class on-board, so you might want to ask about that.

Some liveaboards don't charge for nitrox at all.

---------- Post added March 7th, 2015 at 11:44 AM ----------

I offer the TDI course two ways. Do it on line then come to me for the practical analyzing step. I charge 35 for that plus 15 for the card. My time, use of my analyzer, and I have to get a couple tanks of mix to analyze. Normally I dive air and I have my 100% deco bottle all the time. Or come an do the entire class with me, takes about three hours, for 145 and that includes everything including the books, tables, and card processing. That's for a private class. I have one next week in fact.

I'm guessing the time and cost associated with the OP traveling from California to Pennsylvania - and back - would negate any cost savings.

:d

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Hey I had a guy come from Delaware to take my DRAM rescue class. Three nights in a hotel, plus gas, plus food. He thought it was worth it. I teach a helluva nitrox class.

 

[NAM001]

To be honest and rational about the costs. Its really a moot item. Its a one time expence. Fo what may be too much for the class is a cookie for the shop. Toss them the cookie and then shop for the best gas prices. If you get a few tanks of gas in the deal, then great.

 

[redacted]

To be honest and rational about the costs. Its really a moot item. Its a one time expence. Fo what may be too much for the class is a cookie for the shop. Toss them the cookie and then shop for the best gas prices. If you get a few tanks of gas in the deal, then great.

While I can see some well reasoned exceptions, I generally do not opt to pay a higher price for an identical product value than I need to.

In the case of basic nitrox training, I would probably be happy with a good used book and a quality counterfeit C-card. I think I paid $15 for my EAN C-card.

 

[Scared Silly]

No - you can't borrow or "download" a copy - you must have your own set of current materials in order to be certified.

I am going to call BS on part of this statement. One needs current materials - nothing more, nothing less. If you can borrow needed books go for it, there is nothing wrong with it.

 

[WildcatChris]

Except maybe copyright infringement....at least where it comes to downloading .pdf copies. I also think using a used book is out of the question because each person is supposed to fill out their own knowledge reviews. I'm just going out on a limb here, but I assume that allowing a student to use secondhand materials would be a PADI (and probably other agencies) standards violation, which can get instructors into trouble.

The price is a little high, especially for what you get with the PADI EANx book, but it's the way the system works. Shops make money charging for courses and agencies make money from charging for materials, certification cards, instructor dues, etc.

 

[RJP]

I'm just going out on a limb here, but I assume that allowing a student to use secondhand materials would be a PADI (and probably other agencies) standards violation, which can get instructors into trouble.

I'm at the airport without my IM, and while it does specify that a student must have all required student materials (which would include KR's and no doubt they mean current) I'm quite sure there is no specification as to condition or source of materials.