What kind of certification to get?

[shakespear]

There are two places in my town to get certified. One offers PADI, the other offers NAUI.

What is the difference? I have read a good bit of negative things about PADI on the web and nothing about NAUI.

The two poeple I know that dive, recomend the dive shop that offers PADI.

 

[Damselfish]

You'll hear it again and again - it's the instructor that matters.

 

[tedwhiteva]

As you can read throughout the board, its the instructor that makes the difference, not the agency. Ask the "two people you know who dive" who their instructor was and what they thought of him/her. If its good, go to that shop BUT ask for that specific instructor.
'
Enjoy diving above all else.

 

[ChrisA]

There are two places in my town to get certified. One offers PADI, the other offers NAUI..

PADI is the larger organization. You will hear more (both good and bad) about Padi simply because more divers com in contact with it. The certifications are cross recognized. You can take NAUI OW and then PADI advanced or vice versa.

I would pick the shop/instructor that you like. Ask about class size and wherethey do the dives, if it is off a boat or the shore. Look at the dive clubs and how active or socail they are.

 

[Diver Dennis]

You'll hear it again and again - it's the instructor that matters.

Yup.

 

[mcm007]

PADI was my first choice, but i guess my instructor makes more money off a ssi card, so I got roped into it.

Honestly, I cant tell the difference. From what I can tell , it's easier to get an SSI card than a PADI card as the courses are more in depth. Lots of diff certs.

GOOD LUCK !

See ya in the water ! :dazzler1:

 

[scubapro50]

At this point in time there is not much difference between the two C cards. Look at the shops and the people who are offering it. Ask questions about the course and the time required to take it. Talk to them about general things like equipment, trips and prices. What brands do they carry and what kind of services do they provide. Ask what they think about the other c card. Be weary if they run it down too much or knock any one brand of equipment because they don't carry it.

 

[Heffey]

I think the NAUI OW card looks really nice. The PADI card looks too much like my visa.
But then again the PADI log book is really nice with all of those cute little wetsuit check boxes.

Oh my, what's a person to do.

 

[Spoon]

i agree its the instructor that counts.