|
What questions do you have, I’ve been through the PADI IDC and am a PDIC course director. I will try to answer anything you ask.
|
|
|
Greg - 8/13/2008 11:19 PM 
I think PADI offers a quicker Open Water course than NAUI. I say that NAUI’s open water cert. is probablly equivelant to PADI’s advanced cert. (as far as time, dives and money required). So for an instructor...there may be more money in teaching for PADI (quicker turn around time for new open water divers). But NAUI gives students a lot more information in their basic classes.
|
|
|
I teach for both NAUI 46470 and PADI 196638 and others let me know what I can assist with.
Last weekend I had three small groups of students in the water, three different levels. One group NAUI the others PADI. What a challange but it was great! Finishing up the final group this coming weekend . . . maybe. The others are now certified divers that can go and enjoy the wonders of the aquatic world.
Which evere one I teach you can bet that my name does not go on the card until I am sure thay are ready.
HUgz!! and Best Fishes!! [
|
|
|
AirOn - 8/14/2008 2:08 PM
Please excuse me, but I’d like to offer this...
I’m not an instructor but... If your wanting to work as an instructor you have 2 aspects to consider.
NAUI, do you want to have a more in depth training, but less students and less brand recognition? Fewer places to hire you.
PADI (PAID) Do you want to have more students, less class room work and many more job options around the world?
I’m only a NAUI Open water, I was trying to get my Advanced training but the shop changed to PADI only. They ordered my materials for me for NAUI still... then went out of buisness (trying to reverse the charges now).
The nearest NAUI training is 3-4 cities away. About a 45 minute drive each way.
So while NAUI could be seen as more exclusive... its also a lot harder to find.
Do with that what you will...
|
|
|
I can only give you my experience as a PADI Instructor and I got mine when I was 50. PADI as I’m sure you know, is the most recognized organization internationally. That’s one reason why I went PADI. I would have considered NAUI but it’s not convenient here so I didn’t consider it as an option. Both organizations have a high emphasis on safety and education. When I go to the Caribbean, its PADI shops I see the most of. I’m happy with my choice and have my OWSI and my MSDT now. I would recommend that you talk to the course directors of both places where you’re thinking about taking your IDC and see if you have a good feeling after you leave. Trust your gut feeling and I’m sure you’ll end up making the right choice. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me.
|
|
|
Have you thought of SSI? We are an SSI Shop and the instructors here have all said the course ws great, thorough but tough as it gets. Very demanding. Good Luck.
|
|
|
|
Should have told you my husband is one of those instructors and he is 51.
|
|
|
I haven’t seen this point brought up yet,...the quality of instructor and their integrity is what counts. I was NAUI OW Certified and now PADI Through Divemaster, have dove with several SSI to PADI converts, and dove with an SSI shop...it has been the Staff/Instructors who matter, if they are more concerned about dollar signs they will certify anyone at any level to make a buck. The certifying agency doesn’t matter in those cases. If you find a shop you enjoy, they practice safe diving, and you want to dive with them, go with it. Good luck.
|
|
|
For me, quality instruction is first and foremost. If I can make a buck at it, great but not what is driving me. Any one who is after the buck before the the student should not be teaching!
|
|
|
Think also about where you would want to teach, at the tourist resorts, it’s all PADI (from Thailand to Red Sea to Caribbean). Elsewhere, it can make a difference where you go. And check what the organisations will accept from eachother, you may be able to get accredited with more than one org. without too much hassle. DalelynSims would probably know about this (?)
|
|
|
I am padi DM at a MX dive shop with inst. from assorted agency’s, Padi is the cert level most requested by clients, I have seen bad client relations with SSI during my training in Phx Az,
Diane
|
|
|
even if you get certified through an agency, you can always go for a cross cert. the instructor i work with is a padi instructor and is getting his ssi instructor. it really doesn’t matter what agency, more what instructor. recreational certs. are pretty close through all agencys i would think. if you care about what you do you can give a new diver the education and knowledge they need. if you are already with a shop i would stick with the agency they deal with, if not padi is more reconized than any other so that would be a great place to start. good luck and keep diving.
|
|
|
You may want to try SSI’s instructor rating. It is a tough course and the physical requirements are brutal if you are out of shape but doable. Also they emphasize the course work is tailored to the students needs and safety is paramount. They also sllow some leeway when it comes to going over the standard within reason. PADI and NAUI are very strict on being exactly on the standard and anything over the standard is a deviation as well. The students really learn easier with the SSI style and the SSI support is great for its instructors.
|
|