Are PADI Specialties worth it?!?!

[Kian]

Hi All! I am newly certified and am very excited about learning and diving. For most of the PADI specialties I think that it is more of a sales pitch than really something to consider. Something like deep diving, nitrox, cave, altitude..etc make sense that extra training is needed. There are dangers that an unprepared diver will face and I don't mind spending my money to learn these skills when the time comes. But diving from a boat, Peak Performance Buoyancy, navigation..etc seem more like PADI or instructors wanting to charge you for something you can just learn in a book or with other experienced divers.

Should I pay and take these specialties or am i just as ok without them?

I have my OW, Nitrox and am currently taking my Advanced OW (Deep, Nav, Night, Peak Perf. buoyancy, and Boat).

 

[616fun]

It's all about the instructor but for the most part specialities are exactly what you think.

Finish your AOW and look into Rescue.

 

[knfmn]

Kian,

In most of the scuba classes that are out there, not just the PADI ones, you will find that the instructor makes the difference. Peak performance buoyancy can go a long way toward nailing down your buoyancy if you have a decent instructor. If the instructor sucks, then you will have bought a card and not gained anything. I would check into the instructors background before taking any classes with them. It's an interview process. Too often in diving, it seems that we get awed by the experience that the instructors have and never realize that there are some experienced people who can't teach to save their lives. Talk to the instructor and find out what their background is, how many times they taught the class and what they expect of you. Then it is your turn. YOU get to tell them what you expect out of the class and what you need from them. It's a two-way street. Best of luck.

Kristopher

 

[boulderjohn]

Some are. Some aren't.

It all really depends upon the instructor. A good instructor will make any class a worthwhile experience. The opposite is also true.

 

[Kian]

Thanks guys for the replies. I'll wait until I complete my advanced class to decide what the next step is. Are there any operators abroad that require any for diving on their boat? I'm going to Costa Rica in Spring and Hawaii in Summer. I don't want to be limited in any way and everything I am doing now is to better my skills so when traveling I can make the most of my dives.

 

[616fun]

AOW will get you on most boats. They may require you dive with a guide (Divemaster) if your experience isn't what they like to see. Usually that's a single dive to make them comfortable with you and then you're free to dive without professional supervision.

 

[pasley]

...But diving from a boat, Peak Performance Buoyancy, navigation..etc seem more like PADI or instructors wanting to charge you for something you can just learn in a book or with other experienced divers.

Peak Performance Buoyncy? BOW requires you to demonstrate buoyancy control so what is left to teach? Did you not get sufficent pool time to master this skill (no, probably not.) Navigation is important, deep diving is too. IMHO You should NOT take any additional courses until you have mastered BOW skills. Just dive and practice what you have for say 20 hours under water. Not good to add additional skills and depth and night diving when you still have not got the basics down pat.

 

[LaMissJude]

Thanks guys for the replies. I'll wait until I complete my advanced class to decide what the next step is. Are there any operators abroad that require any for diving on their boat? I'm going to Costa Rica in Spring and Hawaii in Summer. I don't want to be limited in any way and everything I am doing now is to better my skills so when traveling I can make the most of my dives.

Then you have your next step dive, dive, dive and dive again!

I understand that you're an OW diver, nitrox certified, soon AOW... that should be enough for allowing you to dive almost everywhere. Of course, depending of you level of comfort. And a certain level of comfort, as well as a good buoyancy, a good air consuption etc... will come after a certain amount of dives.

In my experience, rushing to do a lot of courses without taking the time to dive in between and fully be comfortable with what was learned during these courses, never lead to proper level of training...

Be safe and enjoy your dives!

 

[eelnoraa]

If you want to really improve your diving skill, take a look at GUE primer or UTD essential of rec. Not certification course, but if you are committed and getting a card isn't your first priority, you will learn a lot. The instructors will make you work for it. Their standard is high. I would suggest you take one of these classes instead of AOW

 

[Centrals]

I have done 5 PADI speciality courses and found both Nitrox and multi-level to be the most practical and useful. However, the multi-level is probably no longer available and the nitrox course can be completed without getting wet now.
I would save the money and spend on diving trip.