The "course" is something offered by the marine park here in cozumel, and as was discussed in detail, is along the lines of "training" in use of the specific tool that the park offers. The "certification" is a distinctive specialty created by an individual PADI Instructor and offered by that instructor only. If you don't want the certification don't seek out that individual instructor and ask her to teach you HER program. If you want to hunt lion fish in the marine park in cozumel, go to the marine park officials here in cozumel and ask them how to become one of their sanctioned killers. you're right; it ain't rocket surgery.