PADI Patches - Where do you get them and how do you wear them?

[Phestr]

I have five specialties and AOW under my belt, and I just bought the Rescue Crewpack. Inside was an embroidered patch. It is very cool, but when I asked the guy at the counter if there were any others, or where I could get them, I just got a blank look. So, where does one get these? Do they come from PADI? If you display them, on what? Jackets, divelogs, dive bags?

[ScubaTexan]

Have you tried PADI.com?

[gcbryan]

If anyone from NJ reads this I'm sure you will get some help:)

[Melicertes]

I have found in my experience that those who do not advertise their achievements are usually the guys/gals you really might want to get to know. They are normally the ones sitting at the back of the group keeping a low profile and who more often than not know far more than they let on. Those who wear the badge jackets are the ones who would like to appear qualified and experienced but does not yet have the goods to back up the claims. Of course there are exceptions and I am really generalizing here, but a badge really does not impress me much at all; [-]good[/-] [edit: well honed], safe diving skills, however, do. Show me those and you've got yourself a buddy :D

[alcina]

I've seen a couple recently come through put on those black zippered dive logs. Fun, but they take up a lot of space as these divers also had some patches from a few places they had been diving - like the old steamer trunks with all the stickers. Not sure how many you could get but I know they had at least four of the PADI ones and three or four different size/shapes from their diving. Not sure if they are iron on or if you have to sew them.

The PADI ones should be able to be had through any PADI dive centre, though they may have to order them in for you. I know we don't keep them in stock.

[almitywife]

ebay is your friend

http://search.stores.ebay.com/padi-patch_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40QQsbrexpZWD1SQQsifZ 1QQsofpZ4QQssPageNameZWD1S


i think i got some with my early padi packs and i think i gave them to the kids

cheers

[grazie42]

I have a bunch, not just from PADI, you tend to get them with the course-material. Iīve never really found a place for them so they are in my bag with "certs I donīt need to carry around"...

I toyed with the idea of putting them on my dive bag but I donīt want to advertise that thereīs divegear inside when travelling and I havent found one (a gear bag that is) that is durable enough to make it worthwhile to spend the time sowing...

[fisherdvm]

From what I heard, the rescue patch worn in a proud manner can help you pick up girls. I bought 6 of them for all of my jackets, but so far, no hit yet. Of course, it might be that I drive a minivan and my wife is with me half of the time....

I will give you a report once I upgrade my vehicle, and hang out at bars instead of the grocery store.

[Buoyant1]

From what I heard, the rescue patch worn in a proud manner can help you pick up girls. I bought 6 of them for all of my jackets, but so far, no hit yet. Of course, it might be that I drive a minivan and my wife is with me half of the time....

I will give you a report once I upgrade my vehicle, and hang out at bars instead of the grocery store.


Although...the frozen food section is a pretty hopping place!:eyebrow:

[The Kraken]

From what I heard, the rescue patch worn in a proud manner can help you pick up girls. I bought 6 of them for all of my jackets, but so far, no hit yet. Of course, it might be that I drive a minivan and my wife is with me half of the time....

I will give you a report once I upgrade my vehicle, and hang out at bars instead of the grocery store.


:rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3:
Aaaawwwwwwww geeeeeezzzzzzzzzz ! ! ! ! FISHERDVM . . . .

At least you could give us a heads up next time . . . there went the coffee ! ! !

the K-racked Up ! ! !

[Tanked2.0]

If anyone from NJ reads this I'm sure you will get some help:)
Ummm..... no

[scvdiver]

Here's a link to some patches ;)

http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/default.aspx?ctgy=PRODUCTS&C2=UNIFORMS&C3=SEMBLEMS&C4=&LV=3

This is one my favorite :popcorn:

http://209.246.150.220/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?ctlg=05NDC&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=CCORNER&C3=EMBLEMS&C4=&LV=3&item=08780

[rigdiver]

Get some coveralls and sew patches aLL over it. You will be stared at, not respected. I think they are called "ego jackets."

[Meng_Tze]

I have five specialties and AOW under my belt, and I just bought the Rescue Crewpack. Inside was an embroidered patch. It is very cool, but when I asked the guy at the counter if there were any others, or where I could get them, I just got a blank look. So, where does one get these? Do they come from PADI? If you display them, on what? Jackets, divelogs, dive bags?
If I recall correctly,

the main certifications go on the right (chest/arm) and the specialties go on the left (chest/arm). You should get one of those 'surface interval' jackets (fleece inside, and water resistant outside) and sew them on. If you get a long jacket (knee height), you can put pretty much everything on there the industry has to offer.

I do not have any specialties, so when you have this all done, can you post a picture?

[candudave]

"Badges! We have no badges. In fact, we don't need badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges"

[Gilless]

Get some coveralls and sew patches aLL over it. You will be stared at, not respected. I think they are called "ego jackets."

Yep everyone says that those who wear badges are usually horrible divers - wow what a statement, sounds like jokes about blonds. I'm still waiting to see a diver wear one. So far I have only seen divers without badges. Of those some were loud, some were quiet and the percentage of poor divers seems even across the board.

-s

[Walter]

If patches are so evil and since you are a course director and have substantial input - I would like to know if you are lobbying PADI to do away with these dreaded badges of horror?

You didn't look closely enough.

Certification Agencies: NAUI YMCA IANTD

Personally, I like for folks who are impressed by patches to wear them proudly where they are easy to see.

[TheRedHead]

Personally, I like for folks who are impressed by patches to wear them proudly where they are easy to see.

Right. ;)

[Gilless]

You didn't look closely enough.

Certification Agencies: NAUI YMCA IANTD

Personally, I like for folks who are impressed by patches to wear them proudly where they are easy to see.

Excellent catch Walter - yep I missed it (drat :D ) I will edit that post

Cheers

-s

[Walter]

Excellent catch Walter

Well, it was easy for me, I've been on two trips with him.

[Phestr]

Wow, I guess I started the equivalent of a "Yo Mama" round of jokes. So, what are you guys trying to say?
Seriously, I get it that the guy who yells the loudest doesn't always know the most. But...I'm in the military, and I collect....you guessed it, patches. Also, I figured if you did put Rescue, or Dive Master, or Instructor somewhere visible, it might give newbies a little more reassurance. But I guess not. Well, thanx for the responses.

[ekewaka]

You acn get them here:
http://www.sandiasnorkel.com/e-store/est-aa00.php

They have every PADI product you could possibly want.

I can't tell you how to display them. Mine usually go on ebay or in the trash. Put them wherever you want.

[GA Under Water]

In the past I think we have come to the conclusion that some patches are accepted and some are not.

Military - Accepted
Professional (non diving e.g. PD or FD) - accepted
Locations - accepted
Hell's Angels - Accepted
PADI - Not accepted

:)

[TheRedHead]

Wow, I guess I started the equivalent of a "Yo Mama" round of jokes. So, what are you guys trying to say?
Seriously, I get it that the guy who yells the loudest doesn't always know the most. But...I'm in the military, and I collect....you guessed it, patches. Also, I figured if you did put Rescue, or Dive Master, or Instructor somewhere visible, it might give newbies a little more reassurance. But I guess not. Well, thanx for the responses.

It's not quite the same. Anyone, no matter how horrible a diver they are, will pass any recreational PADI course and get their patches, except at the pro and technical levels. Sometimes I wear my TDI cap, but I really want one like Babyduck's which says "Stroke." :lol:

[J.R.]

Hey Phestr...

Ignore these clowns... wearing or NOT wearing patchs can be an 'ego statement'... or it can just be what ya' do. Personally, I'm lookin' forward to putting the 'Rescue Diver' patch on my jacket right next the DAN "I took a bunch o'courses" patch...

Do what makes ya' happy... don't give in to the 'fashion critics' out there... If ya' do the next thing ya' know they'll have ya' worring about what color snorkel ya' wear and whether it's cooler to wear 'ninja black' or some custom "60's psychodelic" thing...

Plan yer' own dives...

Rock on...

[Joe-Diver]

I have patches sewn on my dive bag....I've had it for 10+ years and it's well worn but holding up...I paid extra at the time for a really good one and it sure has been worth the extra $$.

I have my OW, AOW and Rescue patches sewn on along with some specialty chevrons. I'll sew on MSD and Divemaster once I earn DM and receive the MSD patch. I also have a patch from the Dolphin Research Center sewn on the pocket, and I have 4 DAN patches for the DEMP class I took that will go on the pocket as well. I have a DAN DEMP patch, the one with all 4 on one patch, and a DES patch on the way. These will go on my DAN pullover fleece.

I like my patches. I like them and wear them. I don't care what anyone else thinks or "approves" of. I wear what I like to wear. If someone else doesn't like it or approve of it, I really don't care.

[muddiver]

Have you tried PADI.com?

PADI does not sell them direct. You have to get them from your instructor. The guy at the counter gave you the blank stare because he is probably not an instructor and does not use the PADI pro web page.

[vegas911diver]

Wow, I guess I started the equivalent of a "Yo Mama" round of jokes. So, what are you guys trying to say?
Seriously, I get it that the guy who yells the loudest doesn't always know the most. But...I'm in the military, and I collect....you guessed it, patches. Also, I figured if you did put Rescue, or Dive Master, or Instructor somewhere visible, it might give newbies a little more reassurance. But I guess not. Well, thanx for the responses.

If you have a patch and you want to wear it, I say go for it. Wear it on your boat coat wetsuit or wherever. As you learned in basic training, everything you where on your uniform tells a story. Same with the PADI Patches. Just Because you earn it, does not prove competence. It is a rite to continuing your education, and I applaud you for your efforts.

[markr]

I want to get a patch for my wet suit that says "Paying Customer". Actually this patch would be appropriate to wear at a lot of bussinesses.

[vegas911diver]

It's not quite the same. Anyone, no matter how horrible a diver they are, will pass any recreational PADI course and get their patches,
That may be the case wherever you are. In the end, it is my name on the card. If I feel like that person is not up to "Standards" I will not issue a certifiation until remedial training has been conducted and I am sure, they can and will be safe.

[Sideband]

Hey Phestr...
Do what makes ya' happy... don't give in to the 'fashion critics' out there... If ya' do the next thing ya' know they'll have ya' worring about what color snorkel ya' wear and whether it's cooler to wear 'ninja black' or some custom "60's psychodelic" thing...

Rock on...
Snorkel? Nobody cares what color your snorkel is because only lame-o's wear them.;)

[muddiver]

I love how all the "self rightous" hop on simple threads like this and spout why their way is the best way, and to act, or appear in any other manner is "oh so un-SCUBA-cool".

Like the OP I am aslo ex-military and I do have a boat coat with all the trimmings because I took the time to get the extra training. And no I don't walk around the boat/dive site telling everyone how ultra-SCUBA-coll I am (unlike Sideband and Melicertes "edit").

So chew on that for a while.

[J.R.]

Snorkel? Nobody cares what color your snorkel is because only lame-o's wear them.;)

Dude... based on your icon I bet ya' wear an INVISIBLE one... just won't fess up... :rofl3: :rofl3:

[Kingpatzer]

One of my instructors has a patch for damn near everything sewn on a fleece pull-over he wears when doing his instructor thing. I've not seen him wear it when he's just out diving.

It's just something he uses as his "work clothes."

I don't think that he feels they should be impressive. But he does appreciate that they provide a small psychological reminder to some students that this guy might have something important to say . . .

[TheRedHead]

That may be the case wherever you are. In the end, it is my name on the card. If I feel like that person is not up to "Standards" I will not issue a certifiation until remedial training has been conducted and I am sure, they can and will be safe.

You can meet PADI standards and be a horrible diver. You can be a horrible diver PADI instructor. That's just the truth. I know some instructors who just don't dive anywhere challenging. Point is that patches just don't mean much and truthfully - and I am not trying to be arrogant or mean - you might get some snickers on the dive boat.

[split0101]

One of my friends puts his patches in a large picture frame that he has on his wall. I thought it was a neat idea. I agree with the other posters here, wear what you like and dont pay attention to the peanut gallery.

Ohh and if you put your patch on your dive gear, you are going to die because of a possible entanglement hazard :)

[Joe-Diver]

... you might get some snickers on the dive boat.

Not from the people I dive with and hang out with. We are a non-judgemental bunch who love to dive and have fun. Folks that judge, criticize, humiliate other divers do not last long around us. They are not invited back. Nobody cares what you're wearing or not wearing, unless it is of course unsafe or a potential problem. All are welcome to dive and hang with me...patches or not. Start telling us that your way is the only way and making fun of those who don't meet your standards...and you're history.

[JeffG]

Not from the people I dive with and hang out with. We are a non-judgemental bunch who love to dive and have fun. Folks that judge, criticize, humiliate other divers do not last long around us. They are not invited back. Nobody cares what you're wearing or not wearing, unless it is of course unsafe or a potential problem. All are welcome to dive and hang with me...patches or not. Start telling us that your way is the only way and making fun of those who don't meet your standards...and you're history.
Do you wear patches?

[TheRedHead]

Not from the people I dive with and hang out with. We are a non-judgemental bunch who love to dive and have fun. Folks that judge, criticize, humiliate other divers do not last long around us. They are not invited back. Nobody cares what you're wearing or not wearing, unless it is of course unsafe or a potential problem. All are welcome to dive and hang with me...patches or not. Start telling us that your way is the only way and making fun of those who don't meet your standards...and you're history.

I don't recall typing a word about "my way." If you go to say, Cozumel, and dive with a bunch of experienced divers you would probably get snickers and the DM would watch you closely. That's ALL I'm saying. I'm not "making fun" of anyone.

[Joe-Diver]

Do you wear patches?

See post above...on my dive bag and will be on my DAN fleece pullover.

[Joe-Diver]

I don't recall typing a word about "my way." If you go to say, Cozumel, and dive with a bunch of experienced divers you would probably get snickers and the DM would watch you closely. That's ALL I'm saying. I'm not "making fun" of anyone.

That has not been my experience in Cozumel or anywhere. In 24 years of diving I have never once encountered that....quite the opposite actually. I've had many diver approach me and ask me about continuing education and for diving advice in general. The DM's pay little attention to me and focus on the newer, less experienced divers.

[JeffG]

See post above...on my dive bag and will be on my DAN fleece pullover.
Ahhhh, yes.

Master Scuba diver, Experienced Diver. <200 dives in 24 yrs.

Yea...I might chuckle.

[Joe-Diver]

Ahhhh, yes.

Master Scuba diver, Experienced Diver. <200 dives in ten yrs.

Yea...I might chuckle.

Only because I'm honest about dives I've actually logged....I sure wish I'd logged them all....I'm one of those that log some, but have not logged the great majority. Sure, I could increase my "logged dives" to the amount I think I've done over the years, but that's not what it is...

[TheRedHead]

That has not been my experience in Cozumel or anywhere. In 24 years of diving I have never once encountered that....quite the opposite actually. I've had many diver approach me and ask me about continuing education and for diving advice in general. The DM's pay little attention to me and focus on the newer, less experienced divers.

Who do you dive with there? I have never had a discussion with any fellow diver in Coz about "continuing education" except maybe a couple of questions about diving Nitrox. It's mostly..."did you see?" best margaritas, places to eat. Maybe patches are some sort of ice breaker for you?

[2ndjetty]

From what I heard, the rescue patch worn in a proud manner can help you pick up girls. I bought 6 of them for all of my jackets, but so far, no hit yet. Of course, it might be that I drive a minivan and my wife is with me half of the time....

I will give you a report once I upgrade my vehicle, and hang out at bars instead of the grocery store.


hahaha. I was going to patch bash, but might need to pick up one of those rescue ones - I'll put it on the old Lifeguard shirt :D

[drbill]

I find that the relationship between the number of certification/specialty patches of any agency displayed by a diver and the diving skill of that diver are usually inversely related. For example, I wear absolutely no patches (not even scopalomine) and look at me. Hmm, maybe I am an exception to this rule! Of course I dive solo so no one can really find that out.

[tedtim]

Snorkel? Nobody cares what color your snorkel is because only lame-o's wear them.;)Interesting. I don't "wear one" anymore, but do carry the fold up variety in my pocket. It sure came in useful on the weekend when a diver from the other group in our boat ended up coming up well away from the boat. The diver missed the guide rope at the dive site and the current took its toll. The diver pulled the MOF routine and was waving arms. So off I went from the boat using a snorkel while the boat had to wait for the rest of the divers who had just surfaced.

In the end it turned out that the arm waving was a bit of bad swimming stroke.

BTW, it is not just PADI that issues patches. I recently took a DAN DEMP course and submitted the paper work for the card. They sent me a card, a PATCH, a t-shirt, and a ball cap.

[JeffG]

Hmm, maybe I am an exception to this rule!
I don't think so.

Why does someone wear a patch? Because they will to show other people their accomplishments.

Why do they want to show their accomplishments? Because they want respect.

But when you know that the patches (ie PADI specialties) are easy peasy to get, whats the "worth" of the patches? Not much. But you could look good to someone who doesn't know any better.

[LetterBoy]

I once got a bunch of patches, that was when I was in boy scouts though. . . I wore em on a cute little sash maybe you guys could do that with them . . . :popcorn:

[daniel f aleman]

Uh, military types love patches. In the military patches mean something, and you can tell the entire history of a soldier/marine/sailor by what's on his/her uniform. And, there are some people who are given slack for many things in life, I choose to allow ex-military divers their patches without comment.

[vegas911diver]

You can meet PADI standards and be a horrible diver. You can be a horrible diver PADI instructor. That's just the truth. I know some instructors who just don't dive anywhere challenging. Point is that patches just don't mean much and truthfully - and I am not trying to be arrogant or mean - you might get some snickers on the dive boat.

Since when has taking a course make you an expert. No matter if it is an open water course, a specialty course or a profesisonal level course, once you have the card in hand, it does not make you the greatest diver at that level. Even as an Instructor, I enjoy watching other instructors, because I am always learning. I coordinate my classes so when my open water students arrive, they see a rescue diver class ending and it inspires them to want to continue to learn. Or if I am on a dive boat and I see someone using a Digital SLR Camera, or Twin Tanks, or an Argon tank, It sparks my interests, and strikes up a conversation. Likewise, when someone is in the galley of the dive vessel with there boat coat on, and a new diver sees that he has a specialty in Search and Recovery, that diver may be inspired to ask questions about the course, and at a later date, take the course him or herself, which in the end means, a better diver, because he is diving more and gaining experience.

As for diving anywhere challenging, I am limited to the dive sites I can dive, where I live. Which re-inforces what I said above. Just because I am an Instructor, does not mean I am superior to those around me. Of all the logged dives I have, less than 20 of them are in the ocean. I look towards those who have experience in the local diving environment. Infact, the PADI Discover Local Diving program is a great orientation to wherever it is I am diving. As far as teaching goes, I WILL teach my students in an enviornment that will allow them to focus on the tasks they are required to perform. Again, it is preparing them, and giving them the tools they need, to dive safely. Once they have learned and mastered the basics, they will be better prepared to take on more challenging sites.

If an open water diver comes to me, with his patch on his gear bag and says that he needs a buddy, I will dive with that person, because he enjoys diving and will be ready to gain experience. I will stay away from the egos and the arrogant ones, regardless of whatever rating they may hold.

[Joe-Diver]

Ahh...I'm ex-Army...maybe that explains my affinity for patches....before the Army I never wore them or had them....didn't even think about it really.

Who do you dive with there?

Whoever has a dock outside the hotel....so it depends where I stay.

[TheRedHead]

I find that the relationship between the number of certification/specialty patches of any agency displayed by a diver and the diving skill of that diver are usually inversely related. For example, I wear absolutely no patches (not even scopalomine) and look at me. Hmm, maybe I am an exception to this rule! Of course I dive solo so no one can really find that out.

The scopalomine patch is one I do wear. No one would want to dive with me otherwise. ;)

[Joe-Diver]

How does that work for you? Does it wash off? I'm prone to seasickness and use Triptone or Dramamine (same thing)...works like a champ but makes me drowsey about an hour after taking it...this only lasts about 30 mins though and once it passes I'm fine.

[LetterBoy]

ERR I am military, I def don't collect patches. . . Maybe thats because I am SSI though. . . SSI doesn't give patches away. . .

[daniel f aleman]

ERR I am military, I def don't collect patches. . .

Really?

Nice pin/patch there for your avatar.

[TheRedHead]

How does that work for you? Does it wash off? I'm prone to seasickness and use Triptone or Dramamine (same thing)...works like a champ but makes me drowsey about an hour after taking it...this only lasts about 30 mins though and once it passes I'm fine.

Very effective for me. It last for about 48 hours and then your replace it. I've never had any side effects and have never had one wash off. The OTC pills do not work as well for me.

[TheRedHead]

ERR I am military, I def don't collect patches. . . Maybe thats because I am SSI though. . . SSI doesn't give patches away. . .

No, you have to pay extra for them. :D

[LetterBoy]

Nice pin/patch there for your avatar.

Thats my old Battalion coin. . .

BTW An old E-7 once told me something that has stuck with me, Just because a troop has an S.F., Ranger and Airborne tab and a rack of badges above his left breast pocket that doesn't make him a good troop.

[LetterBoy]

That has not been my experience in Cozumel or anywhere. In 24 years of diving I have never once encountered that....quite the opposite actually. I've had many diver approach me and ask me about continuing education and for diving advice in general. The DM's pay little attention to me and focus on the newer, less experienced divers.

When I was DMing I would do the oppisite, just because someone has the patches doesn't mean they learn anything

Patches
And
Decals
Included

[GA Under Water]

Really?

Nice pin/patch there for your avatar.

Do Unit Coins count as "Patches/Pins?

When I was younger my Church gave me a "humble button" It said "I'm Humble" but then they took it away because I wore it. :11::D

[LetterBoy]

No, you have to pay extra for them. :D

LOL i wasn't necessarily refering to the patch as being given away :rofl3:

[LetterBoy]

Do Unit Coins count as "Patches/Pins?

When I was younger my Church gave me a "humble button" It said "I'm Humble" but then they took it away because I wore it. :11::D


What a bunch of meany heads:D

And a unit coin doesn't because they can get you free beer :D :D :D

[daniel f aleman]

Thats my old Battalion coin. . .

BTW An old E-7 once told me something that has stuck with me, Just because a troop has an S.F., Ranger and Airborne tab and a rack of badges above his left breast pocket that doesn't make him a good troop.

Uh huh. How about one of these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Infantryman_Badge

[LetterBoy]

Uh huh. How about one of these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Infantryman_Badge

AHH The CIB. . . The requirements for alot of the awards is pretty basic. . .

I was more refering to air assault badges etc

[daniel f aleman]

I don't disagree with your E-7, I know what he meant by that comment. But shouder patches and badges mean something - military, police, medical, sports, etc.

I simply wear my Divemaster patch on my cap and a Rescue tab on my jacket for identification when teaching.

[J.R.]

So... ummm... to those of you who don't wear 'patchs'... how many of you have a collection of t-shirts from dive destinations, "dive t-shirts" in general, shoes with swooshes on em', etc., etc... (hummm... maybe a t-shirt of your favorite wet-suit manuf... ??? ... maybe one that has a nice agressive message on it to advertize how 'bad' ya' are????)

... I contend we ALL wear patches... its just a question of what patch/statement you choose to make... as we used to say in the 60's... "... even non-conformity is conforming..."

[TheRedHead]

So... ummm... to those of you who don't wear 'patchs'... how many of you have a collection of t-shirts from dive destinations, "dive t-shirts" in general, shoes with swooshes on em', etc., etc... (hummm... maybe a t-shirt of your favorite wet-suit manuf... ??? ... maybe one that has a nice agressive message on it to advertize how 'bad' ya' are????)

... I contend we ALL wear patches... its just a question of what patch/statement you choose to make... as we used to say in the 60's... "... even non-conformity is conforming..."

Hmm. I've got a dive flag keychain. I have a TDI bumper sticker, but I haven't used it, TDI cap, SSI dive log, lots of T-shirts, but I seldom wear them because they are WAY too big. T-shirts are like momentos to me, more useful if they could be found in smaller women's sizes.

[Walter]

Let's repeat the non-conformist pledge!

One of my favorites.

[ONESPEED]

And a unit coin doesn't because they can get you free beer :D :D :D

Do you even remember what beer tastes like? I know they aren't giving you beer to wash down your MRE's.

[Sideband]

Dude... based on your icon I bet ya' wear an INVISIBLE one... just won't fess up... :rofl3: :rofl3:
I have a tall, scary butler that will bring me one if needed.:D

[dlndavid]

or for wet t-shirt contests :D

[ONESPEED]

Hey Letterboy, here's a patch for you....

http://www.diverjim.com/pics/INSPDTthick.JPG

[catherine96821]

but I seldom wear them because they are WAY too big. T-shirts are like momentos to me, more useful if they could be found in smaller women's sizes.


yea, if somebody gives me one more of those high necked baggy scuba shirts, I am going to start a quilt.

Set my armpits free.

[GA Under Water]

Do you even remember what beer tastes like? I know they aren't giving you beer to wash down your MRE's.

But at the Club, you can get TOASTY!! Or you can get broke if you forget your coin.

[GA Under Water]

yea, if somebody gives me one more of those high necked baggy scuba shirts, I am going to start a quilt.

Set my armpits free.
Hey this is America, you have a Constitutional right "To bare arms" cut those sleeves off :)

http://bellsouthpwp.net/j/o/jonfoote/dali/other/arms.html

[TheRedHead]

yea, if somebody gives me one more of those high necked baggy scuba shirts, I am going to start a quilt.

Set my armpits free.

We've got to dive together soon, amiga. I have lined up a cabana boy who promises he will carry all of our gear. We can pay him in T-shirts. ;)

[ONESPEED]

We've got to dive together soon, amiga. I have lined up a cabana boy who promises he will carry all of our gear. We can pay him in T-shirts. ;)

XL please.

[matt_unique]

I kick it old school....I wear my 12 patches on my one piece white leisure suit, with collar up, and the Bee Gees "Staying Alive" playing in the background. Yeah baby!


--Matt

[dlndavid]

yea, if somebody gives me one more of those high necked baggy scuba shirts, I am going to start a quilt.

Set my armpits free.
and your cleavage :D ;)

[muddiver]

Onespeed no understand challange coin

[GA Under Water]

I think I am just going to buy myslef a P-coat and put all my patches on it.

Like
Arizona Memorial
Bowfin
2dFSSG
3dFSSG
Mt. Fugi
GTMO
EGA
Get a custom with a B-Mod target with 9 holes in the head and a 500yd Iron sites chevron :D (fun range story)
PADI stuffs

[robway034]

Patches, Coins, Tabs & yaddda yadda yadda! Did anybody answer this poor guys/gals question? Personally, I don't see anything wrong with his/her asking when and where to display something earned. I have my PADI DM patch on a sweatshirt/hoodie that I use to keep warm & dry after a dive.
Now.... I realize, with this crowd, that someoone is gonna make a comment about me having "snivel gear" etc..

So, go ahead...have your fun, I don't care! LOL

[ONESPEED]

Onespeed no understand challange coin

Actually I do, you no understand ONESPEED.

[ONESPEED]

Patches, Coins, Tabs & yaddda yadda yadda! Did anybody answer this poor guys/gals question? Personally, I don't see anything wrong with his/her asking when and where to display something earned. I have my PADI DM patch on a sweatshirt/hoodie that I use to keep warm & dry after a dive.
Now.... I realize, with this crowd, that someoone is gonna make a comment about me having "snivel gear" etc..

So, go ahead...have your fun, I don't care! LOL

Quit sniveling.:shakehead

[Melicertes]

Like the OP I am aslo ex-military and I do have a boat coat with all the trimmings because I took the time to get the extra training. And no I don't walk around the boat/dive site telling everyone how ultra-SCUBA-coll I am (unlike Sideband, Melicertes and Gilless).

So chew on that for a while. Ahem, I think you should read my post more carefully. I did not say that I wear patches to proclaim how übercool I am, in fact I do not wear any patches at all. I was simply saying that in general the people that keep a low profile are usually the guys/gals who know that they don't know what they don't know and usually also know enough to keep quiet and let the Badge Jacket spout how tough he is and how deep he dived this morning because this type of Wannabe inevitably lets his/her true colors shine through sooner or later without anybody's help.

I also stated that I am generalizing and that there are certainly exceptions to the "rule," but thus far I have found in my experience that the large majority of divers who proclaim their own greatness and many achievements are far more interested in wanting to look good and impress other people than what they are in honing their own skills, diving ever more safely, and discovering their own inner confidence in who they are as people and divers. The looking good mask usually fades and flakes relatively soon; those who sit quietly observing only stay as long as it's entertaining and then get up and leave to go find some peace and quiet or something somesuch.

[Melicertes]

I find that the relationship between the number of certification/specialty patches of any agency displayed by a diver and the diving skill of that diver are usually inversely related. You said it Dr Bill. :coffee:

[LetterBoy]

Do you even remember what beer tastes like? I know they aren't giving you beer to wash down your MRE's.

Sadly they aren't :( I do however get to drink as much piss water. . . err I mean near beer as I want. . .

[dlndavid]

Quit sniveling. :shakehead

:rofl3::rofl3::rofl3:

patches? we don't need no stinking patches :bandit_2:

[LetterBoy]

Ahem, I think you should read my post more carefully. I did not say that I wear patches to proclaim how übercool I am, in fact I do not wear any patches at all. I was simply saying that in general the people that keep a low profile are usually the guys/gals who know that they don't know what they don't know and usually also know enough to keep quiet and let the Badge Jacket spout how tough he is and how deep he dived this morning because this type of Wannabe inevitably lets his/her true colors shine through sooner or later without anybody's help.

I also stated that I am generalizing and that there are certainly exceptions to the "rule," but thus far I have found in my experience that the large majority of divers who proclaim their own greatness and many achievements are far more interested in wanting to look good and impress other people than what they are in honing their own skills, diving ever more safely, and discovering their own inner confidence in who they are as people and divers. The looking good mask usually fades and flakes relatively soon; those who sit quietly observing only stay as long as it's entertaining and then get up and leave to go find some peace and quiet or something somesuch.

Dude you have a snorkel in your profile pic, how can I take you seriously?? :rofl3:

[TheRedHead]

Nothing like having the MOFia descend on a thread. :D

Nice ava, David.

[LetterBoy]

Whats MOF????

[TheRedHead]

Whats MOF????

Meatloaf on Foot.

[LetterBoy]

OHH Is that something you make down south? or can I get that over here too?

[Melicertes]

Dude you have a snorkel in your profile pic, how can I take you seriously?? :rofl3: LOL, but hey look at the up side, at least it's not a snorkel with those small metal badges you get in all the tourist towns in Europe stuck on it. :D Besides in Laguna Beach you get trouble from the authorities if you don't have your snorkel.
I'm considering to upgrade mine though to the rebreather model below, mebbe I'll be more l33t then! :D
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:-w8v27YuIABB-M:http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/hvulin/snorkel-rebreather.jpg

[TheRedHead]

OHH Is that something you make down south? or can I get that over here too?

That's something that happens on dives after lunch when I forget my scop patch. ;)

[rongoodman]

I think we should have a patch for passing DIR-F.

[LetterBoy]

I can't wait till I get my rebreather instructor certifier patch. . .

Dude I want one of those rebreather snorkels, can you pick one up for me? I will pay shipping. . .

[Melicertes]

I can't wait till I get my rebreather instructor certifier patch. . .

Dude I want one of those rebreather snorkels, can you pick one up for me? I will pay shipping. . . You mean you're converting to the snorkel cult now? Just remember no neon pink snorkels are allowed past the Urn of Suffocation in the procession! Highlighter green can still go but pink is definitely out! :rofl3::rofl3::rofl3:

[JeffG]

I think we should have a patch for passing DIR-F.
at least it would be tough to earn.

Unlike a PADI specialty course.

[TheRedHead]

You mean you're converting to the snorkel cult now? Just remember no neon pink snorkels are allowed past the Urn of Suffocation in the procession! Highlighter green can still go but pink is definitely out! :rofl3::rofl3::rofl3:

You got something against pink?

[Joe-Diver]

LOL, but hey look at the up side, at least it's not a snorkel with those small metal badges you get in all the tourist towns in Europe stuck on it.

Oh man...okay...I'll admit it...when I lived in Germany I was active with the many volksmarches....and with each one you attended you got a little metal badge/shield to put on your walking stick....and your walking stick, covered with badges was a measure of your volksmarch experience/attendance....and yes, i do have a walking stick with lots of little metal badges on it....

:flame: on......

[LetterBoy]

at least it would be tough to earn.

Unlike a PADI specialty course.

I heard DIR-F is not really that hard and DIR folks are a bunch of zealots










:popcorn:

[Melicertes]

Oh man...okay...I'll admit it...when I lived in Germany I was active with the many volksmarches....and with each one you attended you got a little metal badge/shield to put on your walking stick....and your walking stick, covered with badges was a measure of your volksmarch experience/attendance....and yes, i do have a walking stick with lots of little metal badges on it....

:flame: on......
At least it's not on your snorkel Bhwuaahahaaa! :rofl3::rofl3: When I lived in Backnang, just north of Stuttgart for a while I considered getting myself a walking stick like that but it just wasn't my style and well I knew I would get irritated by the friggin' thing if I had to carry it with me while I have my camera and tripod already to deal with. I guess I'm a minimalist tourist coz I take more pictures than I take curios. Makes the travel bags easier to repack after I've ruffled through them looking for a clean pair of undies too :mooner:

[zen_man]

I like getting badges from places that I dive, but I still haven't figured out what to do with them.

[daniel f aleman]

I heard DIR-F is not really that hard and DIR folks are a bunch of zealots.

:popcorn:

How about giving out a big blue H patch for passing? And if one thinks that the Kool-aid-ers don't like having that H on their equipment...

[Melicertes]

I like getting badges from places that I dive, but I still haven't figured out what to do with them. You know, as a kid I used to collect badges of places I visit too, and I still buy one every now and again. I'm not against badges at all, they're nice momentos. I just find it entertaining, and more often than not simply annoying, when people inflate their egos with accolades that do not really mean all that much. All my patches from childhood have since evaporated somwehere and I only have a few dust gatherers left in a box someplace.

[Joe-Diver]

At least it's not on your snorkel Bhwuaahahaaa! :rofl3::rofl3: When I lived in Backnang, just north of Stuttgart .....

I lived in Stuttgart for 3 years....I was stationed out at the Army Airfield in Echterdingen.....then moved up to Wiesbaden for 2 years....

[AbyssalPlains]

Before you can wear any PADI badges, you have to complete the respective PADI Badge Placement Specialty!!

:rofl3:

[zen_man]

You know, as a kid I used to collect badges of places I visit too, and I still buy one every now and again.


Maybe that's it! Just kind of a childhood memory thing. :D

I hear what you're saying about egocentric divers that are showing off to puff themselves up. I don't think there really is room for ego in diving and I hope I still have a 'willing to learn' attitude even after 1000 dives. ;)

[liuk3]

if ur really tough, you get them tattooed...

[CatFishBob]

If you get enough of them, you can sew them together into a bikini that you can wear diving!

[Melicertes]

You got something against pink? You know, I have a tollerance for pink to some degree but there's a line. My wife constantly rags me about it too. A subtle pink is ok, but doing pink like Professor Umbridge in the new Harry Potter movie is just torture! There's evil in that much pink I tell ya! :11:;):D

[Gilless]

IAnyone, no matter how horrible a diver they are, will pass any recreational PADI course and get their patches, except at the pro and technical levels. :lol:

simply isn't true

[Gilless]

You can meet PADI standards and be a horrible diver.

not true again. If you read all of the standards it just isn't so

[LetterBoy]

not true again. If you read all of the standards it just isn't so


Why can't they MEET the standards and still be horrible?

BTW Horrible depends on what you are looking at. . . someone with 50 dives thinks a beginner looks horrible in the water, the newbie looks at the guy with 50 dives and can be in awe. A diver with 2000+ dives can look at both and think the new diver is great and the guy with 50 dives is horrible. It is all about perception. . .

[Gilless]

Why can't they MEET the standards and still be horrible?

BTW Horrible depends on what you are looking at. . . someone with 50 dives thinks a beginner looks horrible in the water, the newbie looks at the guy with 50 dives and can be in awe. A diver with 2000+ dives can look at both and think the new diver is great and the guy with 50 dives is horrible. It is all about perception. . .

Yes you would be correct - it is the definition of horrible. But then again I thought Clinton was having sex...silly me

[TheRedHead]

Yes you would be correct - it is the definition of horrible. But then again I thought Clinton was having sex...silly me

Horrible is an instructor with Spare Air diving Devil's Throat thinking he can bail at 125 feet in a cavern. Horrible is an instructor with gigantic free diving fins rototilling the reef with them. We could go on and on.

[GA Under Water]

who know that they don't know what they don't know


This has to be the MOST asinine saying I have EVER had the displeasure of reading. And the worst part, it seems to come from so many people on this board.

[TheRedHead]

not true again. If you read all of the standards it just isn't so

Maybe we should define "diver". :shakehead

[TheRedHead]

You know, I have a tollerance for pink to some degree but there's a line. My wife constantly rags me about it too. A subtle pink is ok, but doing pink like Professor Umbridge in the new Harry Potter movie is just torture! There's evil in that much pink I tell ya! :11:;):D

What about pink wings?

[Melicertes]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheRedHead
You can meet PADI standards and be a horrible diver.

not true again. If you read all of the standards it just isn't so So you are saying that every diver that has been certified by simply meeting PADI's standards has to be, by definition, a good diver? The last time I looked at the instructor's manual it stated:

"During the Confined Water Dives, mastery is defined as performing the skill so it meets the stated performance requirements in a reasonably comfortable, fluid, repeatable manner as would be expected of an Open Water Diver."

and

"A Teaching status PADI Instructor must conduct the final evaluation to verify that students have mastered each skill (with the exception of skin diving skills that may be evaluated by a qualified PADI certified assistant.)"

See Page 2-2; Open Water Diver Course Instructor Guide; Metric/Imperial Version; 1999 Edition; Including all Training Bulletins through First Quarter 2007

The problem is that the person who is assessing the reasonable level of mastery is still the instructor. Simply meeting the standard requirements to a level that satisfies the instructor's fancy leaves it all open for debate. What one instructor will accept as mastery may and often is not what another will accept. Bring in economic pressures on instructors by some of their employers if they work for a LDS; e.g. having to train as many divers as possible, sausage factory style, like so many LDS' do these days, then you have the makings for students getting certified simply because they didn't bolt to the surface during a mask flood and clear skill assessment. Nevermind the fact that they bolted the majority/every time in the pool.

It's in the eye of the beholder, and in this case that eye is that particular instrauctor's eye. Meeting standards is one thing, defining mastery so it can remain a constant benchmark is another.

I am only familiar with PADI standards and not those of other certifycing agencies but I suspect that other agencies have the same problem. That is why the answer is so often "it's the instructor, not the agency" that makes all the difference in whether a diver is taught well or not.

OK, getting off the soap box now... :D

[LetterBoy]

I think all divers are horrible no matter what training they have :D

Is that PC enough for everyone? ;) ;)

[GA Under Water]

Horrible is an instructor with Spare Air diving Devil's Throat thinking he can bail at 125 feet in a cavern. Horrible is an instructor with gigantic free diving fins rototilling the reef with them. We could go on and on.

How many people actually know where their fins are when they are kicking? How many keep their eyes forward and forget about what they are kicking with their fins. I challenge everyone to find a good bouyancy course in a Quarry and see how many times you pass gracefully through those rings then kick it with your fins. Yes, even the mighty Frog kick. Personally, anytime I see a chance at a "bouyancy course" (even in Lake Lanier at 60-80 feet in the trees) I take the time to not touch anything with any part of myself or my gear. But I have seen some that never even think about what they are hitting with their fintips.

[Melicertes]

What about pink wings? Well there have been those who say that having pink gear makes you more visible to skippers and therefore less at risk to getting run over by a boat so I can see the safety considerations here. :D If it's the pink I think it is, having seen some of those pink wings IRL, I cannot say that I would buy it for myself, but with a whole lot of pursuasion and negotiation I would perhaps still buy it for my wife if she wanted it to be. :D

I'll tell you what, I won't refuse to dive with you and your pink wings simply just because you have pink wings. Can I stop digging this hole now? My foot is starting to hurt my mouth right about now. :D:mooner:

[LetterBoy]

._____________^_.
|' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '|_\
|*WAMBULANCE* - |i<<
I________________|I
..""(@)"""""""""(@)"............

[LetterBoy]

I was thinking about buying a pink wing, and than I realized I would get made fun of so I just bought a H.U.B. instead. . .

[Gilless]

It's in the eye of the beholder, and in this case that eye is that particular instrauctor's eye. Meeting standards is one thing, defining mastery so it can remain a constant benchmark is another.

I am only familiar with PADI standards and not those of other certifycing agencies but I suspect that other agencies have the same problem. That is why the answer is so often "it's the instructor, not the agency" that makes all the difference in whether a diver is taught well or not.

OK, getting off the soap box now... :D

Hey there is nothing wrong with soap boxes:)

I agree 100% that it's the instructor and not the agency

- my impression of the posts that I quoted was that the agency as a whole was being referred too. Now if it was related only to specific instructors - yep I would agree that not all turn out an acceptable beginning diver and the list of gripes could/would go on. The same would go for advanced training, not all instructors are equal.

IMHO most of this thread has been a hijack. The op asked about where to get patches and a fairly high percentage of the replies had nothing to do with answering that question:) including this one:D

Cheers

Steve

[Melicertes]

IMHO most of this thread has been a hijack. The op asked about where to get patches and a fairly high percentage of the replies had nothing to do with answering that question:) including this one:D I agree with you, perhaps we should all just get back on topic here. :coffee:

[LetterBoy]

WHAT A HIJACK!!!

Not possible uh uh I refuse to believe it!!

Hey did you guys see the baseball team with 10000 losses? :D

[TheRedHead]

Well there have been those who say that having pink gear makes you more visible to skippers and therefore less at risk to getting run over by a boat so I can see the safety considerations here. :D If it's the pink I think it is, having seen some of those pink wings IRL, I cannot say that I would buy it for myself, but with a whole lot of pursuasion and negotiation I would perhaps still buy it for my wife if she wanted it to be. :D

I'll tell you what, I won't refuse to dive with you and your pink wings simply just because you have pink wings. Can I stop digging this hole now? My foot is starting to hurt my mouth right about now. :D:mooner:

I don't have a pink wing, but another woman tech diver used to dive with them. I just wanted to see what you would say....:D

[Melicertes]

I don't have a pink wing, but another woman tech diver used to dive with them. I just wanted to see what you would say....:D

I think I need some :coffee: and :chocolate: now... :D

[LetterBoy]

I think I need some :coffee: and :chocolate: now... :D

HMM that time of the month for you?
;)

[Walter]

I agree 100% that it's the instructor and not the agency

It can be, but usually isn't. The agency is usually much more important than the individual instructor.

[TheRedHead]

I think I need some :coffee: and :chocolate: now... :D

I'm an :evil: woman.

[Melicertes]

HMM that time of the month for you?
;)
It's all that pink talk. :rofl3:

[LetterBoy]

It's all that pink talk. :rofl3:

HMMMM

I just left a thread about undercooked Chicken breasts. . .

[Tigerman]

I got some stickers and what seems to be iron-on patches with the course material (OWD and AOWD stickers for sure and I think the same patches). The stickers I stuck on the plastic box I use to transport my gear in, which is pretty much either in my appartement or in the back of my car, mainly to state that "this is my diving gear box, so keep you hands off it!" and the patches i think is still in the bag-thing the rest of the course material came in.
I stuffed what I want handy in one of them and all the advertisement crap in the other one..

[Melicertes]

I'm an :evil: woman. You sure you don't have pink wings? :sadlike:

[LetterBoy]

red wings:huh:

[TheRedHead]

You sure you don't have pink wings? :sadlike:

I'm a Ninja in black. :bat:

[GA Under Water]

I beat thread edit and lock

[LetterBoy]

I beat thread edit and lock

Why beat it?

[Gilless]

It can be, but usually isn't. The agency is usually much more important than the individual instructor.

Well I guess we will just have to disagree on that point.

I would comment more - but I don't want to further the hijack. Another time in another thread

Cheers

-s

[markfm]

I hear the DM patch is the real chick magnet...
http://markfm.dynalias.org/chicks.jpg

[zen_man]

I hear the DM patch is the real chick magnet...
http://markfm.dynalias.org/chicks.jpg

A man walking in a grocery store with a little baby is a chick magnet! ;)

[Sideband]

I was thinking about buying a pink wing, and than I realized I would get made fun of so I just bought a H.U.B. instead. . .
Whoa. I had forgotten about those wonderful pieces of technology. Amazing how they revolutionized the industry...

[muddiver]

Dude you have a snorkel in your profile pic, how can I take you seriously?? :rofl3:

OMG!!!! That was perfect! :rofl3:

[robway034]

I have found in my experience that...... Those who wear the badge jackets are the ones who would like to appear qualified and experienced but does not yet have the goods to back up the claims. Of course there are exceptions and I am really generalizing here, but a badge really does not impress me much at all
Hmmmmm.... I used to work with a lot of people who, literally, wore their qualification badges on their sleeves (jackets too) EVERYDAY! Some even had the audacity to wear them on their heads! Wonder if they are the exception, you speak of? Or maybe its my own vicarious need to support my own "lack of having the goods" that makes me cringe at these kinds of statements? I simply don't see anything wrong because some guy/gal takes a little pride in their accomplishments? I remember being laughed at in High School when I was seen wearing my scouting uniform! (for the record, I kept wearing it PROUDLY (despite the "cool kids" taunts) right up until the time I graduated and joined the Army). I guess the scouts are a bunch of kids who "just lack the goods", who display their merit badges to "appear qualified"? I am sure those non-descript guys who got drunk, experimented with weed and the like....just had one up on me and my freinds (that they laughed at)....had nothing to prove. As I remember they where always at the back of the room with nothing much to say too.
My point is this; what does it say about anyone who is so quick to "shoot somebody down?" Even if its done eloquently...

[G8rRanger]

I was waiting for a Quiet Professional to clear his throat from the back of the room on this issue.

Rob and I are quite familiar with the "wearing" of qualifications. I can assure you, after what I went through to earn it, my Ranger Tab was properly displayed everywhere it was allowed to be. (It's even in my avatar...hope that doesn't bother you...not really. However, Rob and I have also seen the "Badge-Finder" type who seeks to assure himself, and loudly broadcast to others, that he is really a good troop and you can tell by looking at his uniform. Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't.

As with anything, actions speak louder than words. I bet we've seen great divers with bags covered with patches and lousy ones with no patch to be seen. Anything like that is no more than driving an expensive car or wearing an expensive watch: In and of itself, it tells me nothing about you.

I'll say this: He might prove me wrong as I've known a few Quiet Professionals who bring down the reputation of the others, but that little "badge" on Rob's avatar tells me 99% of what I need to know about him. My dad wore the same badge, so my expectations are pretty high but I've rarely been disappointed. De Oppresso Liber.

[Melicertes]

Look, I do not have a beef with anybody that has earned their badges (especially read millitary here) and wear them proudly. IMHO there is a distinct difference between a badge earned though military service and one bought as part of a crewpack for a two day/8 hour recreational diving specialty course. Neither do I have a beef with anyone who are proud of their accomplishments that they've worked very hard for, I feel the same about my qualifications. And you are right, badges do say a lot, but my reference to the so-called "Badge-jacket" spouting his mouth was directed at the newly certified idjit that pitches up at a dive resort/boat/shore dive and professes to be a SCUBA god. The one who tries to impress the chicks by taking off his badged jacket and flexes his "big guns" to "get some action". Don't you see,? He needs those badgies to make his "guns," or perhaps something else, look bigger; they're not there to speak of his awesome diving skills.

I cannot comment on other organizations (my NAUI and CMAS experiences have only been good thus far, although I've had relatively limited exposure,) but in the PADI world there are many, maaany certified divers who have IMHO as an independent instructor been given a card that only puts them in harm's way because they've not been taught properly. They too think they've "earned" their merit badges because they don't know any better; they don't always realize that there are courses, and then there are courses.

With all due respect to the millitary contingent on this board, I have yet to see someone "report for recreational diving duty" in their uniform or some well earned badge jacket. Although I am sure that this could and probably even does happen, I have just not witnessed something like that myself (yet), and even then unless those badges have something to do with diving they're not related to the badges we were talking about here. The guys we usually dive with that have strong millitary backgrounds, whom I'll trust with my life sbtw, are probably even more low key than anyone else, especially the minimum 50 dives done, newly certified DM in his brand new badged boat coat that now believes he knows everything there is to know about scuba diving. This is the Badge-jacket I was talking about.

And if you were waiting for someone to clear his throat then perhaps you were waiting too long because they'd already left and sought some peace and quiet elsewhere. Silence is also an answer people.

[Joe-Diver]

.... so-called "Badge-jacket" spouting his mouth was directed at the newly certified idjit that pitches up at a dive resort/boat/shore dive and professes to be a SCUBA god. The one who tries to impress the chicks by taking off his badged jacket and flexes his "big guns" to "get some action". Don't you see,? He needs those badgies to make his "guns," or perhaps something else, look bigger; they're not there to speak of his awesome diving skills.

yeah, those yo-yo's are everywhere, not just in the diving community. I even saw it in the military.

I received an Air Medal during the Gulf War, for flying into enemy territory, against a hostile force, armed for combat. Man, I EARNED that Air Medal and am damn proud of it.

But a friggan cook in our company, went up one day in a Huey and flew around the local area, was awarded an Air Medal because he flew during active combat operations. That pissed me and alot of others off....but it did nothing to devalue my award, to me personally.

[Joe-Diver]

BTW Melicertes, I love your sig.

[TheRedHead]

And you are right, badges do say a lot, but my reference to the so-called "Badge-jacket" spouting his mouth was directed at the newly certified idjit that pitches up at a dive resort/boat/shore dive and professes to be a SCUBA god. The one who tries to impress the chicks by taking off his badged jacket and flexes his "big guns" to "get some action".

If I saw something like that, I'd laugh my azz off.

[Melicertes]

If I saw something like that, I'd laugh my azz off.
So would I actually :D

[Melicertes]

BTW Melicertes, I love your sig.
Thanks :D

[agilis]

Why can't people give a straight answer to a simple direct question?

PADI patches are manufactured at Atascadero, CA, by residents of that facility, as part of their training for reintegration into society. The patches can be obtained at the Atascadero Gift Shoppe, or through the Pacific Atascadero Diving Incorporated web site.

Here in NJ last year a recently certified diver was discovered carrying one of those tiny 1.5 cf spare air devices. He was forced to wear a PADI patch for 90 days.

[muddiver]

Ok "M", point taken.

The joke in Uncle Sam's Missguided Children is that the Army guys get medals for stuff like throwing a handgrenade in boot camp. A Marine won't get an award unless he catches the grenade.

So a salad bowel on the chest doesn't impress me unless the guy is a Marine or I reccognize something important, like the MOH, SF crest or Ranger tab.

Same with diving. I agree that there will be blokes out there that want to "puff" themselve up with a lot of diving patches, but evey so often you will run across someone with a bit of diving history stiched on the sleeve of their warmup. You will know the guy isn't some weekend wonder, like most have stated here, by his actions and ability at diving, not what he is wearing.

[GA Under Water]

As much as the USMC deployed me I had no patches other than Rank Insignia. I did get a Ribbon and a Medal for my service in GTMO though in 95. Still wish I could have gotten my Bubble. Oh well, I am diving now. :D

[ekewaka]

The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is enough for me.

[Melicertes]

Here in NJ last year a recently certified diver was discovered carrying one of those tiny 1.5 cf spare air devices. He was forced to wear a PADI patch for 90 days. :rofl3::rofl3::rofl3::rofl3:

[Melicertes]

Same with diving. I agree that there will be blokes out there that want to "puff" themselve up with a lot of diving patches, but evey so often you will run across someone with a bit of diving history stiched on the sleeve of their warmup. You will know the guy isn't some weekend wonder, like most have stated here, by his actions and ability at diving, not what he is wearing.

Yup, that's all I'm sayin. :D

[EastEndDiver]

Ok "M", point taken.

The joke in Uncle Sam's Missguided Children is that the Army guys get medals for stuff like throwing a handgrenade in boot camp. A Marine won't get an award unless he catches the grenade.

So a salad bowel on the chest doesn't impress me unless the guy is a Marine or I reccognize something important, like the MOH, SF crest or Ranger tab.

Same with diving. I agree that there will be blokes out there that want to "puff" themselve up with a lot of diving patches, but evey so often you will run across someone with a bit of diving history stiched on the sleeve of their warmup. You will know the guy isn't some weekend wonder, like most have stated here, by his actions and ability at diving, not what he is wearing.

It's not what a military person wears on the outside it's what they have on the inside.Patches and Badges mean little it's their actions in times of dire consequences that define a person whether they be Army,Navy,Air Force,Marine or Coast Guard. Never make the mistake of believing that because someone doesn't display a patch or was in a different branch of the service that are less of a person than those that display a patch.I know many " ordinary grunts" who only have a CIB and yet did more than some that went thru Ranger training or any other elite calling.

It is "salad Bowl" NOT salad bowel.

[muddiver]

I stand corrected.

[Footslogger]

I have five specialties and AOW under my belt, and I just bought the Rescue Crewpack. Inside was an embroidered patch. It is very cool, but when I asked the guy at the counter if there were any others, or where I could get them, I just got a blank look. So, where does one get these? Do they come from PADI? If you display them, on what? Jackets, divelogs, dive bags?

===========================================

Aren't you glad you asked this question ...

[texarkandy]

Geeeez!! - such vitriol some seem to have re: a few scuba patches - what's the big deal -

I'm a noob diver myself, but I've done a thing or two and been around a bit in my 47.5 years of life thus far and have chingos of patches/certificates/awards/medals from other areas of my life (current & past) laying around somewhere in desk drawers & boxes in the back of the closet, or just lost - I've never been one to put them on the wall, sew them onto something, or use them as an avatar, but really have no problem whatsoever with those who choose to do so - (note: changed my avatar temporarily just as an example - not to brag)

If the person earned the patch righteously, be it by doing the required dive, saving a platoon in combat or a baby from a burning building, completing some little course, or whatever the criteria was, then it's theirs to do with as they like & nobody else's business as to what they choose to do with it. And it really doesn't matter what others think of the patch either.

Perhaps some like to display the patches as a conversation starter. (the main reason I never displayed stuff personally is that I have never liked to talk about my work outside of work)

Perhaps some actually are proud of their patches and there's nothing wrong with that (& if they are who are you to rain on their parade) you know not everyone has the opportunity to do a lot of things in their life for which which "patches" are issued

Perhaps some do it to "get chicks". Well Hey, so what do you care, more power to them if it works.

Perhaps a few do it thinking they will impress other divers (so what, leave them to their fantasy - what skin is it off your nose)

Perhaps some people just like to be "colorful"! I like having "colorful" people in the world.

I find it really hard to believe there's really very many pretenders out there displaying "scuba" patches they didn't complete the course for.

Seems to be a bit of "scuba snobbery" going on about this whole thing - lighten up! - it takes all kinds to make a world, ya know.

[TheRedHead]

Perhaps some do it to "get chicks". Well Hey, so what do you care, more power to them if it works.


How are patches going to help you get chicks when you're on a dive boat with women divers who probably have more c-cards than you? :huh:

[texarkandy]

I have no idea - somebody brought that up a few posts back (I'm personally kind of past the "getting chicks" stage of life anyway!)

[TheRedHead]

I wonder if wearing my TDI cap with the big twins on the logo will help me get men?

[texarkandy]

Probably not if you're on a dive boat full of women!

[Tigerman]

How are patches going to help you get chicks when you're on a dive boat with women divers who probably have more c-cards than you? :huh:
:rofl3:
he did say IF, didnt he? :p

[J.R.]

Ya' know... there is *one* thing about this thread I've found reassuring...

It's nice to know that even after YEARS of *dive agencies* (insert your own perfered alphabet soup letter set here) trying to figure out every possible way to dumb down and make the whole diving process more touchy-feely and *accessable* to the vast unwashed majority... WE STILL GOT A LOT OF DANG TESTOSTERONE RUNNIN' LOOSE OUT THERE!!! Glad to see folks willing to engage at close range over something this trivial... :rofl3: :rofl3:

... kinda' makes me wonder how intense the debate would be if somebody asked something REALLY incendiary like... oh... ummm.... "Tank straps... one or TWO???"

... gotta' go sew some patches on my dive t-shirts...

[Walter]

I wonder if wearing my TDI cap with the big twins on the logo will help me get men?

The big twins couldn't hurt. LOL!

[Tigerman]

I wonder if wearing my TDI cap with the big twins on the logo will help me get men?
In danger of being called a schauvenist pig or worse..

Your pic dont make me think youll need to...

[Ann Marie]

Here's a little food for thought:

For those of you that have made comments against a person displaying their accomplishments via a patch...

how many of you have a dive sticker stuck somewhere?

how about a SCUBA tee-shirt?

destination sticker on your Pelican?

ball cap from the last place you dove?

I for one, have a personalize licensed plate regarding my love of diving and a dive sticker on the back.

If you have worked towards something and accomplished your goals TOOT YOUR OWN HORN, gosh knows no one else may! Wear you patch and feel good about it!!

I've completed classes that were easy and didn't feel as if I learned or accomplished much and then there are the classes that I am proud to have complete and would proudly wear a patch!

[daniel f aleman]

Well, I'm a Divemaster. I wear a hat with a Divemaster tab on it. That, and my 6-pack abs do wonders for apres-dive activities. :)

[J.R.]

... YEA... and besides... no matter WHAT ya' say about dive patches... ANY dive patch has to be cooler than some ballcap with "Budwieser" or "Gitter Done" on it...

[zen_man]

... YEA... and besides... no matter WHAT ya' say about dive patches... ANY dive patch has to be cooler than some ballcap with "Budwieser" or "Gitter Done" on it...

:rofl3::rofl3: this is true!

[GA Under Water]

At least Budweiser doesn't have to worry about being related to #8 any more.

[WarrenZ]

Have you checked with the girlscouts/boyscouts I think that they have a meritbadge for anything. Besides Isnt the skills you have for you and not something you need to show off.

[texarkandy]

For those who like to look down their nose condescendingly at a diver who simply likes to sport a bunch of patches on his/her dive bag, I suggest the next time you are doing that you take a look around and see who is looking down their nose at you for doing that.

[Gilless]

For those who like to look down their nose condescendingly at a diver who simply likes to sport a bunch of patches on his/her dive bag, I suggest the next time you are doing that you take a look around and see who is looking down their nose at you for doing that.

Excellent post!

Ditto

If you want to wear patches - go for it, and if no one else wants to dive with you, send me a note. I'd be glad to have you along on my next dive trip.

If your having a great time - thats great, and it's important. If your dive skills need some work, well we can work on those. If your skills are better than mine, hey then we can work on mine.

Back to the original question, send me a pm with the patches you are interested in and I will see if I can get them for you

Cheers

Steve

[Benny-c]

I cant understand why anyone would want to wear PADI patches, personally I'd hide them..................................;)

[Guba]

Well, let's see... I have three jackets I wear on dive trips. Only one has any patches on it at all (other than my organization's logo, Christian Divers of Texas). The one with "adornment" has a few PADI patches along with some others. But for me, those little swatches of embroidered cloth aren't for "braggin'", they're just reminders.
The OW patch reminds me of the great fun my brother-in-law and his wife and I had learning about scuba for the first time. We got certified together, dived together, and I like to remember how excited we were to experience this new world for the first time with people we enjoyed.
The AOW patch reminds me of why I got it in the first place. I needed more skills in order to participate in a scientific dive expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. The skills I learned in the class were valuable indeed when my buddy went unconscious in the water on that trip. I hear a lot about how PADI AOW training is inadequate and it's a "nothing" course. I'm sorry those complainers didn't take the time to find quality instructors. Mine did a great job. Although my buddy died on the boat of an aneurism, the training I received served me extremely well in the emergency.
My Rescue Diver patch brings back memories of the comraderie and fun our cert class had during the course. Sure, it required focus and at least some athleticism, but with the proper team spirit and sense of adventure, we had a blast!
I don't have too many specialty courses, but the other side of my jacket is home for patches for other training such as BSA lifeguard instructor, Red Cross lifeguard instructor, first aid training, and a couple of others.
All of these patches bring back memories just as my dive log entries do. If wearing this coat somehow marks me as an inferior diver or braggart, well so be it. I choose to continue to wear it and remember the wonderful people, places, courses, and times represented on my lapels and back.

[TheRedHead]

I have a Google beach towel for the boat. It's WAY cooler than the patches because no one else has one. So there.:10:

[Diver Dennis]

I don't think so.

Why does someone wear a patch? Because they will to show other people their accomplishments.

Why do they want to show their accomplishments? Because they want respect.

But when you know that the patches (ie PADI specialties) are easy peasy to get, whats the "worth" of the patches? Not much. But you could look good to someone who doesn't know any better.

Exactly.

[LetterBoy]

For those who like to look down their nose condescendingly at a diver who simply likes to sport a bunch of patches on his/her dive bag, I suggest the next time you are doing that you take a look around and see who is looking down their nose at you for doing that.


I look down on everyone, and what others feel doesn't really matter a whole lot to me, I know what I am and no matter what the badges or patches say I am what I am and will do what I do because I have this thing called self confidence. . .

[GA Under Water]

I look down on everyone, and what others feel doesn't really matter a whole lot to me, I know what I am and no matter what the badges or patches say I am what I am and will do what I do because I have this thing called self confidence. . .

Confident or Cocky ;) there is a thin line.

[LetterBoy]

Confident or Cocky ;) there is a thin line.

I found this somewhere not sure where though . . . I think it fits well here . . .

._____________^_.
|' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '|_\
|*WAMBULANCE* - |i<<
I________________|I
..""(@)"""""""""(@)"............






:D :D :D

[J.R.]

I have a Google beach towel for the boat. It's WAY cooler than the patches because no one else has one. So there.:10:

OH, YEA... well... I gotta' "EPCOT" towel... AND blue one!!! ... and that's w... ummm... "Google" did ya' say? ... and NOBODY else has one??? Sweet... so, like, do ya' know where I could find one??? :rofl3: :rofl3:

[TheRedHead]

OH, YEA... well... I gotta' "EPCOT" towel... AND blue one!!! ... and that's w... ummm... "Google" did ya' say? ... and NOBODY else has one??? Sweet... so, like, do ya' know where I could find one??? :rofl3: :rofl3:

Google sent them out to certain advertisers several years ago. I've never seen another one. It is a great icebreaker to have a Google beach towel. :D

[GA Under Water]

I found this somewhere not sure where though . . . I think it fits well here . . .

._____________^_.
|' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '|_\
|*WAMBULANCE* - |i<<
I________________|I
..""(@)"""""""""(@)"............






:D :D :D
I unfortunantly, being a Leo and the baby of the family, have to walk that Confidence/Cocky line every day in everything I do. :crafty:


and the Wambulance is for you :P

[J.R.]

Google sent them out to certain advertisers several years ago. I've never seen another one. It is a great icebreaker to have a Google beach towel. :D

aWWW. Sheesh... *now* I've got "towel envy" on top of my *patch envy*... probably gonna' have to start prowling e-bay or something... :chicken:

I'm gonna' need a bigger dive bag... tee-hee...

[GA Under Water]

aWWW. Sheesh... *now* I've got "towel envy" on top of my *patch envy*... probably gonna' have to start prowling e-bay or something... :chicken:

I'm gonna' need a bigger dive bag... tee-hee...
http://www.googlestore.com/product.asp?catid=1&code=GO0044&gclid=CKqShezsvY0CFR8TOAodFHfuLQ

WOW at 36" X 70" you WILL need a new dive bag.

[TheRedHead]

Dang, now they're selling them. Time to go generic towel. *sigh*

[GA Under Water]

Dang, now they're selling them. Time to go generic towel. *sigh*

Sorry hun.

[muddiver]

Just when I was going to ask you to come out this way to dive and show me your towel. :(

[J.R.]

http://www.googlestore.com/product.asp?catid=1&code=GO0044&gclid=CKqShezsvY0CFR8TOAodFHfuLQ

WOW at 36" X 70" you WILL need a new dive bag.

:rofl3: :rofl3: Awwww... *anybody* can get em'... ya' mean I won't be special??? :( Sheesh... well... there goes THAT idea... guess I get to keep my old dive bag around for a while and stick with my ol' *Epcot* towel...

Gettin' darned hard to set yerself apart in a world where there ain't nuttin' unique any more... :rofl3: :rofl3:

[ONESPEED]

Google sent them out to certain advertisers several years ago. I've never seen another one. It is a great icebreaker to have a Google beach towel. :D

I thought you lost your google towel Saturday night, or was that your bikini? I'm confused.:huh:

[TheRedHead]

I thought you lost your google towel Saturday night, or was that your bikini? I'm confused.:huh:

:maniac:

[robway034]

Really?

Nice pin/patch there for your avatar.

LMAO!!!!!! I had to chuckle at this one! Other than that...I am keeping my mouth shut! He's actually given me something to "ponder" :) .

ANYWAY.....a lil off subject:

As I am typing this.., the "KISS Rebreather" add is flashing in the corner of the window:eyebrow: ! YOWZA!

[leapfrog]

Badges, patches, Tshirts, golf shirts, caps.... most of us have some of these related to diving and wear them. I like the ones with centers I have dived and/or worked with, for me it's a sign of loyalty and respect for those people and it's also a good conversation starter. There are "cooler" ones than others (Iīve seen a LOT of people walking around with TDI, DIR Rebreather shirts and caps) and most dive centers are overflowing with "Dive Pirates" - I have two PADI patches that came with the kits...my Rescue Diver patch is ironed on the front of my ageing and otherwise plain black cordura logbook and I'm still trying to work out what to with the OWSI badge....:doh2:

[RJP]

Dead Thread Walking!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5QDKlkyAtf4/SnoHp1UH__I/AAAAAAAAAgc/qcPYQxa7MJg/s400/dead_man_walking.jpg

[String]

If someone wants to walk around looking like a card-collecting poser desperate to impress or get some sort of status thats up to them. However i reserve the right to mock them for doing so.

Why WOULD anyone want to show off the patches?! Especially as they're cheap bits of cloth showing they've completed something extremely easy and simple. It's not as if they're in the SAS or an astronaut.

[leapfrog]

It's not as if they're in the SAS or an astronaut. If they're an astronaut they probably will be wearing a NASA badge.... if they're SAS you can be damn sure they won't...it's when the instructor says: "My name is Jock Rock but you will call me STAFF" that they give the game away...;)

[catherine96821]

I am very proud of my boat diver patch;)

[sabbath999]

Dead Thread Walking!

:rofl3::rofl3::rofl3::rofl3:

[leapfrog]

I am very proud of my boat diver patch;) Very SPECIAL.

[catherine96821]

I get on the *PADI* boat, somebody carries my stuff.

having your own boat earned me the patch, I had to worry about the weather and making it back to the line and my dog drowning and the rotten mooring line and relations with the coasties.:coolingoff:

...docking, I want that patch.:D

[DennisS]

I get on the *PADI* boat, somebody carries my stuff.

having your own boat earned me the patch, I had to worry about the weather and making it back to the line and my dog drowning and the rotten mooring line and relations with the coasties.:coolingoff:

...docking, I want that patch.:D

I don't have the boat owner/diver patch but I do have the card .........it says VISA on it.

[joolz]

Why WOULD anyone want to show off the patches?! Especially as they're cheap bits of cloth showing they've completed something extremely easy and simple. It's not as if they're in the SAS or an astronaut.

Wonder if Mike's reading the board...he's got a NASA patch on his drysuit :cool2:

[Rhone Man]

I know one guy who got an Ice Diver patch and made a point of sewing it onto his wetsuit (for diving in the Caribbean). I don't know if he actually did the course, but he got the patch (probably off eBay).

[muddiver]

I know one guy who got an Ice Diver patch and made a point of sewing it onto his wetsuit (for diving in the Caribbean). I don't know if he actually did the course, but he got the patch (probably off eBay).

Actually any PADI DM or Inst. can get them. The one I wnat to see someone justify is the "Research Diver" patch from PADI. Now there is a completly worthless designation.

[Buoyant1]

I am very proud of my boat diver patch;)

Crap! I never got one for my "Equipment Specialist" course! :rofl3:

[leapfrog]

I don't have the boat owner/diver patch but I do have the card .........it says VISA on it.:rofl3::rofl3::rofl3: Awesome...I haven't laughed so much in ages! Thank you!

The one I want to see someone justify is the "Research Diver" patch from PADI. Now there is a completly worthless designation. It means the diver "looked in to it" before making the dive. :blinking:

[Ed L.]

Im not reading through 12 pages. Did any one mention the old school PADI patches? The big round ones?

[Saspotato]

Why WOULD anyone want to show off the patches?! Especially as they're cheap bits of cloth showing they've completed something extremely easy and simple. It's not as if they're in the SAS or an astronaut.

To impress non-divers ;) That is the only reason I can think of. I guess they might be good for a laugh as well. I think if I came across a 'Boat Diving' PADI patch I might stick one on to my gear :rofl3:

[sabbath999]

To impress non-divers ;) That is the only reason I can think of. I guess they might be good for a laugh as well. I think if I came across a 'Boat Diving' PADI patch I might stick one on to my gear :rofl3:

I think I deserve a "Boat Diver" C-Card for having learned how to get seasick three times during a one hour surface interval and not hit the side of the boat even once...

Isn't that what it is all about?

[Saspotato]

I think I deserve a "Boat Diver" C-Card for having learned how to get seasick three times during a one hour surface interval and not hit the side of the boat even once...

Isn't that what it is all about?

Sure why not :) Maybe we can bulk order some boat diver patches then?

[gndpdr]

this is my version of "boat diver"

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/bunkerratt/th_divrecn.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/bunkerratt/?action=view&current=divrecn.jpg)

[fisheater]

I think I deserve a "Boat Diver" C-Card for having learned how to get seasick three times during a one hour surface interval and not hit the side of the boat even once...

Isn't that what it is all about?

No, but you could quality for the "Projectile Vomiting" patch. You've GOT to see the graphics on that one.

[k ellis]

Well I wanted to have the patches then found out there is little you can really do with them. If you sew them on your dive gear its a flashing arrow to thiefs that there is dive gear. If you sew them on neoprene it compromises the thermal protection. If you put them on t shirts or any kind of shirt for that matter it just doesnt look right. And then if you sew them on your jacket it just doesnt look right when you ride a bike and have all your military patches and biker club patches then a globe with "Title" diver

[vjanelle]

Got one with my DM crewpack, was like "that's neat, I guess" and tossed it back in the bag.

The bag of course will go in my closet once I either give up or pass this damn thing and realize there's no career path before instructor.

[leapfrog]

The bag of course will go in my closet once I either give up or pass this damn thing and realize there's no career path before instructor. So, there's a "career path" AFTER instructor?:rofl3:

[Rhone Man]

No, but you could quality for the "Projectile Vomiting" patch. You've GOT to see the graphics on that one.

There is a PADI distinctive specialty of "underwater wedding". I'd like to see the graphics on that one too! :eyebrow:

[sabbath999]

There is a PADI distinctive specialty of "underwater wedding". I'd like to see the graphics on that one too! :eyebrow:

What I want to see is graphics on the patch for the PADI specialty of Underwater Honeymoon.

[fisheater]

What I want to see is graphics on the patch for the PADI specialty of Underwater Honeymoon.

Not to be confused with "Deep Diver."

[fnfalman]

I want to get the PADI 100-Logged Dives patch and sew it on my dive parka. I'll bet that the chicks would dig it.

[Rhone Man]

I thought about ordering this off eBay and sewing it to my wetsuit to irritate my LDS (who take this all very seriously):

SCUBA MASTER INSTRUCTOR DIVE PATCH PADI - eBay (item 360178353085 end time Oct-07-09 18:58:45 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/SCUBA-MASTER-INSTRUCTOR-DIVE-PATCH-PADI_W0QQitemZ360178353085QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item53dc4d83bd&_trksid=p4999.c0.m14)

[leapfrog]

I thought about ordering this off eBay and sewing it to my wetsuit to irritate my LDS (who take this all very seriously):

SCUBA MASTER INSTRUCTOR DIVE PATCH PADI - eBay (item 360178353085 end time Oct-07-09 18:58:45 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/SCUBA-MASTER-INSTRUCTOR-DIVE-PATCH-PADI_W0QQitemZ360178353085QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item53dc4d83bd&_trksid=p4999.c0.m14)Awesome! What about a CD badge? Where can we get one of those?:popcorn:

[Jim Lapenta]

I got a bunch of them during my classes and have no idea where any of them are now. One came sewn onto the soft briefcase that you got with a DM crewpak at the time. Iwill say they are sewn on real well. Took nearly a half hour to get it off so I could put my skull & crossed swords patch on. I even had a DM hat that I ordered without really looking at it. When I got the damn thing it had a big PADI emblem on the front and Divemaster in little bitty letters on the back! I thought ***?! I want them to know I'm a DM from the front. Even called and asked PADI about it. Their answer- marketing! PADI needs to be seen first. That hat went in the garbage.

Rhone- go for it! What are they gonna do? Use the PADI impersonator cops on ya and handcuff you with the PADI handcuff a diver specialty skills they learn? I'd like to see one for the guy who trains the handlers on shark feeding dives. PADI Master Baiter Instructor!

[I Dive]

PADI Master Baiter Instructor!

Huh? What the heck is Scubaboard coming to?:confused:

[Tigerman]

Better not be sloppy with the pronounciation there...

[I Dive]

Better not be sloppy with the pronounciation there...

The saddest thing about this is that if anyone made a comment like that about an SEI Instructor level, Jim would would likely have already reported the post and had it deleted. But apparently it's OK for him to do.:shakehead:

[snowmaker]

Badges, patches, Tshirts, golf shirts, caps.... most of us have some of these related to diving and wear them. I like the ones with centers I have dived and/or worked with, for me it's a sign of loyalty and respect for those people and it's also a good conversation starter. There are "cooler" ones than others (Iīve seen a LOT of people walking around with TDI, DIR Rebreather shirts and caps) and most dive centers are overflowing with "Dive Pirates" - I have two PADI patches that came with the kits...my Rescue Diver patch is ironed on the front of my ageing and otherwise plain black cordura logbook and I'm still trying to work out what to with the OWSI badge....:doh2:


Holly thread rescue Batman you just pulled one back from 2007 and it's on PADI patches.

[The Kraken]

There is an old southern saying, "If ya can do it, it ain't braggin."

However, in my personal OPINION, saying less says more, unless someone asks.

the K

[leapfrog]

Holly thread rescue Batman you just pulled one back from 2007 and it's on PADI patches.:rofl3:

[Tanked2.0]

I gonna sew this to my bare chest




65327

[TerryC]

I wear my Padi "Bubblemaker" patch with pride.
T

[leapfrog]

I wear my Padi "Bubblemaker" patch with pride.
TWhen you get to SEAL TEAM you're gonna bust your shirt with pride!

[TerryC]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TerryC
I wear my Padi "Bubblemaker" patch with pride.
T
__________________

When you get to SEAL TEAM you're gonna bust your shirt with pride!

Hey, I got one of those somewhere, but I don't want anybody to think I am "Showing off"

T