Can an OW instructor deny referral?

Hi everyone, I'm new to the diving and message board scene (this is my first post). I just had a question about agency policy and standards, specifically NAUI.

Here's a bit of background info. I started my OW class in February. It's been almost 3 months (meeting every weekend for pool and classroom sessions) and the instructor's been great. I've passed my pool and written exams and all that's left are our ocean dives. The instructor keeps pushing off the ocean dives because of weather (and he's really only available to do ocean dives once a week). I have a diving trip scheduled in 2 weeks (had booked it in Feb. thinking I'd be certified by now). My husband (a diver) suggested that I get a referral and finish the ocean dives with another NAUI instructor. I mentioned this to my current instructor and he won't allow it. He said when I signed up for a class, I signed a form saying he won't allow referrals and we must do all parts of the class with him.

I'm frustrated. All I want to do is be certified and start diving! Can he do this? Isn't it a right for the student to complete the class as he/she would like to complete it? Are there NAUI regulations about this? Any help or suggestions on this would be much appreciated! Thanks!

I'd contact NAUI and ask them.

NAUI Worldwide Headquarters
PO Box 89789
Tampa, FL. 33689-0413
USA
800-553-6284 Toll-Free

nauihq@naui.org

Did you tell your Instructor about your booking commitments when you made them ?

Regards
Richard

Thanks for the NAUI contact info. I tried calling and unfortunately it's after hours...will email though.

I made the trip plans shortly after starting the class. About a month ago, I did inform him of the "deadline". He said it shouldn't be a problem and he'd try his best to get me certified in time, but he can't make any guarantees because it all depends on the weather. With 2 weeks left, it seems like 2 days of diving shouldn't be a problem, but he's only available once a week and seems to want perfect conditions to take us out. Wouldn't you think that 12 weeks is enough time to get certified? Especially seeing that most certification classes run 2 weekends?

I would tell in a firm manner that you want your referral NOW...For reasons you do not want to get into you do not wish to complete ow traing dives with HIM.If he cannot give you your referral then you want a full refund..This is based on what you say and that you completed all objectives/skills required.If you did not complete all requirements then he is right in withholding a referral.

I don't know how NAUI works, but in the PADI referral system its the instructor doing the referral that actually certifies you. I'd bet that's what your current instructor is concerned with. I agree with Steve, call NAUI in the morning and find out what your options are.

Hi jenth,

You should contact NAUI Regarding their referral policy. I would be extremely surprised it they did not have a liberal referral program for certification dives. They may support you for your certification dives. On the other hand, it would be unfortunate if you signed an agreement that limited your certification dives to your current instructor. As hard as this is to believe, you would have to investigate whether this contract is enforceable, again, NAUI may be able to help you.

Best of luck, good diving, Craig

Thanks to everyone for your help! Seems like my best option is to contact NAUI and see if they have anything to say about it. So far, I've made a few phone calls and have emailed them. All I can do is wait...I will update once I get any sort of response.

Fingers crossed!

Don't know where in CA you are located, but weather seems to be his excuse for his other time constraints. Yes we've had a few occasional bad days but were able postpone to the next weekend or dive from other beach locations, boats to different sites, or Ferry to Casino Point at Catalina. Since mid-January, (the approximate amount of time you've been in this class) I have started and completed 6 seperate OW classes (in SoCal) usually meeting 2-3x/week (3.5-4 hrs/session) for 3 weeks with a final Sat/Sun of diving.
Get a copy of the contract so you know the fine print that you agreed to in writing, take it up with the LDS owner (not just the instructor) and contact NAUI.
Good luck completing your training and enjoy your dive vacation!

I am working, "behind the scenes" to help out here, but the situation has made me curious ... forgetting for the moment about any supplementary no-referral agreement, is there a requirement in any agency that an instructor make a referral if asked to?