Crossing Agencies??

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kanonfodr

kanonfodr

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I would like to know what the general diving public thinks about crossing agencies for training? Example: PADI OW/AOW ---> NAUI Nitrox ---> DIR Fundamentals, etc.

Thinking as an instructor, which I am not, I may possibly evaluate a diver's logbook with credentials from multiple agencies as either someone who either is a) a diver that doesn't do very well so he must switch shops regularly or b) a diver who wants a plethora of knowledge from various different philosophies or possibly a combination on the two. I wouldn't know what to do if I met a dive buddy with cards from 5 different agencies.

Peace,
Greg
 
Greg,

I got my open water cert. through SSI and my AOW from NAUI and am currently taking my rescue through NAUI. My instructor had no issue with it whatsoever and noone that I have been diving with seemed to care. Just take from the class and the instructor as much knowledge and experience that you can to become a better diver. Just my 2 cents. Happy diving and good luck.
 
As I progressed in diving I rapidly found out that a good instructor is the priority not the brand of plastic that he issues. I have C-Cards from 6 agencies (three from the same instructor)
 
kanonfodr:
I would like to know what the general diving public thinks about crossing agencies for training?
Click to expand...

The general public isn't aware there are different agencies.

kanonfodr:
Thinking as an instructor, which I am not, I may possibly evaluate a diver's logbook with credentials from multiple agencies as either someone who either is a) a diver that doesn't do very well so he must switch shops regularly or b) a diver who wants a plethora of knowledge from various different philosophies or possibly a combination on the two.
Click to expand...

As an instructor, you don't give it any thought at all.

kanonfodr:
I wouldn't know what to do if I met a dive buddy with cards from 5 different agencies.
Click to expand...

Unless it came up in conversation, you probably wouldn't know. You probably wouldn't know if the diver is even certified at all.
 
It hppens quite often here (UK). If someone does a PADI OW course on holiday and decides that they want to continue diving, they often join a BSAC or SAA club. There's a crossover chart produced by both agencies to facilitate this - BSAC here, and SAA here.

I did PADI up to DM, then joined an SAA club. I have an IANTD card too

:)
 
Appreciate the info already given. I haven't experienced much in diving education yet, so I wanted to know if there could be any implications in doing so, but it's reassuring to know that my worry wasn't such a big deal after all. Once again, many thanks.

Peace,
Greg
 
It is no big deal. It is common for divers to have multiple cards from multiple agencies, especially when one decides to get into technical diving, or professional diving. These kinds of divers are usually more willing to travel to take a course from a specific instructor.
 
I think it's actually pretty common among people with advanced certs. I have cards from five different agencies.
 
I have cards from PADI, DSAT, BSAC, SSI and TDI.

Once you get past the entry level, and onto more specialised activities, it (generally) makes more sense to pick your training on the merits of the instructor, not the agency.
 
kanonfodr:
I would like to know what the general diving public thinks about crossing agencies for training? Example: PADI OW/AOW ---> NAUI Nitrox ---> DIR Fundamentals, etc.

Thinking as an instructor, which I am not, I may possibly evaluate a diver's logbook with credentials from multiple agencies as either someone who either is a) a diver that doesn't do very well so he must switch shops regularly or b) a diver who wants a plethora of knowledge from various different philosophies or possibly a combination on the two. I wouldn't know what to do if I met a dive buddy with cards from 5 different agencies.

Peace,
Greg
Click to expand...

I have cards from 12 different agencies. Don't dive with me ... I suck. :D
 
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