PADI Regulations & question - where are they??

[littletunny]

Where can I find the PADI regulations online?

I took the classroom and confined water portions about 9 years ago. What is the protocol for being allowed to do the open water dives and get certified? Do I take a refresher course? Do I take the written test?

I spent two semesters in college doing the classroom and confined water portions and I dont want it to go to waste.

Plus I dont have the cash to take the entire course over again.

THANKS!

[meierdierck]

I dont think anyone will honor 9 year old classroom, and you would be better off taking the course as it has been so long,
as for the regulations, you need an instructor pass to access the material like online regulations, what else are you looking for?

[k374]

According to my LDS you have to complete everything from the time you start the course to all OW dives within a 6-month period otherwise you have to start all over again.

[Red_5]

I think you need to do the whole thing over, but I can't find reference to such time constraints to anything other than Referrals.

you're probably better off re-doing the class. 9 years ago was a long time.

can you get a referral from the place that did your confined water training? records are usually kept for 7 years. w/o a referral, I'm thinking you'd be hard pressed to be able to do much at any PADI organisation.



ETA: were you certified as a Basic Diver or Scuba Diver?

[meierdierck]

According to my LDS you have to complete everything from the time you start the course to all OW dives within a 6-month period otherwise you have to start all over again.

I am not sure about 6mos, I do know a referal is good for 12 months and it can be extended another 12 months,(that is pretty much where he stopped) and our LDS gives students 12 mos to complete the OW and most other courses before charging students again, but I cant find any regulation about time to complete the OW course, still I doubt anyone would honor a 9 yr old classroom portion, I wouldnt.

[@sea]

Even in the past few years there has been some changes in the (PADI) Open Water Course.
So as you have done it 9 years ago. I think the best is always for you to be up to date.
which ever the changes are...

Most probably 9 years ago they did not even have the Scuba Diver Course. Which basically is
half of the open water.If you wont be able complete the whole open water now. Go for the
scuba diver. Save a bit more and do the rest and get the whole OW.

You get a certification. But restricted. 12m Max..etc..

[NČ - OČ diver]

Or,.. you can find an instructor ho is your friend aswell an will charge you only the padi fee and materials for the course. You do have to pass with an 75 %. Luckely you have done the theoretically part already as the confined water. So it is never a waste to be remembered by. this time the course will be muth easier to do than before, because most of the things will be the same. And besides,.. the skils are a lot of fun to do :-))

[oly5050user]

Sorry but..Standards dictate that you have 1 year from the date of confined water/knowledge development to complete the 4 ow training dives.Any longer than that you start ALL over again. Everything including knowledge reviews-qiz-final exam-pool work..Being it has been 9 years(guess you were not motivated back then) you will need to get new current crewpack or do course online.If done online still will need to purchase a training log and current rdp or eRDPml.

[meierdierck]

FOUND IT, PG 27 GENERAL STANDARDS & PRACTICE, F.A.Q
There is no time limit as long as the student diver resumes training
with the same instructor. Training may also continue at the
same dive center or resort if team teaching is practiced. Keep in
mind that after an interruption remediation is probably necessary
before the student continues.
Also, if the break in training is 12 months or greater, have
the student diver complete new administrative paperwork
including a liability release, medical statement and Safe Diving
Practices Statement of Understanding.

[Red_5]

FOUND IT, PG 27 GENERAL STANDARDS & PRACTICE, F.A.Q
There is no time limit as long as the student diver resumes training
with the same instructor. Training may also continue at the
same dive center or resort if team teaching is practiced. Keep in
mind that after an interruption remediation is probably necessary
before the student continues.
Also, if the break in training is 12 months or greater, have
the student diver complete new administrative paperwork
including a liability release, medical statement and Safe Diving
Practices Statement of Understanding.


I saw that. Also Q:13 (p.28) may be applicable, hence my reference to Basic Diver

[meierdierck]

I saw that. Also Q:13 (p.28) may be applicable, hence my reference to Basic Diver

Prior to 1987, there were two entry-level PADI certifications -
Basic Diver and Open Water Diver. Basic Divers completed most
of the same performance requirements as Open Water Divers,
however, they only completed two training dives.
To upgrade a Basic Diver, conduct a PADI Scuba Review
program, remediating knowledge and skills as necessary. Then,
conduct Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4 and include the Controlled
Emergency Swimming Ascent on one of the dives. (You
may conduct a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent on Dive
3 only if you omit the buddy breathing ascent.)

HIS CLASS WAS 9 YRS AGO, 2000, I DONT GET IT?

[dkktsunami]

Nine years ago and you don't want it to go to waste? Kinda like an old maid changing her mind. Seriously, it would be a lot smarter and safer to start over. Nine years down the road things are a lot different.

[Walter]

Prior to 1987, there were two entry-level PADI certifications -
Basic Diver and Open Water Diver.

Close, it changed in January 1986.

[Red_5]

true, just grasping at things that may help the op, ya never know.

[meierdierck]

Close, it changed in January 1986.

walter let padi know, cause i cut/ paste from their book

[farsidefan1]

Let me make sure I understand this. You took a classroom course 9 yrs ago with some confined dives and havn't been diving since?? Is that accurate? If so then I suggest the following. Dude, don't worry about wasted dollars and time spent redoing the classwork. To assume you remember enough to be a safe diver is... an open application to be featured in the next Darwin awards posting. Perhaps you have a memory to shame an elephant but things change. Spend the money and time and take the class and do the dives.

[littletunny]

Thanks for all the replys.

It is interesting that the PADI regs go out of their way to state there is no time limit. Some are saying you must complete your open water within 6 months - others say a year - the regs say no time limit??

Technology wise has that much changed?

Not trying to cut corners here but I did spend 1 semester doing the classroom portion and 1 semester in the pool. That is nothing to sneeze at. I still have the PADI manual as well as the dive table and log.

[Red_5]

what really counts is the place you choose and what their requirements are.

[littletunny]

what really counts is the place you choose and what their requirements are.


Thanks Red.

So its really up to the instructor to size me up?

[Red_5]

Thanks Red.

So its really up to the instructor to size me up?

yeah, we can talk rules/regs/laws/whatever for a long time.

what it really boils down to is what the facility/instructor(s) is willing to do.

There are legal aspects that they have to take into consideration.

[rligon]

going back to a part of the original query, is there a site where non-pro divers can read the PADI rules or is this only in the professional section?

[meierdierck]

So its really up to the instructor to size me up?

it is up to the ORIGINAL INSTRUCTOR,
why didnt you just finish this 9 yrs ago?



It is interesting that the PADI regs go out of their way to state there is no time limit. Some are saying you must complete your open water within 6 months - others say a year - the regs say no time limit?


Technology wise has that much changed?


Not trying to cut corners here but I did spend 1 semester doing the classroom portion and 1 semester in the pool. That is nothing to sneeze at. I still have the PADI manual as well as the dive table and log.
PADI states that, it is up to the ORIGINAL INSTRUCTOR to determine whether you can meet the requirements and to evaluate whether they are comfortable giving you a PADI card, it is also up to the instructor/ dive shop to determine wheter they want to continue your training or make you start fresh after 6 mos or a year, or whatever their policy is, in other words, the instructor/ dive shop can do whatever they want, there is purposely no regulatiion, but I am willing to guess if it took an entire semester to teach you the PADI classroom, and another semester to teach you the confined water, for your own safety and well being maybe you should just redo it, if you are so confident in your regurgitation abilities it should be no problem

the course has changed dramatically, the wheel is gone, the rdp that replaced it is gone, the erdp that replaced the rpd is now obsolete, and the entire course can be done as computer only, that is 1 example, another is the entire semester you spent in classroom is all online, completely independant of your instructor.

this is usually taught in a weekend,
what answer are you looking for, not one person has said you will be better off to just pick up where you left off, maybe you should accept that the course you took 9 yrs ago is gone and if you would like to go diving you should take an open water course and learn how to properly do something that can very quickly kill you

[meierdierck]

going back to a part of the original query, is there a site where non-pro divers can read the PADI rules or is this only in the professional section?

as far as i know it is in the padi pro section online, and in the instructors manual, and quarterly updates are in the Undersea Journal, but it is not a big secret, I assure you if you cant find the answer to a standards question on ScubaBoard (prob beaten into the ground) ask your question and we will be happy to give you more information than you ever wanted(beat it into the ground)

[NČ - OČ diver]

the rdp that replaced it is gone, the erdp that replaced the rpd is now obsolete, and

the latest instructor manual, that i have received to prepare myself to my idc does not mentioned any notice that the Erdp replace the rdp.

My edittion is from 2008 received 2 months ago.

I have been communicating over and over with Padi Europe.

so as i have been reading your remark and so i am doubting again :-(

[RJP]

Plus I dont have the cash to take the entire course over again.

THANKS!

If $$$ is the driving factor, you should realize that it would probably cost you about the same to just do the OW dives as it would to just do the whole class.

[littletunny]

it is up to the ORIGINAL INSTRUCTOR,
why didnt you just finish this 9 yrs ago?


what answer are you looking for, not one person has said you will be better off to just pick up where you left off, maybe you should accept that the course you took 9 yrs ago is gone and if you would like to go diving you should take an open water course and learn how to properly do something that can very quickly kill you

Because the instructor never tolds us that if you didn't do open water in XX amount of days, your 2 semesters of training would be void.

The answer I am looking for are for whatever the regs require!!! Quit busting my balls. I have found my answer. Their is NO time limit. PADI wrote that for a reason.

Stop passing judgement. Sheez.

[Damselfish]

Having taken the OW class in college where you get to spend lots of time on stuff is a good thing and it's sure to be easier for you, but doing it 9 years ago I would still retake the class. It's one thing to have a gap with no diving if you've already had some experience diving. But when you haven't ever been in OW yet let alone done any real diving, that's a little different. I can't imagine that you're going to find an instructor, even your original, willing to just jump into OW dives without significant review and demonstration of skills. And that would likely be cheaper in a regular class than private anyway, so it's hard to see you saving any money. (And unless you already have all your gear or a source of free rentals, if saving a few bucks on class is a show stopper you've got other hurdles here.)

[meierdierck]

Because the instructor never tolds us that if you didn't do open water in XX amount of days, your 2 semesters of training would be void.

The answer I am looking for are for whatever the regs require!!! Quit busting my balls. I have found my answer. Their is NO time limit. PADI wrote that for a reason.

Stop passing judgement. Sheez.

you are right, I apologize, I was hasty and probably should have looked at it from your perspective, before passing judgement....

I am sure when you explain to the instructor the they never told you about a time limit and that PADI wrote this rule and he should not try to screw you out of the OW fees you paid 9 years ago, he will honor his obligation and get you certified in a timely and efficient manner,

If they give you any crap about it you can call 1 800 PAY PADI, and ask for the quality control dept, or email Steve Mortell, Supervisor Training & Quality Mgmt steve.mortell@padi.com and I am sure he will be happy to make everything alright.

BTW_ what college did you take your course at? just curious

[oly5050user]

there is a time limit on the referral..if ow dives are not completed it lapses and entire course would have to be repeated.IF you can find your original instructor and he is willing to accept the liability on you not redoing entire course you accept the risks. It is on the referral letter and in the training log book that you have 1 year..Not trying to bust b**** but to think that an instructor would take the liability to take you on training dives is wrong.Even for someone completely certified 9 yrs ago,did the 4 dives and none since would have to undergo extensive remediation before I take them in ow.To complete a refresher course along with all the paperwork involved(kr's-quizez-final)and pool work would cost more than taking a standard group class.We recently had a certified Dm that has not dove in many years retake an entire ow course with his daughters and he had issues but got thru everything ok.He was glad that he went that route, and I commend him on it..

[Drew Sailbum]

Because the instructor never tolds us that if you didn't do open water in XX amount of days, your 2 semesters of training would be void.

The answer I am looking for are for whatever the regs require!!! Quit busting my balls. I have found my answer. Their is NO time limit. PADI wrote that for a reason.

Stop passing judgement. Sheez.

Do not read more into it than the standard states. There is no time limit only if you continue training with the original instructor or original shop if they used team teaching.

Any other option to complete only open water training dives would involve a referral. There is a time limit of one year since the last training segment to complete a referral.

Any instructor who would continue with just check out dives at this point is stark raving mad. At an absolute minimum the original instructor would require an academic review and review of all skills in confined water. You would probably need to pay for one-on-one time with the instructor. Financially you would probably come out ahead to just do the whole course over again. rather than pay for the one-on-one review.

[farsidefan1]

Clearly you have your answer, the only one you want to hear. I wish you good luck, you need buckets of it.

[DevonDiver]

I just pity the instructor who has to explain this to the OPs face.......

Really dude...after a 9 year gap...forget it. I doubt there is an instructor on this planet who would take you straight into the water after a 9 year gap.

Even with experienced, certified, divers, a 9 year lay-off requires considerable re-training.

And...I extremely doubt that the shop/instructor concerned have even maintained/stored your records for this long.

And...regardless of what the regulations state... it is the personal decision of the instructor concerned as to what training/re-training you require. PADI will support their decision 100%.

The regulations are not published publically, because they are there for the guidance of instructors...and not a tool for cash-strapped, wannabie lawyers to threaten dive professionals with.

If you don't want to pay for the training.... just buy some kit off ebay and take yourself diving...preferably not in the vacinity of other divers...so, at least, you won't pose a risk to them as you kill yourself.

[offgasn]

If you don't want to pay for the training.... just buy some kit off ebay and take yourself diving...preferably not in the vacinity of other divers...so, at least, you won't pose a risk to them as you kill yourself.:

there are "cheaper" ways to kill yourself.:dork2:

[DevonDiver]

:

there are "cheaper" ways to kill yourself.:dork2:


Yep.... an uncertified diver could always borrow a set of equipment, instead of buying it. :lotsalove:

[littletunny]

If you don't want to pay for the training.... just buy some kit off ebay and take yourself diving...preferably not in the vacinity of other divers...so, at least, you won't pose a risk to them as you kill yourself.

OK cool guy. Maybe when I am certified I can have a cool avatar of myself wading through the surf. I hope my instructor is not as big of d@#^head as you. :shakehead:

I have found my answer. Consider this thread dead.

I appreciate all the other professional responses.

[DevonDiver]

Ha ha... I consider myself 'told'.

I do hope you realise that my tongue-in-cheek comment was only meant to reinforce the importance of undertaking proper training before attempting scuba.

I do understand that such training can be expensive, but your safety, health and well-being will depend upon the quality of training you recieve.

Please don't attempt to short-cut or cost-cut to get your certification.

[RJP]

I hope my instructor is not as big of d@#^head as you. :shakehead:



If you do find a shop/instructor willing to conduct your four OW dives after a 9 year "break" in training please be sure to post their name and information here.

You'd be doing a great service to other scuba divers looking for good, responsible scuba instruction.

:shakehead:

[littletunny]

Ha ha... I consider myself 'told'.

I do hope you realise that my tongue-in-cheek comment was only meant to reinforce the importance of undertaking proper training before attempting scuba.

I do understand that such training can be expensive, but your safety, health and well-being will depend upon the quality of training you recieve.

Please don't attempt to short-cut or cost-cut to get your certification.

Suurrrreee. Nice try buddy. You took a cheap shot and I called you out on it.

[Peter Guy]

I dont need a lecture. Oh but you do, you really do!

[meierdierck]

I just pity the instructor who has to explain this to the OPs face.......

Really dude...after a 9 year gap...forget it. I doubt there is an instructor on this planet who would take you straight into the water after a 9 year gap.

Even with experienced, certified, divers, a 9 year lay-off requires considerable re-training.

And...I extremely doubt that the shop/instructor concerned have even maintained/stored your records for this long.

And...regardless of what the regulations state... it is the personal decision of the instructor concerned as to what training/re-training you require. PADI will support their decision 100%.

The regulations are not published publically, because they are there for the guidance of instructors...and not a tool for cash-strapped, wannabie lawyers to threaten dive professionals with.

If you don't want to pay for the training.... just buy some kit off ebay and take yourself diving...preferably not in the vacinity of other divers...so, at least, you won't pose a risk to them as you kill yourself.

HEY, BACK OFF BUDDY! SHE DOESNT NEED A LECTURE FROM YOU!!! WHY CANT YOU BE SUPPORTIVE, JERK........:rofl3:

I wish I could be there to see her explain this to the instructor, :rofl3: "you want me to what? after 9 years? are you F'ing serious?"

especially over what cant amount to more than a couple hundred $$, she could have made that much if she put as much effort into work, rather than trying to work the system,

I think she should buy some gear online an just go, she spent a whole semester learning this stuff, she'll be fine....hopefully before she reproduces:shakehead:

[meierdierck]

Yep.... an uncertified diver could always borrow a set of equipment, instead of buying it. :lotsalove:

I have some gear in the shed she can use:D
I dont even need it back....

[DevonDiver]

Suurrrreee. Nice try buddy. You took a cheap shot and I called you out on it.


Not really... I was just trying to save you from your seemingly inevitable desire to test Darwin's Law. :popcorn:

Like I said earlier, I am just glad I won't be the instructor who has to deal with you in person.....

[scuba dew]

take the course over