PADI, NAUI, SSI requirements

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dubya

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Does anyone know where to find a source that lists the requirements and costs of the all of the (or most of the major) certifying agencies?
 
Dubya --

Costs will vary markedly between dive operations and instructors. In addition, some will quote you a low price and then hit you with extra for gear rental, checkout dives, etc. while others will quote you the whole package as a single price. It would also matter whether you were doing a normal class, semi-private or private. That said, I would figure between $150 and $300 or more for a normal open water course depending on where you go. Around $250 would probably be average.

As for standard... I can't speak for the others, but you can find the info for SSI at http://www.ssiusa.com -- The very specific training standards are here (as a PDF document) http://www.ssiusa.com/pdf/Training Standards_2003_pg30.pdf and you can get a general sense of the SSI "System" at http://www.ssiusa.com/edu.htm

(note to administrators -- I'm not trying to pump SSI here... just provide Dubya with links to direct answers to his question. If I'm out of line, please feel free to yell at me ~smile~)
 
Thanks.

I also wanted to clarify that I am not trying to argue the benefits of one agency over another--just trying to get an understanding of the basic requirements to present to a group of non-divers.
 
PADI requirments: $200.00 and a pulse.

(Just kidding!)
 
Rick Inman once bubbled...
PADI requirments: $200.00 and a pulse.

(Just kidding!)

Pulses??? Glad to see they're getting tough on people.:wacko:

Like learn said. It will vary dramatically with areas. Check a number of shops in your area. If one seems to be lowballing the others in class prices, you can almost bet that there is a catch. Check out the cost of all the basic equipment required, if they furnish all the major equipment with classes and if it is included with the open water certification dives. I know one that requires you to rent your major gear if you don't buy it before open water checkouts.

Ask a LOT of questions, if the staff tries to talk down to you, gets frustrated or tries to pressure you into signing up immeadiately. Get out. There is a catch somewhere.
 
For example, there are 2 LDS here in the Orlando area, both NAUI and here is how they shape up:

Shop A:
Air fills $1.5 (nitrox compatible)
Nitrox: $7.00 (up to 40%)
OW class: $210, includes all books & materials, rental equip, 2 boat dives, lake dives, pool sessions. Student must provide weight, belt, mask, fins, snorkle

Shop B:
Air fills: $1.00 (nitrox compatible)
Nitrox: $7.50 (up to 39%)
OW: $99, includes 2 boat dives, lake dives, pool sessions. Student must provide all gear, books & materials.

Gear rent (for OW): $65
Books (for OW): $65

Add it up & you will see the pricing strategy here!
 
Course costs are not set by the agency. They are set by the shop, college or independent instructor.

What do you mean by "requirements?"
 
by requirements, i meant length of class room instruction, number of confined water dives, and number of open water dives, etc.
 
Are you interested in the details of what is included in classroom, confined water dives, open water dives, etc.?
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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