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After a long time of periodic warm water resort diving, I finally got back "into" diving and as of this weekend will have my AOW and Basic NITROX through PADI at my LDS.
I want to get RESCUE before the season ends here in New Jersey, but it doesn't look like my LDS will be able to swing the class before Dutch Springs closes for the winter.
However, a nearby shop in NYC is doing the course in October through SSI.
Does anyone care that you get certs from multiple agencies at this level? At this point, I could easily have 4 certs with 3 agencies.
What makes it even more of a mess is that I am toying with the idea of getting Master Diver through NAUI...
It's the instructor, not the agency.
It's the instructor, not the agency.
It's the instructor, not the agency.
Ohhhmmm.
There is some tiny marginal benefit in having certifications through multiple agencies should you end up on vacation having forgotten your c-cards. Hopefully, at least one of your certifying agencies could verify your training promptly.
You can have multiple certs from different agencies and although much of the content is standard it is the instructor who makes the difference.
Find and instructor who is competent, experienced and whose personality agrees with you.
Just as a sidelight, being a PDIC Open water diver why not go back to PDIC for your diver stress and rescue training. The program is quite good and challenging to boot.
The Dive Supervisor Program ( Divemaster or Divecon in other agencies ) is likewise very enriching. It's a little navy in its orientation but with a little patience, practice, study, and training it can create an outstanding dive leader.
However I disagree with DeepTechScuba on the Dive Master issue. I have both PADI DM and SSI Dive CON. Dive con is a much better class the DM. Lots more information and water time and you can make lots more money as a Dive Con.
Have to disagree with DeepTech on his rankings but thats a completely different thread. If the instructor from the other shop is good- do some research ask some questions and make an informed decision.
I'll agree with the statement, it is the instructor not the agency except for the NAUI Master diver course. Now that is an educational experience that should be required before you can attempt going for dm in any agency.
Check with the SSI shop you were considering for Stress and Rescue and ask to speak to the instructor. If you like him and he seems knowledgable, go with them, if he seems like a jerk, leave.
The instructor is the biggest factor in a class, but there are big differences between agencies as well - in all courses that I've ever examined.
Keep in mind, the instructor learned what to teach and how from a particular agency. If his agency doesn't teach it, it's not likely he knows it. Agency does matter if you care about learning.
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