New to the forum..but a retread with a question

[AA3JY]

Hi..names Clay from Pa. now getting back into the sport. First certified in 1973 with the NASDS program given by Herbs' Dive Shop in Daytona Beach,Fl.. I understand that the NASDS program merged with SSI in 1999 and that the old records where destroyed in a 1977 fire. I have my old cards and I understand that SSI will replace my old cards until Feb. 1 2012 where they will not offer that service again.

I'm Open Water cert. with cave dive experience signed off under the old NASDS program and have numerous cave and spring dives through out Fla. My question is: I'm planning on a trip to Cancun,Mexico will the local dive shops accept the old card(s)..in particular be able to experience the wonder's of Cancuns famous underwater caves?

Thanks,

Clay Owen
Kimberton,Pa.

[Oldbear]

Clay,

Welcome to Scubaboard. I cannot speak to what a Dive Operator will do in Cancun, but I highly recommend partaking in the SSI replacement program. You might also repost your questions in tow other places within the Scuba Forum.

The first place is Forum - Scuba Diving Central -Q and A for Scuba Certification Agencies
I would pose your certification question here.

The second place is Forum - Regional Forums and Dive Clubs - Mexico
I would ask for recommendations on good Cave Diving operators in the Cancun regoin and then contact them directly about your certs.

Remember...the only bad question is the one never asked.

Good luck,

~Michael~

[TSandM]

I don't think you'd have any problems with your old card for OW diving, or for cavern tours.

You might have to do a bit of convincing with a cave guide, though, especially if you don't have any recent cave experience.

[AA3JY]

Clay,

Welcome to Scubaboard. I cannot speak to what a Dive Operator will do in Cancun, but I highly recommend partaking in the SSI replacement program. You might also repost your questions in tow other places within the Scuba Forum.

The first place is Forum - Scuba Diving Central -Q and A for Scuba Certification Agencies
I would pose your certification question here.

The second place is Forum - Regional Forums and Dive Clubs - Mexico
I would ask for recommendations on good Cave Diving operators in the Cancun regoin and then contact them directly about your certs.

Remember...the only bad question is the one never asked.

Good luck,

~Michael~

Hi Michael-

I've been in touch with SSI..appearently they will not accept any of my "Skills" that where signed off on the old NASDS program(remember know NASDS merged with SSI in 1999)..plus they want to charge for issuing an SSI card...

Is it really worth it?

[DivemasterDennis]

TSandM is correct about cenote diving on the Yucatan. There are plenty of escorted dives and an open water credential is sufficient.
divemasterDennis

[KARLAMAD]

Hi Clay, This is Karla with Mayan Aqua Dive Team, we acept a old cards but the most importatnt is how you feal into the wather, we make 2 trip to the Cenote every weck diferents places in the Riviera Maya. If you can contact me to send you all the information about Cenotes in the area can be nice. info@mayanaquadive.com Thanks. Sorry about my english!

[dive pro]

Hello Clay, I cannot speak for other dive centers, but old cards have been an issue at times, specially for Cave Diving, I know a lot of very good Cave divers and as TSandM points out it will be hard to convince a Cave Guide to take you in.
My suggestion is to do whatever you need to do and update your status to avoid any doubts or questions, I have been in the business for 15 years and have seen a lot. I do not doubt you at all but have had several old card or no card holders that when brought in the pool to check skill did not know several important skills to actually dive, much less Cave diving.

Nasds had a great course, but you state that you are an Open Water Diver with cave experience, and in this area, Cave Guides take it super seriously and you must show a CAVE DIVER CERTIFICATION CARD

Now as for Caverns, what I would do is ask to see your old card and compare it with another photo ID you have, then have you dive a shallow couple of tanks and then if all is right and buoyancy skill is verified, off you go to the CAVERNS NOT CAVES.
HOPE THIS INFO HELPS.

In any case I do recommend you to spend the money and have a new card so there are no issues for you and the dive service provider has no doubts.

[AA3JY]

Hello Clay, I cannot speak for other dive centers, but old cards have been an issue at times, specially for Cave Diving, I know a lot of very good Cave divers and as TSandM points out it will be hard to convince a Cave Guide to take you in.
My suggestion is to do whatever you need to do and update your status to avoid any doubts or questions, I have been in the business for 15 years and have seen a lot. I do not doubt you at all but have had several old card or no card holders that when brought in the pool to check skill did not know several important skills to actually dive, much less Cave diving.

Nasds had a great course, but you state that you are an Open Water Diver with cave experience, and in this area, Cave Guides take it super seriously and you must show a CAVE DIVER CERTIFICATION CARD

Now as for Caverns, what I would do is ask to see your old card and compare it with another photo ID you have, then have you dive a shallow couple of tanks and then if all is right and buoyancy skill is verified, off you go to the CAVERNS NOT CAVES.
HOPE THIS INFO HELPS.

In any case I do recommend you to spend the money and have a new card so there are no issues for you and the dive service provider has no doubts.

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions..
I have updated (refreshed)with SSI and probably the last individual to be able to transfer NASDS card over to SSI as the last day to do this was Jan.31.

I've also signed up with the NSS-CDS to take their courses. My goal to be both competent and safe and to have an enjoyable (with little stress) time in Cancun.

Thanks again,

Clay
Kimberton,Pa.