PADI C Cards

[MargaritaMike]

I can only find 3 of my 12 certifications, most of which I obtained in the 1980's. Of the 9 that I can't find there is only one that I would like to have - just to have. Also, the pictures on the cards I DO have are not exactly current - I am much more handsome now. When I was certified it was pretty hard to take a picture with your cell phone and keep it so it would be available for a dive op to look at - CELL PHONES DIDN'T EXIST! The did have photocopies, but who thinks that after 20 or 30 years, there may be something lost in shipping or accidentally tossed and they would need a photocopy (even if it had not disintegrated from age). I realize the cost of a replacement card covers overhead costs, but it would seem that if a diver is proud enough of their certification to replace the C-card, then the issuing agency could provide something that a diver would be proud to expose. Heck, they MAY want to frame it.

I don't want to get on the subject of the reasonableness of fees since I've been told that I shouldn't question things like that so I would blend in on here. I just want something that I could frame.

Cheers - M²

 

[pconsidine]

I was not aware that the replacement cards are not the same qualit lamination as original cards. I would suggest storing your C-Cards in plastic sleeves in a small binder with your log books- this is a good way not to lose them...

 

[TMHeimer]

I was not aware that the replacement cards are not the same qualit lamination as original cards. I would suggest storing your C-Cards in plastic sleeves in a small binder with your log books- this is a good way not to lose them...

Agree, that's where my originals are. Don't lose the book, unless you also have that copied. Of course, many don't use paper books today anyway.

 

[pconsidine]

Agree, that's where my originals are. Don't lose the book, unless you also have that copied. Of course, many don't use paper books today anyway.

I still use a log book-even after 500 dives- ood to list dive buddies, what you saw,amont of lead -or trying near gear.

 

[Danski]

Not sure if the best thread but I belive so =)

I've got a Positive Identification Card (PIC) from PADI in my hand that was signed and filled out by the instructor for the Nitrox cert. Due to postal issues in the country I took it the instructor asked me to post it myself, how ever there is one field missing I see now. What should I fill in here of the three options (attached image)?
1. Referral
2. Original card
3. Replacement card

Thanks for the help!

 

[pconsidine]

Not sure if the best thread but I belive so =)

I've got a Positive Identification Card (PIC) from PADI in my hand that was signed and filled out by the instructor for the Nitrox cert. Due to postal issues in the country I took it the instructor asked me to post it myself, how ever there is one field missing I see now. What should I fill in here of the three options (attached image)?
1. Referral
2. Original card
3. Replacement card

View attachment 429194

Thanks for the help!

fill in original card. I am suprised the Instructor did not do certification processing online since it only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

 

[Scuba Scott]

I am suprised the Instructor did not do certification processing online since it only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Online is super fast and easy but if you already purchased a big stack of the paper envelopes you would want to use those up.

 

[Danski]

Thanks pconsidine!

I'm sure the reason for using paper is because the instructor in questions lives on a boat (liveaboard) in the middle of nowhere with only satellite phone for emergencies. The half day of GSM every 10 days when the boat goes ashore is really unstable as well.

 

[NCjones]

Whats a C-card?

I walk up to the counter, tell them my name and DOB and tell them to spend 15 seconds on the computer. Anything they need to know is on the PADI website.

If the shop monkey is too lazy to take his happy ass over to the computer and go to PADI.com then I go spend my money elsewhere.

That's why PADI created the system. So dive operators can verify certs online.

In fact, we had some Special Ops soldiers who finished the cert and passed the exam then refused to have their picture taken and stored an a server somewhere. Instructor told them they couldn't be certified unless they had their picture taken.
JAG contacted PADI and inquired as to how they could legally withhold a cert after they accepted the students fee, and the student met all the requirements and passed the final exam. PADI's reply was, "We don't issue C-Cards without a photo. But the soldiers are certified. All they have to do is tell the dive shop their name and DOB to verify any PADI cert."

A plastic card isn't a "certification". The plastic card is evidence of your certification.

 

[tursiops]

Whats a C-card?

I walk up to the counter, tell them my name and DOB and tell them to spend 15 seconds on the computer. Anything they need to know is on the PADI website.

If the shop monkey is too lazy to take his happy ass over to the computer and go to PADI.com then I go spend my money elsewhere.

That's why PADI created the system. So dive operators can verify certs online.

In fact, we had some Special Ops soldiers who finished the cert and passed the exam then refused to have their picture taken and stored an a server somewhere. Instructor told them they couldn't be certified unless they had their picture taken.
JAG contacted PADI and inquired as to how they could legally withhold a cert after they accepted the students fee, and the student met all the requirements and passed the final exam. PADI's reply was, "We don't issue C-Cards without a photo. But the soldiers are certified. All they have to do is tell the dive shop their name and DOB to verify any PADI cert."

A plastic card isn't a "certification". The plastic card is evidence of your certification.

It is a good story but doesn't sound quite right. To be certified, the instructor has to send in a form - or do it on-line -- that requires a picture. The cetification is then on file at PADI HQ. Yes, the card is incidental, but the certification itself rquires a picture. Similarly with an email address for the student. No email, no certification.