CT-Rich
Contributor
I did the older NAUI program and I really looked forward to the classes. I was looking to learn rather than get certified. I recall it being a couple of times a week with pool sessions and going for months. I enjoyed every class. I did my Nitrox certification (the tech version) with SDI online and it was quick and easy (I learned on tables, so just an extension of something I learned decades ago).
Better? Worse? Different mostly. The SCUBA DIVER training I received was very comprehensive and thorough. I got to know people in the class and we had fun in class together. How well do you know anyone that you did your OW course with? I did ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR in college and it was a full semester course. I had one evening meeting with the instructor for my NIXTROX and my daughter's OW class met twice in the class and twice in the pool and then two days of Openwater. I enjoyed the camaraderie of my early training. I doubt my daughter felt a connection to peers like I or @AfterDark did.
I was certified, but I also learned to dive. As others have said, not all students get both in the current system.
Better? Worse? Different mostly. The SCUBA DIVER training I received was very comprehensive and thorough. I got to know people in the class and we had fun in class together. How well do you know anyone that you did your OW course with? I did ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR in college and it was a full semester course. I had one evening meeting with the instructor for my NIXTROX and my daughter's OW class met twice in the class and twice in the pool and then two days of Openwater. I enjoyed the camaraderie of my early training. I doubt my daughter felt a connection to peers like I or @AfterDark did.
I was certified, but I also learned to dive. As others have said, not all students get both in the current system.