RadRob
Contributor
IF you call PADI and voice your concerns because you are really worried about it, they can request records and pursue further investigation and if not given up they can terminate their affiliation with that shop and take the issue to court to sue the shop. WARNING -if PADI finds things are dangerous and the instruction or check outs weren't done correctly, they can also revoke all c-cards issued by that shop (including yours) within the time period you took your class. You can do a lot of damage to the shop if you want.
I would suggest taking up your concerns with the shop before doing something that can have a larger affect than you intended. If it means THAT much to you, just don't go back. Take your cert and go somewhere else for future purchases. The best way to get someone's attention is through their wallet. The word of mouth can do damage to them also. If you tell someone and they tell someone, then eventually it will get to the shop and they will change to make sure they keep getting business.
Regardless what others say about the likeliness of PADI doing something like this, it can/does happen. Just ask and I can tell you who to talk to at PADI and thy will share what litigation they went through with my shop because my $h!tbag partner was doing the same things (other criminal activity as well). He used gear he got at yard sales, ebay, and other places to save money, along with other things to make the classes more profitable. I would love to post his name here, but not sure if I can (SB rules or something).
BTW - classes in my area (Dallas) are $299. In some shops you can find sales or discounts on classes and get them cheaper. For inflation references, in 1997 the prices were $89.
I would suggest taking up your concerns with the shop before doing something that can have a larger affect than you intended. If it means THAT much to you, just don't go back. Take your cert and go somewhere else for future purchases. The best way to get someone's attention is through their wallet. The word of mouth can do damage to them also. If you tell someone and they tell someone, then eventually it will get to the shop and they will change to make sure they keep getting business.
Regardless what others say about the likeliness of PADI doing something like this, it can/does happen. Just ask and I can tell you who to talk to at PADI and thy will share what litigation they went through with my shop because my $h!tbag partner was doing the same things (other criminal activity as well). He used gear he got at yard sales, ebay, and other places to save money, along with other things to make the classes more profitable. I would love to post his name here, but not sure if I can (SB rules or something).
BTW - classes in my area (Dallas) are $299. In some shops you can find sales or discounts on classes and get them cheaper. For inflation references, in 1997 the prices were $89.