scuba_drum,
Sorry about this happening to you. You are pissed and feel like you got screwed. You may have, but what are you trying to accomplish? If you want your money back, then deny the charges on your credit card and deal with them that way. It sounds like you are not going to get anywhere at your current LDS or with the instructor. Do you really want their name associated with yours anyway? Right or wrong, it sounds like you are done with them. You are looking to blame someone but PADI isn't the one you need to blame. It sounds like a financial contract was broken and you need to seek justice through the LDS...not PADI.
At this point, take a look at what you have so far.
1. You have completed your KR for chapters 1-9
2. You should have your rescue assessment plan
3. You should have a mapping project completed
4. You should have at least 60 logged dives
If you haven't done those 4 things, pull your books out and get to work. Get in the water and dive. As for everything else, plan on doing it all again.
So, here is a suggestion for you, once you have hit 1-4 above.
1. You walk into another dive center, sit down with the instructor and show him/her what you have done thus far. Explain to them you would like to continue your education with them because it is more convienent.
2. Retake all the exams, this time, by yourself. If you know the material, they are easy and you will do just fine.
3. Do all the waterskills with your instructor supervising and have your instructor tell you what you did good, and what you need to work on.
4. Complete your intership work with your new instructor. Working with a different instructor can give you a new perspective. Take notes and have fun!
5. Once all requirements are complete, your instructor will sign your application, and you can send it in.
Lastly, I would suggest getting a copy of the PADI instructor manual and read it. You will find a lot of great information about standards and proceedures. As a PADI divemaster, you will be expected to also understand and follow those standards.
Sorry about this happening to you. You are pissed and feel like you got screwed. You may have, but what are you trying to accomplish? If you want your money back, then deny the charges on your credit card and deal with them that way. It sounds like you are not going to get anywhere at your current LDS or with the instructor. Do you really want their name associated with yours anyway? Right or wrong, it sounds like you are done with them. You are looking to blame someone but PADI isn't the one you need to blame. It sounds like a financial contract was broken and you need to seek justice through the LDS...not PADI.
At this point, take a look at what you have so far.
1. You have completed your KR for chapters 1-9
2. You should have your rescue assessment plan
3. You should have a mapping project completed
4. You should have at least 60 logged dives
If you haven't done those 4 things, pull your books out and get to work. Get in the water and dive. As for everything else, plan on doing it all again.
So, here is a suggestion for you, once you have hit 1-4 above.
1. You walk into another dive center, sit down with the instructor and show him/her what you have done thus far. Explain to them you would like to continue your education with them because it is more convienent.
2. Retake all the exams, this time, by yourself. If you know the material, they are easy and you will do just fine.
3. Do all the waterskills with your instructor supervising and have your instructor tell you what you did good, and what you need to work on.
4. Complete your intership work with your new instructor. Working with a different instructor can give you a new perspective. Take notes and have fun!
5. Once all requirements are complete, your instructor will sign your application, and you can send it in.
Lastly, I would suggest getting a copy of the PADI instructor manual and read it. You will find a lot of great information about standards and proceedures. As a PADI divemaster, you will be expected to also understand and follow those standards.