knotical:
From a 1999 Dive Training magazine article:
1951, Scripps Institution organized the first civilian diving course in the US, for scientific divers.
1954, LA County developed the first recreational diver training program.
1959, YMCA offered the first nation-wide program.
1960, NAUI
1961, NASDS
1966, PADI
etc.
Too bad the article didnt discuss training agencies in other countries.
Thanks for the accurate info.
Al Tillman is known as the father of recreational scuba diving
in the USA. He founded both the 1st Los Angeles Underwater Instructors
Certification Course (1LAUICC) and NAUI.(
http://www.lascuba.com/tillman.html)
His signature is on my 1966 NAUI certificate I got in Florida.
The guy was "Saint Scuba" in my book. (Cousteau was a tad higher)
NAUI is, in reality, a "Califlorida" (both states) operation.(Los Angeles/Tampa)(formerly Ft. Lauderdale)
PADI was founded by NAUI instructors.
MY LDS four blocks away is owned by a NAUI instructor and managed by
a PADI instructor. They're both great guys! Know 'em both. We're down by
the University of Texas at Austin campus. (Jenna Bush school.)
Lots of divers have various certs from BOTH NAUI and PADI!!!!
The PADI instructor said, to me, six months ago, and I quote:
"NAUI's in all the universities/PADI's in all the resorts....otherwise....same course"
I agree
Here in UT town we have thousands of NAUI/PADI/NAUI-PADI combo divers.
.
NO ONE has the right to "dis" PADI...........except NAUI!(it's a frat type of thing)
And should you decide on PADI, always remember: "PayAlotDiveImmediately"
(I couldn't resist, sorry.)
Universal scuba truth: "The best scuba course is the one I took"
BTW, please be on the lookout for the fantastic new NAPUDI course.
(National Association of Professional Underwater Diving Instructors)
I'm gonna start it on my kitchen table next month, I think, well, maybe..
Well everybody else is starting a dive course!
Cheers