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Certification Question (1 Viewer)

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G

Guest

I want to buy SCUBA diving lessons for my husband and I for Christmas. I've checked out and have bookmarked two local shops in Houston that teach classes.

My first question is could someone explain to me the different certifications that are available? We want the certification that would be accepted anywhere. I've heard of the Open Water (OW, right?) and PADI but don't really know the difference. I'm just confused I guess. Any information on the different certifications available and what we should get would be appreciated.

Second - I have the follow shops bookmarked:

www.subalessonshouston.com

www.kickadyscuba.com (in The Woodlands)

Are there any others nearby I should check out? I'm leaning towards to one in The Woodlands simply for the fact that it's close to us.

Thank you! Liesl
 
W

Wildfire

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Since you're opn the north side of town, I cannot help with shops (we live South) however:

"Open Water Scuba Diver" is that Basic SCUBA entry course offered by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Other certification agencies (such as NAUI, SSI, and YMCA) do exist, with courses named "Basic SCUBA" or something of the like. They are all approximately the same.

HOWEVER, the PADI cirriculum is the system all are based off of, and is (in my mind) the most thourough of the systems. I can say this with very little bias (see signature below) since I started my recreational certifications with NAUI, and then bridged to PADI for my professional certifications.

For some more general information, check out my site http://www.divehouston.org and / or call Mike or Randy at Sport Divers, Inc. The shop is in Webster, but I have a good working relationship with them, and know that they would give you solid advice, wether you are taking a class from them or not.

If you are still unsure, or need more information, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Matt
PADI-OWSI (Open Water SCUBA Instructor)
 
L

landfish

I recommend http://www.scubalessonshouston.com/

Monte is a good guy and he has certified my wife and a bunch of my friends. What is nice about his program is you can get it done in a shorter period of time if you want. He it a good teacher and everyone I know that has gown through his classes has enjoys the class.
 
OP
OP
G

Guest

Matt, what is the going rate these days for Open water certs? I would like to get Mark his cert if possible.
 
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