With so many choices on the market now, why choose PADI for your diving certification? After all, diving is seen to be such a safe sport these days, who cares what is taught. It must be good, right??? Many will argue that it is the instructor that makes all the difference to the course, not the agency they teach. That is especially true with entry level courses. So how do you choose the best from all those voices shouting to you, "Come and dive with us"!!!
First, PADI have a laid down set of rules and standards, which PADI members sign up to adhere to. These standards cover the full range for what is expected to be achieved in order to complete the course. Also, they state what materials shall be used in presenting and teaching the course. Each student should have their own manual to keep and take away with them.
Second, PADI is truely global, most courses are available in all modern languages. Once you have your certification, your training record is kept on a central database. Lost your card or left it at home when on vacation? No problem! New cards can be ordered from padi.com or you local friendly PADI Professional can check your certification level, on-line, before you go diving.
Last, but not least, PADI put in place the International Resort and Retailers Association (IRRA). Under this body, dive centres and dive resorts can be regulated and controlled. IRRA Standards will define the level a dive centre much reach and maintain in order to trade as a PADI Centre. Such standards cover areas such as equipment, air quality, first aid kits, emergency oxygen sets, staff qualification levels, etc., etc., etc........
So, now you are walking down the strip of your new resort area, looking for that all important PADI logo. It's everywhere! No PADI individual member is allowed to put that logo over his door, only IRRA members. The logos go up anyway, because everyone knows that logo will bring in customers. How they are served is another question...... Many shops are run by non PADI members and pay some holiday worker to teach courses. The shop owner dictates the course provided, not PADI. Shortcuts are taken and safety overlooked. You can end up paying more for such a course than at a genuine PADI centre, but more often cheap, you didn't drown, so you must have learned everything there is to know.............. yes?
To be continued..................
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