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I used an instructor out of Georgia and was very happy with the quality and cost of training. Paying more does not necessarily mean better training. Ask around (of course every diver's instructor was the best) and you will find the instructors who teach often and produce some very good divers.
I used Atlanta Technical Divers. My instructor was Mark Pergrem (CDS/IANTD/TDI/PSAI) for cavern through full cave. I am sending my #1 son to train with him if that gives you any idea of what I think of him. Mark's website has the cost of the classes he teaches. Remeber, training is purchased. Certification is earned. http://www.atlantatechnicaldivers.co...p?page=courses
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$1400 - $2000 and it lasts a lifetime if you dive often. The skills are perishable & have a 'shelf-Life".
As has been said here many times it is the instructor & not the agency nor the price that should steer your decision.
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training was 2000$ for a private course
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I agree with spacing training out. It may cost a little more, but you get to spread it out over time. You also learn a lot more. In my case all of my classes were basically private one on one training.
I took Cavern and Intro together for $500. I dove at intro level for about 4 months.
I later took Apprentice for $500. I dove at that level for about 10 months.
I later took Full for $500.
All of the training can be done in one week but I don't recommend rushing it.
These prices were the cost of instruction only. Other expenses include. Books, Gas, Entrance Fees, Food, and Hotel. Oops forgot to mention gear.
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LCD, I will repeat what has already been said. Ask around for accomplished and practicing cave instructors and solicite them directly for pricing for their time. Remember, you are not only paying for their time, but also their knowledge. You will most likely be familiar with your instructor and perhaps friends with them for many years after your training ends. That alone negates the cost factor in judging one instructor from another.
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Thank you guys so much. I am not the richest of divers so I needed a ballpark to start with. Now I got one. I do not want to just buy my cert. If that was the case I would already be cave diving. I am wanting thorough training. I am now in touch with a few instructors and just feeling them out. There is a lot to be had with this training and I want it to be worth it.
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Training and cost are an important part of divers life. A Teacher or an Instructor has to be paid for his Job, they are usually passionate about their job, but if the student pays the right amount usually the job is well done.
It is a mutual respect agreement between the teacher and his student. Cavern, Intro, Apprentice, cave, speciality course are demanding for the student and Instructor, most of us follow the same price base, it is honest for the student and the community.
Cheap course in tech diving means usually cheap class and cheap teaching, I hope we will keep high standards in the Tech diving community and we might avoid to end up like most of the recreational diving agencies.
Safe cave dives
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I second Chicken's nomination of Atlanta Technical Divers. I was also taught by Mark Pergrem as well as Richard Blackburn, both are very thorough in their training methods. I am not saying that the other instructors that are on this forum are not qualified. I can only speak from personal experience.
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LCD,
Did you get the PM I sent you with my recommendation?
Johnny Richards was an awesome instructor and a great mentor.
