Who's certification is better?

[MK7]

I believe Jim's biggest issue with the NAUI Cave program is the instructor process, that a single Cave IT/CD can sign off on a cave instructor versus the institute process of say the CDS

I believe that all a PADI instructor has to do to teach Cavern is to pass a full cave course. No IT sign-offs or anything.

[tbone1004]

but cavern is considered a recreational certification, not technical by most of the agencies, padi included

[gobuyastick]

The agency that isn't for-profit

[cerich]

I picked NAUI because of the 3rds issue and non-expiring cert... I did a LOT of research before picking an agency... I did not do enough research picking an instructor... Thankfully I found one (or was found) so that I could complete the course I started. Having the right instructor is the key but not a reason to disqualify an entire agency because of how that instructor was trained. Personally I have not met a NAUI instructor that wasn't serious about teaching cave at any level... Ok so I had a personality conflict with my first choice but that is life.... still think my first choice was an excellent instructor.

It is nice to have the 2 nav decisions as a option, but I have only made one nav decisions on any given dive... someday I'll feel the need to make two.

Hey Tim,

I just want to point out that I don't think your first cave instructor was a bad one. I honestly think that you and that instructor just didn't click. Sometimes that happens. In discussing your course with your first cave instructor I was pretty impressed with the professionalism exhibited, honest assessment that indeed your personalities clashed, a sincere desire that you get finished and care for your dive education. Also based on what you demonstrated to me when I took over as your instructor had obviously taught you well thru as far as you reached with that instructor.

When personalities clash and it affects learning or teaching it's a bad thing for all parties. Thinking that one or both parties are "bad" because it happens (or one party is the "good guy") isn't really the case.

I know in your post that you rolled around to saying pretty much that, but when you lead with "I did not do enough research picking an instructor" it can leave the wrong impression.

just my 2psi

[twaldo]

Hey Tim,

I just want to point out that I don't think your first cave instructor was a bad one. I honestly think that you and that instructor just didn't click. Sometimes that happens. In discussing your course with your first cave instructor I was pretty impressed with the professionalism exhibited, honest assessment that indeed your personalities clashed, a sincere desire that you get finished and care for your dive education. Also based on what you demonstrated to me when I took over as your instructor had obviously taught you well thru as far as you reached with that instructor.

When personalities clash and it affects learning or teaching it's a bad thing for all parties. Thinking that one or both parties are "bad" because it happens (or one party is the "good guy") isn't really the case.

I know in your post that you rolled around to saying pretty much that, but when you lead with "I did not do enough research picking an instructor" it can leave the wrong impression.

just my 2psi

I'm NOTORIOUS for not phrasing stuff the way I mean for it to be taken... so to clarify... YES my first instructor was EXCELLENT, we just didn't click... and in an already high stress environment as a student, that is NOT a good mix.

[Northernone]

My vote is also with UDIE. Looking at its track record and innovative certifications along with the experience and quality of those who are honored to carry it's c-card I'd say it's the top contender.

Now that we've got that established let's get back to actual diving and forget the Ford / GMC pissing contest.

Dive on,
Cameron

[Germie]

This is the best cave card, it has the word cave on it and you can get it in open water (and I showed it in ginnie).

[kensuf]

I'm NOTORIOUS for not phrasing stuff the way I mean for it to be taken... so to clarify... YES my first instructor was EXCELLENT, we just didn't click... and in an already high stress environment as a student, that is NOT a good mix.

You? Really? :P

Hope you're doing well Tim.

[twaldo]

My vote is also with UDIE. Looking at its track record and innovative certifications along with the experience and quality of those who are honored to carry it's c-card I'd say it's the top contender.

Now that we've got that established let's get back to actual diving and forget the Ford / GMC pissing contest.

Dive on,
Cameron

The morning temps in Mayo are below 70 so there is no diving in North Florida... And Dodge is the only truck to drive...

[twaldo]

You? Really? :P

Hope you're doing well Tim.

I will openly admit to my faults. Hoping to hit the lake in NW Ark this weekend WITH a drysuit... not that its cold enough to really need it yet but had it a year so need to get it in the water.