Scuba Certification ?s

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thinking about getting certified for Scuba. Does anyone know what is really required to be able to go on the average dive boat?
I've heard about 2-3 course and 3-4 day courses. Also pool courses over longer periods. Looks like some certify for 40 feet and others for 60 feet. Is there an appreciable difference in difficulty, ear pressure, etc? What do most vacation-only divers get? Would be used primarily in the Caribbean, maybe HI...

TIA

[somerville Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close somerville]

I got certified (PADI Recreational) about 20 years ago, but I don't think much has changed. I did mine through a local dive shop, with pool and classroom training and then certification dives in a local rock quarry. My pool and classroom training was spread out over several weeks, but some offer it compressed over a weekend. I recommend doing the pool and classroom training locally and then getting a referral for the certification dives when you are on a timeshare vacation in the Caribbean or Hawaii. For one thing, the visibility in those places will be much better than in NY, and the water will be warmer. When I got certified, I was good to 110 feet. Don't waste your money on one of the "resort" courses. Dive as deep as you are comfortable. Colors start fading to blue below 60 feet. I have never had any ear problems, and just stop if you run into any. Let your dive instructor/dive master know your experience level, and stay close to him or her if that makes you more comfortable.

[Chap7 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Chap7]

My wife and I are also PADI certified. We did the same as somerville with the classroom and pool work on Long Island and the certification dives on Grand Cayman. I think that's the best way to go.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

My wife and I are also PADI certified. We did the same as somerville with the classroom and pool work on Long Island and the certification dives on Grand Cayman. I think that's the best way to go.

Chap- who did you use on Cayman? Would you recommend?

[Chap7 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Chap7]

I'm pretty sure we used Bob Soto's Diving, but that was in 1997. I read on Trip Advisor that Hurricane Irene wiped them out and that there is a new company called Soto's with no affiliation that is running now. They do not get good reviews. Someone said to try Don Foster's or Red Sail.

Smaller groups are obviously better. I think we were just three couples and then my wife ended up getting a one on one instructor.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

My cousin is Certified in fact I think he is so certified that he maybe able to give lessons. I will reach out to him for you.