I checked around a bit since I first saw your message on the issue.  I'm
not sure if my last message was actually sent but this month's Dive
Training magazine adresses the issue of the new form of modular training
that includes basic and advanced and etc. etc. ad nauseum.  Also for
your PDIC open water cert. class to have been the experiencial
equivelent of the combined PADI classes that you described you would
have had to do between 10 and 12 open water dives before the
certification ended.  As for the acedemics I have not seen the PDIC
materials but the PDIC seems to compare them point for point with the
PADI program.
     I also dove for many years with only the Open Water cert.  Long ago
this cert. was much more intense than any currently out there but the
amount of actual supervised diving experience was pretty mu the same.  I
recently decided, for a number of reasons, to go back and get the
advanced cert. although I haved logged right around 6000 dives.  One
thing to consider is that some instructor programs may have an advanced
cert. that takes into account significant prior training and experience.
 If you have this check around and see what you can find.
     Be wet and well.
Dennis
--- PCBoard (R) v15.21/10
---------------