JD> Working as a Divemaster for PADI I can compare my NASDS open-water 
JD> course.  Ithink the NASDS course was superior and many of the things 
JD> I did I had to do
JD> over in PADI Advanced.  I have to admit that I'm glad I started out 
JD> as NASDSbecause I was not a swimmer.  When I started I could only 
JD> dog-paddle and the
JD> swimming part would have killed me.  It was with a lot of reluctance 
JD> that I hadto learn to swim to become a Divemaster, it was also my 
JD> last requirement to be
JD> finished. 
I think the key to the courses are the people who support it.  I have taken 
or observed courses in most of the major dive organizations and, although 
each level may have different requirements versus another, each one really 
seeks to put safe people in the water.  The instructors and dive support 
system made all the difference regardless of the program.  As for me I 
currently teach YMCA and CMAS.  I my area there are good instructors for 
PADI, NAUI and SSI.  There are also very poor representitives in each of 
these as well as PDIC and NASDS.
 
Bootom line, the instructor can make or break the course regardless of how 
well set up it is in the first place.
 
Blow some bubbles.
 
Dennis
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