TJ> ok, hmm... i would like to start diving, i heard its really cool, but 
TJ> i havent given it a chance.. i live in south south florida... just 
TJ> above the keys.. so i live in the right place... what do i need in 
TJ> order to get started diving.. and what courses do i need or should i 
TJ> take?
I'd like to make a comment or two here since this subject has come up on this 
echo in one form or another lately.  There are a number of certifying 
organizations that have training programs that prepare people to dive.  Some 
of the more common ones are:  PADI, NAUI, YMCA, CMAS, PDIC, NASDS and SSI.  
There are a couple of others that I don't know much about, such as IDEA.  
Some of these are not well represented in different regions of the country so 
if you shop around the local area you may or may not  find people teaching 
courses for each of these organizations.
 
To find out what is available in your area begin canvassing the area by 
telephone.  Call dive shops, dive tour guides, dive boat operators, YMCA's, 
Boys Clubs, Community Centers, public pools, local beaches, etc. to see if 
they have SCUBA classes and exactly what the details are.
 
During this part of the process I would make a little chart and fill it in as 
you go along.  Find out what training organization sanctions the class, how 
much it is going to cost, what exztra costs are involved, what prerequisites 
(such as swimming ability) is required, what is expected from you to complete 
the class (both academically and water skills), the class schedule, the 
facility where confined water and classroom sessions will be held, where the 
open water dives will be held, what is included in the price of the class, 
who the instructor will be, what is the anticipated class size, who is 
supporting the class with equipment, if there are any previous students who 
could give you their opinion of the class etc..  See if you can talk to the 
instructor and get a feel for how they feel about diver education and the 
class.  If you can talk to experienced people about the program in question 
and get their opinions.  Make sure you are dealing with a reputable 
instructor, sanctioning organization and facility.  Cut the big list down 
until you are left with a short list of programs that that you feel 
comfortable with considering all the above factors.
 
If you can go down to a class and observe.  Remember that the cheapest, 
fastest, easiest or most difficult program is not necessarily the best 
program.  The best is the one that fits you the best and gives you what you 
need to enter the water as an independent, competent and confident SCUBA 
diver.  Frankly this depends on you to a great extent as noone else really 
learns in exactly the same way you do.
 
As I have stated before on this echo I believe that an instructor can make or 
break a course.  In the final analysis choose the program that you find has 
the best value and has the instructor that you are most comfortable with and 
have the most confidence in.  An instructor of this type will be teaching for 
a reputable organization, will reasonable enforce the standards of that 
organization and will be associated with a reputable facility.  
 
I seem to have forgotten that the basic certification you will be seeking to 
achieve will be some form of open water diver.  Some organizations issue 
permanent cards at that level and some issue cards that need to be renuwed 
periodically.  All organizations encourage further training and education to 
fit the particular types of diving that you are most interested in.  Many 
people stop at the open water I level and are happy to dive within those 
limits forever.  Others go on to more advanced and specialized training for 
their their particular tastes.  Once again the right course of action is the 
one that best fits you.
 
Anyway this has gotten long winded so I'll quit.  If I seem to be 
recommending a major hassle for something pretty simple I'd just like to 
remind you that what you are really doing when you pick your class is putting 
your faith, and your life, in the hands of the program you choose.  Your long 
term health, safety and enjoyment of this sport largely depends on how well 
you make this choice.
 
Be wet and well.
 
Dennis
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