What is the best certificate PADI or NAUI and what is the difference?

Question

What is the best certificate PADI or NAUI and what is the difference?

Answer 1

*****These are both internationally recognized Scuba certification programs.  I have found that PADI is more desirable, as you can retreive your record for life via the internet should you need to replace your certification card.  They are recognized world-wide.  The other one you have not mentioned is SSI.  This is also a very good one, and I have begun with my first SSI upgrade with NITROX certification.  Start with Open Water Diver, and then you'll find numerous other specialties that you can later add to your diver credentials.

THE POOL IS OPEN!

Answer 2

I think PADI is more a more widely accepted diving certificate.  I have a friend who is a diver and he always suggests people gain PADI certs as they will then be able to dive anywhere in the world.

Answer 3

I have certifications from both of these agencies.  Their training at all levels is very much equivilent.  NAUI has a reputation as being a bit tougher and more technical.  PADI is more commercially successful and more widely known.  Certification, especially at the 'Open Water Diver' level, from either of these organizations would be very good.

Answer 4

Both training agencies will teach you a basic skill set for recreational scuba diving.

PADI has the most certifications in the world, but this may be a result of better marketing and getting more people to teach their style.  

PADI has a very uniform and rigid teaching style.  All of their instructors will follow the same basic format and procedures for the classes.  The material that I teach in Chicago will be the same that is taught in Mexico.  The delivery method of the individual instructor will vary, but I can assure you that on pool session #1 both of us are doing the same skills.  As an instructor, I can introduce skills to the course, but as long as you can do the PADI skills (and fail mine), I still have to issue the certification.

PADI also belongs to the RSTC.  The RSTC is a group of training agencies that have agreed that a certain group of skills will be taught in the class.

NAUI has a large following, and their certifications are accepted worldwide.

NAUI allows for more instructor flexibility in terms of what skills are taught in the class.  As diving in Chicago is different than diving in Mexico (temperature, visibility, conditions), the NAUI instructor can add stuff to the class to custmize it to local conditions and make these new skills mandatory.

NAUI is not a member of the RSTC, but the vast majority of the skills taught are the same.

If you have to choose between these two agencies (or others), I highly recmommend asking people in your area what they thought of their instruction.  At the very least try to meet your potential instructor and ask what will be involved in the class.  

Keep in mind that every agency has great instructors and bad instructors.  To me, a bad instructor is one that just wants to move you through the class and teach you the bare minimum that is required by the agency.  A great instructor will try their best to make you the best possible diver right out of class.