Should You Switch Scuba Diving Training Agencies For 2025?

[@TampaBayDiving]

Let Us Know Down In The Comments 👇 Did you switch agencies this year or any year? How was your experience? Did you crossover this year or know how much PADI, NAUI, or SSI is charging in your area? Would you rather they have one flat fee like SDI or be able to raise or lower the price however they see fit? Do you think agencies should at least offer their current instructors free e-learning codes for renewal?

[@alexg.994]

Why did you change from NAUI to SDI, was there a particular reason?

[@TampaBayDiving]

What got me interested was a friend of mine is an SDI Instructor, and she showed me their e-learning platform. When I looked at it I thought, and still do, that it is the best one out there. So I looked into it and the cost was lower than what I was paying so that got the ball rolling. Now that I've been with them for a while I can honestly say I probably won't leave at least anytime soon. As you saw on the video I got on the chat and immediately got a response with direct answers to my question. No run around or anything like that. I've also gotten to know the HQ staff and they have the friendliest and best customer service team. I can drive over to the east coast pull Brian aside and discuss anything diving that I would like. In the end I'm loyal to my wallet and good customer service. Those are the two reasons I stay. I hope that helps. Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan, Blake

[@alexg.994]

I know what you mean. The customer service is really the weak point of NAUI. Personally, I like the quality of NAUI training and their requirements for minimum hours in the water to complete the OWSD. As you well know, many dive centers and instructors do only the minimum hours as written in the S&P, and therefore deliver mediocre quality of training. However, I am sure this is not the case with you….

[@MaciejJeszkeP]

It was fun to watch but it seems to me that calling these days is old fashioned ? (Especially when you compare it to making videos on YT :) ) I am not a professional in the diving industry, but this video would have been significantly better if you had set up the final data for each agency and provided it in a nice tableau. Because at the end of the day, numbers matter (handling is important). SSI has some kind of bonus/discount until the end of the year.

[@TampaBayDiving]

Thanks for the critique and will not for the future. Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan, Blake

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🤿! Bring on more information! Reading, listening and watching brings more content out there!

[@TampaBayDiving]

Glad you enjoyed the video bud! I hope it provided some insight to others on what it's like dealing with agencies. Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan, Blake