Int'l acceptance of UTD Rec Diver certs

Hello,

My friend recently did a experience/introductory dive in Hawaii; he had a great time! Had no troubles w/ the mask clear, reg retrieval and other skills that he had to do.

He lives in the Seattle area and I'm going to give him a nudge in the UTD/DIR direction for his initial dive certification. I'm convinced the quality of instruction and thoroughness of the training will be something that he will benefit from and enjoy.

My question is, will the Rec 1 cert be accepted internationally in place of the traditional PADI/NAUI cards that dive shops are used to seeing? I think he would do much better w/ a UTD card but I don't want him to get shut down on diving because he doesn't have a PADI cert. :)

Thank you for the responses!
Jim

ps: this may have been addressed previously so apologies if I missed it!

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Permalink Reply by Maciej Arkuszewski on April 16, 2009 at 4:39pm

This obviously is a valid concern Jim. Since we started in January it will still take some time to gain worldwide recognition. We allow our instructors to issue other agencies certifications after student successfully passed UTD course. Obviously standards for other agency need to be met and also such instructor needs to be active with other agency (currently we all are). That basically means that you can take UTD Rec 1 and walk away with UTD Rec 1 card and OW card. You should discuss details with specific instructor - different agencies have different requirements.

Regards
Maciek

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Georgitsis on April 16, 2009 at 8:45pm

JIm

We really do appreciate your question and concern. Back in the day before internet most dive shops, had only heard of PADI and NAUI because the were working in isolation and knew of PADI or NAUI just because fo the sheer numbers of instructors and the frequency the cards were shown. Now days, with the internet and access to the web, and entrance of other recreational training agencies and C-cards such as SDI or IANTD and so on, dive shops have become more accustom to seeing "other" recreational training agencies c-cards and if they have a question or concern being able to see their curriculum or standards and procedures via the web. UTD has published a full set of standards and procedures for anyone in the industry to review, including any dive shop you or your friend may visit. More importantly UTD is recognized by the insurance company and UTD instructor can and do purchase professional liability insurance which covers them teaching to UTD standards.

Hope this answers your question in addition to Maciej's reply.
Andrew

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Permalink Reply by Jim MacDonald on April 19, 2009 at 6:31pm

Hi Andrew, Maciek,

Thank you for your prompt responses and clarification. I'll definitely encourage my friend to go the UTD/DIR route and hope he goes ahead with it. I see there's a few Seattle instructors as well, happy days.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Messinger on April 21, 2009 at 1:29pm

Jim, in addition to having UTD instructors in Seattle we also have a very strong UTD community support base. There's nothing lonely about being UTD in the Puget Sound area. He'll find UTD friends and mentors in good supply. : )

-Ben

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Permalink Reply by Lynne Flaherty on April 21, 2009 at 6:04pm

Yes, the wonderful thing about our community in Seattle is that you graduate right into a great group of dive buddies. No wondering about how you're going to find someone to dive with, or what they'll be like if you do!

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Permalink Reply by Jim MacDonald on April 21, 2009 at 6:19pm

That's exactly right! I'm sure there's a great crew in Sea-town. I wish I still lived there but am stuck in Hong Kong for the moment... though not exactly a bad local to access SE Asia. Still trying to find DIR style dive buddies out here though... Let me know if you know anyone.

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Permalink Reply by Chew Poh Chang on April 21, 2009 at 8:39pm

We were diving in Malaysia recently and had no problem with UTD card. Though DM was curious about UTD but we were allowed to dive. UTD standards and community are available on the website if they have questions or want to find out more.