UTD recognizion

Hi all
I'm new to UTD and a fairley new diver been certified for about 4 years and have 40 logged dives ranging from 27' quarry to 110' wreck dives. I am OW certified through PADI and am presently in my final stages of getting my AOW. I am also Nitrox certified.

I stumbeled across UTD through a buddies facebook. I whole hartedly agree with the phylosophy of applying DIR principals to recreational diving, it just makes sence to me.

When I first started to dive I used a jacket style BC like I was shown in my OW class but since the club I dive with is affilated with and most of the members are tech divers I was quickly introduced to the backplate and wing configuration. I became a convert once I tried it and although I have a jacket BC I quickly picked up a used backplate / wing. I am now in the market for my first set of regs and have decided to go with the 7' hose / long hose and nacklace back up reg configuration used by the Tec divers I dive with. Not sure I will ever go down the Tec road but hey u never know.

My question to UTD is:
Does any one, dive shops recognize the UTD certifications as well as agencies like DAN who offer great resources ( who I am a member of)? If not what soul the benafits be of being a mamber as opposed to say following the PADI stream and applying the principels of DIR.?

Just a question, happy safe diving everyone.
Cheers
Brian MacPherson
Brian MacPherson Educational Servicies
www.education4life.ca
Info@education4life.ca