Is it a bad idea to get Scuba diving licensed outside of the United States?
It is quicker, cheaper and you are not as well trained when gotten in the Carribbean, but if I’m not planning on undergoing dives by myself and deeper than 40-50 feet is it a problem?
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Tags: diving, idea, licensed, Outside, scuba, States, United
Like anything, it depends on the instructor and the curriculum. However should be very wary of getting certified by anything other than a NAUI, PADI or SSA school. NAUI’s tables and curriculum are based on tried-and-true US Navy tables and science.
I’m NAUI certified myself, and the time I spent learning to plan dives, learning the tables, the physics, and safety have served me very well.
If you have a problem at 40 or 50 feet, I’m not sure that the quick lessons you got at Jamaica Steve’s Diving School will help save your life.
It’s an alarming trend to see people overrelying on dive computers, and just hopping into the water without a profound respect for the risks. I see people being dumped into the hyperbaric chamber in Santa Catalina every time I go over there.
I’ve talked to and been diving with people who learned outside the US. It’s appalling how little they know.
Don’t be cheap. Shop around, and get certified in the US.
I Highly recommend against it. Too many people take SCUBA way too lightly, it can be dangerous and even fatal if you make a mistake. I saw a guy get bent on a 30 – 35 foot dive in Belize. Believe me, you don’t want to do that! People die every year. How much is your life worth? Take a good stateside class – and don’t rush it. Even though today’s tech and computers make it easier to dive, if you don’t understand the basics, you will eventually F**K Up and get hurt.
I am PADI & NAUI certified and have over 120 hours under water. I am still amazed at some of the divers that have become certified, especially at the resorts. Get the knowledge and skills so you can enjoy diving.