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I'm planning a trip to AC in early December and want to become open water certified. When I check online, I find lots of places that claim PADI membership, but that don't show up from the PADI website. I would be grateful if anyone can explain or recommend.

No idea, what places?

Blue Hole Dive Shop, for instance. Protech is listed. I'm coming there solo, probably staying at Ruby's, and on the maps they (Blue Hole) looked close.

Blue Hole Dive Shop, for instance. Protech is listed. I'm coming there solo, probably staying at Ruby's, and on the maps they (Blue Hole) looked close. The purpose of the trip, other than general R&R, is to become certified. I fell in love with scuba in Cozumel a few years back after lots of snorkeling. I've always travelled with a wife or girlfriend who didn't quite understand my water passion and am major psyched to have a chance to indulge myself without bruising a companion's ego. Thanks for any help.

Hi Saintsday, Most dive shops recommend that you take your classroom instruction and pool instruction at home and get a "referral" to a dive shop in San Pedro for the open water dives. That maximizes your time being able to dive on vacation. I'm sure many of the shops are PADI certified whether or not they show up on the PADI website. I dive with Ramon's and they offer PADI instruction. You could probably email any of the dive shops for clarification. You'll love the diving on the reef. It's great for all levels of experience, but I think it's especially good for beginners. I call it "valet diving." Easy in, easy out, and great divemasters leading the way.

Thanks Sam. I looked into classroom instruction here, and can't fit it in before I go. My concern about certification, please excuse my naivete, is based on that huge list on the PADI site of people representing themselves as instructors who aren't. I appreciate the encouragement and I'm sure you are right, I'll love the diving no matter how it comes down.

Blue Hole Dive Shop is a booking agent, and not a dive shop.

If you will do a search on the board you will find quit a few recommendation. PADI rate dive centers and base on the PADI system, you probably will get the best training in PADI 5 stars or Gold Palm. IDC center will be highest qualification.

Any dive center that meet PADI requirements and registered with PADI will be listed on the PADI web site.

I am not in any way affiliated with Protech but I can highly recommend their services and staff for either just your open water dives or a full certification. They have a great staff and top notch equipment. Many will respond on which shop is their favorite but if you want close, personal service go with the guys at Protech.

In my opinion you will learn more than just the skills to get by for an open water certification. Also, ask about their nitrox certification as it is a great deal that they offer.

Thank you,

Roni