SoYouWanna know the difference between the NAUI and PADI scuba diving agencies?

SoYouWanna know the difference between the NAUI and PADI scuba diving agencies?

There are many agencies around the world; however, in the United States the two you should concern yourself with are the NAUI and PADI. These two agencies have different philosophies and methods of training.

• NAUI is a not-for-profit agency, founded in 1960 and based on educating qualified divers. PADI is a for-profit agency, founded in 1966. PADI takes a marketing approach to diving which has been quite successful and has made them the largest and most recognized certification agency in the world.
• PADI offers shorter courses than NAUI with more levels, which may lead divers to falsely believe they are at a higher level of proficiency than they really are.
• PADI and NAUI utilize different dive tables. NAUI's dive tables tend to be more conservative in terms of Surface Interval Time allotted.
• Ultimately, what is most important for your training as a good diver is your instructor rather than the certification agencies s/he is affiliated with. But with all else being equal, we recommend that you go with NAUI.