Any BSAC & PADI Instructors out there?

[TerryH]

Can anybody remember seeing a paragraph in one of the PADI
updates or quarterly reviews about the acceptance of BSAC
grades by PADI.

I can remember reading it, but I cant find it anywhere.

Its not that detailed, just lists a number of "approved"
agencies and BSAC is amongst them.

Any ideas?

TerryH

[paul beal]

[Trevor M]

He also said that even if you are a BSAC adv instructor (I am not) where you are entitled to enter the PADI sytem slighty higher up, you are very unlikely to pass the PADI instructor exam (which costs ?300 a shot) without starting from the beginning.

That's the advice that I have been given (as that's what I'm planning to do) from 2 independant sources.

T

[Gordon Archer]

I raised this point with one of the instrcutor trainers at Capernwray, he basically said that PADI do not accept other agencies qualifications "period". He also said that even if you are a BSAC adv instructor (I am not) where you are entitled to enter the PADI sytem slighty higher up, you are very unlikely to pass the PADI instructor exam (which costs ?300 a shot) without starting from the beginning.

HTH

Paul

:=Can anybody remember seeing a paragraph in one of the PADI
:=updates or quarterly reviews about the acceptance of BSAC
:=grades by PADI.
:=
:=I can remember reading it, but I cant find it anywhere.
:=
:=Its not that detailed, just lists a number of "approved"
:=agencies and BSAC is amongst them.
:=
:=Any ideas?
:=
:=TerryH
:=
:=
:=
:=


Hi TerryH

Why would a BSAC instructor want to become a PADI Instructor?

[petem]

:=I raised this point with one of the instrcutor trainers at Capernwray, he basically said that PADI do not accept other agencies qualifications "period". He also said that even if you are a BSAC adv instructor (I am not) where you are entitled to enter the PADI sytem slighty higher up, you are very unlikely to pass the PADI instructor exam (which costs ?300 a shot) without starting from the beginning.
:=
:=HTH
:=
:=Paul
:=
:=:=Can anybody remember seeing a paragraph in one of the PADI
:=:=updates or quarterly reviews about the acceptance of BSAC
:=:=grades by PADI.
:=:=
:=:=I can remember reading it, but I cant find it anywhere.
:=:=
:=:=Its not that detailed, just lists a number of "approved"
:=:=agencies and BSAC is amongst them.
:=:=
:=:=Any ideas?
:=:=
:=:=TerryH
:=:=
:=:=
:=:=
:=:=


Hi TerryH

Why would a BSAC instructor want to become a PADI Instructor?

I've reread Terry's post a few times now and can not for the life of me see were he states he's talking about instructor qualifications.

He also mentioned recently about diving qualification equivalencies and that he is already a PADI instructor so my guess is he's talking about diving rather than instructing grades

Pete

[Mike Halligan]

Gordon,

You asked -
Why would a BSAC instructor want to become a PADI Instructor?

It was put to me very eloquently, if in somewhat basic Anglo Saxon, that it is much easier to tolerate the behaviours and ingratitude of trainees after one has relieved them of a considerable sum of money. This from one of the most laid-back, friendly, helpful and generally supportive BSAC members I have ever met.

Hope this helps (HTH),

Mike

[john kendall]

Why would a BSAC instructor want to become a PADI Instructor?

If said BSAC instructor wanted to teach in some tropical paradise, where the majority of the centres will be PADI

For example
John

[Tony Dwyer]

I raised this point with one of the instrcutor trainers at Capernwray, he basically said that PADI do not accept other agencies qualifications "period". He also said that even if you are a BSAC adv instructor (I am not) where you are entitled to enter the PADI sytem slighty higher up, you are very unlikely to pass the PADI instructor exam (which costs ?300 a shot) without starting from the beginning.


I entered the PADI scheme as BSAC Dive Leader and was a candidate for 'Rescue Diver' (May 91). I went on to become a Dive Master (Aug 92) while working to get BSAC Advanced Diver (Sept 93). I then became a BSAC Club Instructor in Oct 95 and a PADI OWSI in Nov 95. The PADI course was bloody hard work, as was the exam. MUCH tougher than the BSAC Club Instructor exam.

Along the way I gained an understanding of both training schemes. I learned that a diver is a diver. (obvious init!)

I have little or no tolerance for the snobbery and antipathy towards commercially based training that I occasionally come across. I encountered a little recently during a visit to another BSAC club. I challenged the offender and asked him if he knew anything about the PADI training programme at all. It appears he did not. He was also somewhat limited in his actual diving experience.

I have come to understand that it is possible for the training from both schemes to be limited, depending on the individual diver and the quality of the training delivered, which is by no means consistent throughout BSAC.

These days I am more active in BSAC than PADI. I happen to like the club system.

BSAC is keen for us to encourage divers trained by other organisations to join us. Having a full understanding of the training they will have gone through, must help.

regards

Tony

[Philip Smith]

Can anybody remember seeing a paragraph in one of the PADI
updates or quarterly reviews about the acceptance of BSAC
grades by PADI.

Terry,

PADI's web site lists prerequisites for enrolling on courses that include qualifications from other agencies. For example, the link below lists BSAC DL and AD as partly qualifying for entry to a Divemaster course.

Philip Smith

[Dave Taylor]

As a BSAC Advanced Instructor I recently enqurired with several PADI schools about becoming a PADI instructor. I was told that I would have to pay about ?600 but would only have to take the exam. I would be allowed to take the instructor course free of charge. I would also be exempt from OW AOW plus the specialities for DM and AI.

I would have thought that the reasons a BSAC instructor would want to become a PADI instructor is claer - financial reward!

HTH

Dave Taylor

[Tony Dwyer]

As a BSAC Advanced Instructor I recently enqurired with several PADI schools about becoming a PADI instructor. I was told that I would have to pay about ?600 but would only have to take the exam. I would be allowed to take the instructor course free of charge. I would also be exempt from OW AOW plus the specialities for DM and AI.

I would have thought that the reasons a BSAC instructor would want to become a PADI instructor is claer - financial reward!

HTH

Dave Taylor

Dave

with respect that's a joke. I've been a PADI instructor since 1995 and have not made ANY money from it. I doubt if I have even made enough to cover what it cost to get the qualification. I know the same is true for most PADI instructors. On the training course I was told that most PADI instructors are burnt out in two years.
Instructing for dive centres pays very poorly indeed, so I don't do it.
I did the training simply to gain more knowledge and understanding.

regards

Tony Dwyer

[TerryH]

I raised this point with one of the instrcutor trainers at Capernwray, he basically said that PADI do not accept other agencies qualifications "period". He also said that even if you are a BSAC adv instructor (I am not) where you are entitled to enter the PADI sytem slighty higher up, you are very unlikely to pass the PADI instructor exam (which costs ?300 a shot) without starting from the beginning.


I ask a question, go away for a few days and look what happens!

Firstly Paul, your Instructor friend is talking out of his
proverbial butt! A diver ticket from almost any agency
(including BSAC) will (via a crossover table) allow you to take
the next higher PADI course.

As one of slickest marketing outfits in diving , do you really
think PADI would turn them away?

As for your second point a little history ....

A few years ago PADI had a problem with too many Divemasters
with few dives and even less hands on training experience. They
would turn up at IDC's (Instructor Development Course) thinking
that it would be the same as the Rescue and DM courses and
failing the IE (that ?300 exam your talking about). It was
plainly obvious that these DM's were NOT up to the grade.

So never being slow to push a marketing opportunity, PADI comes
up with the Assistant Instructor Course. The idea being that
it cuts the gap between DM & OWSI and maybe gives them a bit
more experience. Those doing internships were always better
than badge collectors, simply because they had more actual
contact with clients and therefore more in water training.

So ask yourself this question. Who actually gets to teach more
students then most PADI Divemasters? Trick question really,
because DM's arent allowed to teach, but guess what?

BSAC Assistant Instructors can. BSAC Club Instructors can.
BSAC Open Water Instructors can. BSAC Advanced Instructors can.
In fact by the time a BSAC diver gets to Advanced Instuctor he
would in a relitivly busy club have trained a shedload of
students in everything from lectures, pool and open water and
even SDC's. Such as Boat Handling, Nitrox, O2 etc.

Yet apparently your DM with NO actual teaching experience is
better prepared for the exam than a BSAC Adv.Inst!!!!!!

The one single thing that a BSAC AI needs to do is learn the
PADI standards, but hey Paul its an open book exam (you can
look at the textbook), so its no worse then cramming for any
other exam.

Bottom line (and weaknesses).
BSAC guys need to learn PADI standards.
PADI guys need to practice more with students.

Who do you think makes the best Instructors?

TerryH
Both BSAC & PADI

[TerryH]

Tell you what. It's a good job none of you lot are doing an
exam. Ever heard of the phrase "read the question carefully".

Ok. Let's start again. I am looking for a paragraph in one of
PADI's directives concerning acceptance of BSAC diver grades.

PADI have reciprocal agreements with many agencies and announce
it in there quarterly updates prior to being included in the
standards.

I simply want to have the official PADI line to counter some
dis-information that is causing some grief to a couple of my
students.

Any help appreciated.

TerryH

[neil-carter@ntlworld.com]

Hi Terry,

Just a thought. Can't actually help with any PADI info, but I might know a man who can.

Why not try posting the query to Andy Wade's Dive Instruct Forum, which is somewhat more cross Agency than BSAC's finest??

Neil Carter

PADI unaware BSAC AI ;~))

[paul beal]

[TerryH]

Paul. Get real!!!!

You quoted an unamed third party. So how would you suggest I
answer him without going through you?

Making second-hand statements doesnt absolve you from a reply.
It especially doesnt, when that reply is not only wrong, but
tetering on the verge of an insult to BSAC Instructors.

As I'm both PADI & BSAC, I have absolutely no axe to grind and
can appreciate the good and bad in BOTH systems. Which is why
saying that BSAC Inst. are less likely to pass an IE is
guaranteed to get my (and many other Instructors) back up.

A BSAC Instructor already knows how to teach mask clearing etc.
The order might be different, but the skill is the same.
What changes is the PADI standard. That is part of the theory
exam and is the ONLY main stumbling block for a non-PADI, BSAC
crossover. And yes it is an open book exam.

Please dont stop posting on my account, but how about stating
your opinions and/or knowledge from your own experience.
Rather than relying on what sounds like a third-party jaded
view.

TerryH

[Colin Knight]

<a href="http://padi.com/english/common/courses/rec/continue/" >http://padi.com/english/common/courses/rec/continue/</a>

drill down the Course you want to find the prerequisite for, click on "organization" and they give the exact prerequisite for each agency, including BSAC.

<a href="http://www.diveinstruct.org.uk/crossovers.html#PADI" >http://www.diveinstruct.org.uk/crossovers.html#PADI</a>

summarizes it all nicely.

[TerryH]

http://padi.com/english/common/courses/rec/continue/

drill down the Course you want to find the prerequisite for, click on "organization" and they give the exact prerequisite for each agency, including BSAC.

http://www.diveinstruct.org.uk/crossovers.html#PADI

summarizes it all nicely.

Sort of. This works pretty well to show the actual crossovers,
but what I am looking for is a statement made by PADI in one of
there quarterly reviews/updates which actually states the
acceptance of all BSAC grades as being acceptable in PADI
schools etc. (or words to that effect).

Its only one paragraph and it is very clear. I just cant
remember where I saw it!

Rgds
TerryH

[Tony Dwyer]

Terry

I've been searching, but so far the following is all I can find in copy or on their website. You've probably got it already, but here goes:

**Training Bulletin/Update Fourth Quarter 1995**

BSAC Club Instructor Eligibility Clarification
As announced in the ?Additional Training Requirements for BSAC Divers to Become PADI Divers? chart included with the Fourth Quarter 1993 Training Bulletin/Update, a BSAC Club Instructor is eligible to attend a PADI IDC as long as all other course prerequisites have been met. This includes having proof of certification in diving rescue, CPR and first aid.
PADI Course Directors should carefully review all equivalent certifications presented by potential IDC and IOC candidates to ensure the certification prerequisites are met prior to the start of instructor training. If there are any questions, contact PADI.


Also:

From Second Quarter 1997

PADI/CMAS Corresponding Course Levels
The following list is made for instructors of both organizations to ascertain the qualifications of the diver based on his current certification level.
Certifications may not be issued based on this chart. Instead, use the chart as a guide to help determine when a diver from one organization is qualified to begin the next higher level course in the other organization. The instructor must conduct a diver skill pre-assessment to determine competency, and provide remedial training if necessary.

PADI &lt;&gt; CMAS
_
PADI Open Water Diver corresponds to CMAS 1 Star Diver with verification of I more logged dive [may enroll in a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course] *
_
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver ** does not have a corresponding CMAS level [may enroll in a CMAS 2 Star course]
_
PADI Rescue Diver corresponds to CMAS 2 Star Diver *** with verification of 25 dives (10 of them with verification of Night and Navigation dive between 10 & 30 metres depth) [may enroll in a PADI Divemaster Course] [may enroll in a CMAS 3 Star course]
_
PADI Divemaster corresponds to CMAS 3 Star Diver [may enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor course]

The above text is PADI copyright and is subject to their usual restrictions.

I have downloaded the full PDF files.

Hope this is of some assistance.

Regards

Tony

[TerryH]

Thanks Tony, definately on the right lines. It sort of talked
about a reciprocal arrangement with several authorised agencies
and named BSAC amongst them.

More to do with acceptance of BSAC as an organisation and
its diver grades rather than a pre-rec for a PADI course.

I have looked back and cant find it anywhere amongst the
updates I have. The only place it might be, is either a PADI
directive or something like the newsletter. I could have sworn
I saw it in an update.

Thanks again anyway.

TerryH

[Tony Dwyer]

Terry

the following is an extract from the PADI Training Manual (CD) - I have not amended it with any updates.

*********************

I also found this from Second Quarter 1994.

New Referral Procedures ? Commonly asked Questions

Q. May I accept diving referrals from other organizations?
A. Yes. PADI Instructors may accept referred students from ACUC, BSAC (Novice I and II), IDEA, Los Angeles County, MDEA, NASDS, NAUI, PDIC, SSI, and YMCA. Other associations may qualify, however, contact PADI International
or your PADI Local Area Office for approval before accepting referred students other than these.

Q. How long is a NonPADI referral form valid?

A. The training completion date listed on the referral document must not be older than six months. More specifically,
no more than six months may transpire since the end of the student?s academic and confined-water training.

Q. Are there any additional skills that must be taught when accepting referrals from other training organizations?

A. Yes. The student must also demonstrate mastery of the following skills in confined water: the Underwater
Swim Without a Mask and the Air Depletion Exercise from the PADI Open Water Diver course. By conducting
these skills the instructor ensures that the non-PADI student has mastered them. In addition, because these two
skills are not required in the PADI Scuba Review Program, we have added them to the Skill Evaluation slate for
your convenience.

The Experienced Diver

The purpose of the Experienced Diver program is to allow you to certify divers who are not certified, but who can provide proof of scuba experience, or to certify divers certified by training organizations other than PADI as PADI Open Water Divers.
Course Prerequisites

Any diver with a scuba certification from a training organization other than PADI may enroll for Experienced Diver certification. In most instances, a continuing education course may better meet the diver?s needs.

OR

Any diver who has been diving for a minimum of two years and has proof of 20 or more open water dives, and who has never taken a scuba course, may apply for an Experienced Diver certification.

You may accept properly logged dives or military qualification as proof of experience. Other acceptable proof of dive experience includes a statement witnessed by a certified diver.
Use this certification carefully and with discretion. As the certifying instructor, you are responsible for the diver?s qualification.

Procedures for the Experienced-Diver Certification

To earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification, the Experienced
Diver must satisfactorily complete the PADI Scuba Review program, PADI Open Water Diver Course Final Exam, and Open Water Dives One through Four as outlined. You may allow applicants to meet these requirements by participating in the final phase of a regular Open Water Diver course.
******************

More anon, if I can find it.

regards

Tony Dwyer

[TerryH]

Thanks Tony, we are definatly getting there.

Plus a liitle more info.

A certain local branch of a travel organisation has been
informing our students that BSAC qualifications are NOT
acceptable abroad and they need to do a PADI course.

Surprise, surprise they can arrange just such a course!

I would like to doorstep said shop, but I need to have the
relevant documents as ammo. To put my students mind at
rest I am also looking for that paragraph to be put alongside a
QA complaints form. This should be sufficient when folded in
there QRB/logbook to put there minds at rest.

I have never had any problems diving with any outfit in any
country with BSAC qualifications. In fact a few years ago in
Cuba the BSAC card with the CMAS reverse was more readily
accepted over my PADI ones for obvious reasons.

So keep looking. I have the Instructor CD and the paragraph
you posted, but although its talking about BSAC, it is more
about continuing or refferal. Credits if you like for
continuing PADI education. What I'm looking for is the
paragraph that talks about the acceptance of other agency
divers, just to go diving and naming amongst others BSAC.

Thanks again for your time.

TerryH

[Tony Dwyer]

A certain local branch of a travel organisation has been
informing our students that BSAC qualifications are NOT
acceptable abroad and they need to do a PADI course.

Surprise, surprise they can arrange just such a course!


Such blatent lying deserves everything it gets.

Perhaps Trading Standards might be interested?

Like you I have had little difficulty with presenting my BSAC credentials abroad. The only time I had a real problem was at Point Lobos near Carmel in California. It's a reserve area and the National Park guys (Smokey The Bear types) look after it and check all dive certs. The guy that checked mine back in 1991 had never heard of BSAC but was happy to accept my PADI Rescue Diver card. I told him that my Dive Leader cert had been much harder to get.
The dive shop in Monterey where I hired some gear earlier (cylinder & weights) was perfectly happy to recognise my BSAC cert and even asked if I would mind escorting a PADI Open Water Diver.

We senior members (old gits) at Basildon 0356 have taken Novice and Club divers to the Red Sea and have never had a problem with their qualifications or our own.

regards

Tony

[pete]

A certain local branch of a travel organisation has been
informing our students that BSAC qualifications are NOT
acceptable abroad and they need to do a PADI course.

Surprise, surprise they can arrange just such a course!


I would have thought PADI would have been dead against this sort of thing - anyone that did not know better would assume that all their BSAC training was worthless with PADI so would not even consider them for further training, PADI therefore loose out.

With that in mind have you thought of approaching PADI directly for the information?

Pete

[TerryH]

With that in mind have you thought of approaching PADI directly for the information?

Pete

I thought that originally and may do so if I cant find the bit
I'm looking for, but the idea is to find the actual paargraph
in standard PADI publicationa so any club member can point to
it.

This may be in another country and as it's part of PADI
standards/doctrine, is in fact a QA offence if not followed and
the shop doesnt abide by it.

So our studenst can point to the standard in the dive shops own
PADI books and have the clout of QA if it works out that the
outfit is trying it on.

I'm not really after confirmation from PADI HQ (i'm sure they
would be happy to do so) as that would make it to personal.

I cant see it every being that much of an issue, but it's just
an exercise to put a very small number who have visited this
shops mind at rest.

Rgds
TerryH

[Gordon Archer]

:=
I cant see it every being that much of an issue, but it's just
an exercise to put a very small number who have visited this
shops mind at rest.

Rgds
TerryH

Hi Terry

Having followed this thread, I would ask, is it not time to name names so we can all be aware of the shop and support your cause.

[TerryH]

Having followed this thread, I would ask, is it not time to name names so we can all be aware of the shop and support your cause.

I dont think it's fair to do that. Not bothered with legal
implications as they themslves have started all this off, but
It may be the company as a whole, the local shop or just one
member of staff trying to get more commission. Wouldnt be fair
to attack them on the basis of a few known cases.

I am though going to visit them when I have the right
documentation with a view to stop them telling porkies. If that
doesnt work (we will send in some stooges later), I will name
and shame.

Rgds
TerryH

[Gordon Archer]

If that doesnt work (we will send in some stooges later), I will name
and shame.

Rgds
TerryH



Hi Terry

I hope so.
But isn't it a pity we no longer have something like beachcomber in our dive rag. ( I miss that feature ).

[Brian Good]

:= http://padi.com/english/common/courses/rec/continue/
:=
:=drill down the Course you want to find the prerequisite for, click on "organization" and they give the exact prerequisite for each agency, including BSAC.
:=
:= http://www.diveinstruct.org.uk/crossovers.html#PADI
:=
:=summarizes it all nicely.

Sort of. This works pretty well to show the actual crossovers,
but what I am looking for is a statement made by PADI in one of
there quarterly reviews/updates which actually states the
acceptance of all BSAC grades as being acceptable in PADI
schools etc. (or words to that effect).

Its only one paragraph and it is very clear. I just cant
remember where I saw it!

Rgds
TerryH

Terry,
As well as being a BSAC Advanced Instructor i to am a Padi Instructor ....also TDI but thats not the issue!
It seems that the question you are asking is maybe at the wrong orginisation why not try www.padi.com
It would be relavent to refer to the BSAC salt table if crossing over from Padi to BSAC, or maybe ask the question on these forums.
Have you tried refering to your Padi instructor manual for each section as the prerequisits state the entry level or equivelint for each course.
By the way dive buddies, dont be under any illusion that Padi instructors are in it for money, how many rich dive instructors do you see?
I to Passed the Padi IE for experience in the Padi system and hopefully to become a better instructor, who can relate to the different teaching methods used in other orginisations.
Hope this helps
Happy safe diving to all (What ever thier affiliation)
Brian Good

[Philip Smith]

Tell you what. It's a good job none of you lot are doing an
exam. Ever heard of the phrase "read the question carefully".

Ok. Let's start again. I am looking for a paragraph in one of
PADI's directives concerning acceptance of BSAC diver grades.

Well, if you were looking on yourself as an examiner, you should not have asked a question to which you did not know the answer! Nevertheless, you were directed towards official PADI documentation, accessible worldwide, that illustrated their acceptance of BSAC diver grades. Your original request finished with "Any ideas?", so pointing out alternative sources was entirely appropriate. Beggars can't be choosers!

Philip Smith

[TerryH]

:=It seems that the question you are asking is maybe at the wrong orginisation why not try www.padi.com

Looked at the manual and have talked with PADI.

Manual etc. says a lot about continuing education, prerecs for
courses etc., but not a lot about accepting other agencies for
just diving.

The actual bit I'm looking for is more specific in this respect.

Thanks anyway.

TerryH

[TerryH]

Well, if you were looking on yourself as an examiner, you should not have asked a question to which you did not know the answer! Nevertheless, you were directed towards official PADI documentation, accessible worldwide, that illustrated their acceptance of BSAC diver grades. Your original request finished with "Any ideas?", so pointing out alternative sources was entirely appropriate. Beggars can't be choosers!

Philip Smith

Calm down Phil, it's only a forum!

If you re-read the posts, you will see a sub-thread which
ignored the question and made an incorrect assumption that I
was looking into crossing over to PADI.

The worldwide PADI media you refer to DOES NOT recognise BSAC
as divers, but only recognises BSAC as a prerec to continuing
PADI education. In these circumstances the BSAC diver would
in fact be diving with at least a PADI OWSI and as such could
easily be checked out on the first dive.

This is absolutly NOT the same as "illustrating the acceptance
of BSAC diver grades".

Of course most worldwide dive schools accept other agencies
standards because of simple economics, but there is nothing
mandatory to say so. Or is there?

The bit I am looking for (yet again) is a paragraph which says
BSAC divers are fully accepted as such by PADI.

TerryH

[Philip Smith]

it's only a forum!

And being a club forum, it would be nice if help offered in good faith was acknowledged with some degree of appreciation rather than with sarcy comments.

If you re-read the posts, you will see a sub-thread which
ignored the question and made an incorrect assumption that I
was looking into crossing over to PADI.

Ok, I see that a few replies were in that vein, but the target of your wit would have been clearer if you had attached your message to that sub-thread. It appeared that you were commenting on all previous responses, or at best ignoring the semi-useful ones.

The worldwide PADI media you refer to DOES NOT recognise BSAC
as divers, but only recognises BSAC as a prerec to continuing
PADI education.

This is absolutly NOT the same as "illustrating the acceptance
of BSAC diver grades".

It illustrates the acceptance of BSAC diver grades as a prerequisite for further training. If you had said originally that you meant acceptance of BSAC grades for diving not training you might have got the info you wanted.

The bit I am looking for (yet again) is a paragraph which says
BSAC divers are fully accepted as such by PADI.

Can't help you there -- good luck looking.

PS

[jjmurphy]

Hi Terry,
all you need to take a BSAC qualified diver on a PADI organised dive is to see their qualification record and experience - it is then down to the instructors judgement - similar to a PADI diver - and having to do a "SCUBA REVIEW" (remember the standards if no experience for over 6 months/12 months etc???

[jjmurphy]

:=
:= :=It seems that the question you are asking is maybe at the wrong orginisation why not try www.padi.com

Looked at the manual and have talked with PADI.

Manual etc. says a lot about continuing education, prerecs for
courses etc., but not a lot about accepting other agencies for
just diving.

The actual bit I'm looking for is more specific in this respect.

Thanks anyway.

TerryH