I need your advice

[sunfishh]

Hello Everyone
I need a little advice from the board. I got certified back in the early nineties and have not dived in about 15 years. Now I am thinking of picking it back up. My question is should I simply do a scuba refresher class or should I do full blown certification again. FYI I have done about 8 dives throughout my life, however I snorkel every few years on vacation. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Reefdiver77]

My husband and I were out of the sport for about 10 years and did a dive refresher course (we were certified in 1977) at our local shop and did the pool work. We then went to Hawaii and had a guide go with us on our first dive, a shore dive and explained we had taken a refresher course. We have been diving at least yearly since then (1990). Glad to hear you are getting back into the sport.
Vicki in Tennessee

[billsreef]

Start with the refresher course, a good instructor will make sure your ready before turning you loose ;)

[sunfishh]

Thanks for the quick response Vicki and Bill :)
Anyone else have any thoughts?

[roblack]

I might go with recertification due to many changes in diving. I have heard quite a few stories about drastic differences in what was taught in the past and how people are currently being trained. While a refresher course may be good enough, you may really appreciate more in-depth training if diving under difficult conditions of if a problem arises. Hope this helps and have a great time!

[cadeyrn_orlu]

Well I was id say just the refresher course, as a good instructor/ Reputable dive shop should bring you up too speed on the latest happenings in industry.

Happy Diving

[sunfishh]

Thanks for the imput Roblack and Cadeyrn_orlu

[Questionmarc]

I would make sure I was ready too

[sunfishh]

Not sure what you mean Questionmarc

[billsreef]

IMO Questionmarc is just post padding :rolleyes:

[bhbell]

If you were family I'd tell you to take the refresher and then follow up with an advanced open water diver course. So much of the Open Water course is spent on getting comfortable with the whole idea of functioning underwater. If you are having issues that would be best resolved by retaking an openwater course, your instructor will let you know, so no loss there.

[sunfishh]

Thanks for the imput bhbell :)