AboutMike Giles Expertise I am a Master Scuba Instructor with over 6000 dives. I can answer questions on general diving techniques, diving education and diver training. I can offer suggestions on the use and selection of proper dive equipment, general maintenance of dive equipment as well as diving equipment repair. I can also offer suggestions on air conservation techniques and buoyancy control. As a dive shop owner for 17 years, I can offer suggestions on starting/running a dive business.
Experience I have been diving for 52 years, teaching diving for 47 years and owned a diving business for 17 years. I am a certified regulator repair technician for several different brands and a certified scuba cylinder inspector.
Organizations I am currently a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Divers Alert Network (DAN), International Resort and Retailer Association and the Better Business Bureau
Publications Undercurrent magazine and Divers Chapbook
Education/Credentials I am a Master Scuba Diver Trainer with 15 distinct specialty instructor ratings, Rescue Diver Instructor, Medic-First Aid Instructor and I have degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biology and Radiologic Technology.
Question MIKE
I read your response to (temp c card) but i am confused exactly what is a temp c card and how do i get one, and what are the benefits?
most regards,
Jeff.....
Answer Hi Jeff,
Thanks for browsing my answers on the AllExperts website.
When a student diver completes a scuba course, it takes a few weeks to process a permanent certification card (c-card). After a student completes a course, the certification information, including a picture of the diver, must be submitted to the training agency's home office where it is processed and a permanent card is prepared. This card must then be mailed to the student. In the meantime, a temporary card is issued to the student so they can exercise the privileges provided by their new rating. This temporary card is usually paper and is issued by the instructor immediately upon completion of the course. It is valid for a period of time (usually about 90 days) and is used until the permanent card arrives.
There are several courses a diver can complete. Each one denotes an advancement in diving skills. A new c-card is issued for each course. Highly advanced divers may have a deck of c-cards!! They normally only carry the most advanced card.
So...to answer your questions directly: You can get a c-card by completing a scuba course. A temporary card is issued immediately upon completion by your instructor and a permanent one is issued by his certification agency a few weeks later. Most dive operations require the possession of a c-card in order to participate in diving activities such as buying or renting scuba gear, obtaining air tanks or signing up for a dive trip. If you think of a c-card as being like a drivers license, I think you'll have a better understanding.
Jeff, I hope this provides the information you were looking for.
