I have done all of my scuba training through NAUI. I recognize that they are a safety concious agency and most NAUI instructors exceed course standards by giving you more dives and definately more education and experience. ALSO: Guess who trains NASA Astronauts......... NAUI, guess who trains the Navy Seals.....................NAUI, NAUI started up in 1960, whereas PADI in 1966. At the end of the day though a scuba certification is a scuba certification, all are recognised worldwide, just go through the right instructor!!