Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7)
Stock MK15 are extinct I believe. The last one spotted in the wild was back in '84.
Seriously, how many people have seen 100% original MK15. How many in France?
Joe, ANDI - CMAS?
ANDI has no official agreement with CMAS, it is not really necessary..
ANDI certs should have been recognized in the EU since last year by all members since they have EUF certification, as does PADI and SSI.
SDI has recently been approved (april 30 -2006) and IANTD as well (april 15, 2006)
EU members are allowed to put additional requirements on THEIR citizens, but must recognize standards that are EU recognized on non nationals.
France did apply for a waiver for a temporary extension concerning the regulation for divers working as professionsals.. Eventuallly they will have to recognize non nationals ability to teach unencombered.
Some other countries (not necessarily EU members) have similiar rules requiring extra requirements on their citizens..
For Example Greece has a whole list of requirements necessary to be recognized.. The two points that may prevent multiple agencies being recognized is that the Agency must have a full time regional HQ presence (in Greece) and Staff, and the Materials for classes taught have to be in Greek. They do recognize outside certifications, but to certify within the country each agency must obtain a license and to do so they have to meet the above requirements and more.
As of Today, ANDI is the only licensed Dive Training Agency in Greece, and the head of ANDI - Hellas has been apointed the Auditor for ANY facility wishing to be licensed as a dive operator.