Ed wrote:

> Lee - I can't really answer your question, but will
> say your friend probably has a snow balls chance in
> hell that they'll have records dating back that far
> that they'll be able to access. From experience I can
> tell you that PADI has no record that I was certified
> in '72.
> Back in the early '90s I tried to get a replacement
> card, I knew the approximate dates, instructor's name,
> area, but their records (on computer) didn't go back
> that 'far'.

Sounds to me like they simply didn't want to bother.  It's no surprise that
old records are not on computer except, of course when agencies happen to
consider their customer's needs.  Kind of makes you wonder how PADI knows
how many divers they've certified, doesn't it?

> So I re-certified (NAUI), then found my original
> c-card & contacted PADI again (I wanted a card that
> didn't have my sophomore high school picture on it),
> even with card in hand they wouldn't issue me a new
> card. They suggested I show the card to a PADI
> instructor & request an Advance class to get a new
> card.

That's got to be the most obvious case of Put Another Dollar In I've ever
heard.  I think you should get your advanced also . . . from NAUI, SSI,
anyone but PADI.  I also think I'd better take real good care of my original
NAUI card (1962).  It's probably already way too late to try to get
something from my 1962 YMCA training.  I don't think they issued cards back
then.  I know I didn't need one for equipment or air.

Lee