Does NAUI still exist? Where?
I think SSI is best. My friends took PADI - 1 weekend of classes and then an ocean dive out at Catalina Is.! The test was passed by everyone sharing info.! One of the women never even read the book!
My SSI class was twice a week for 5 weeks, then a shallow lake dive and then an easy ocean shore dive, followed by going with the group on some boat dives.
I learned a great deal and have developed confidence and capability that my PADI trained friends never have.