Jim Larsen, NAUI NorthWest regional manager, gave a wide ranging presentation about NAUI at the September general meeting. NAUI, the National Association of Underwater Instructors, formed in 1960 (5 years after Aqua Tutus) and along with Aqua Tutus was one of the early certifying agencies. Jim's talk included: NAUI history (formed in 1959), a timeline over the decades (NAUI instructor #12 taught Lloyd Bridges), the mission, the "loved one" concept (see below), and reasons to choose NAUI from both a divers and an instructors perspective.
Naui's highest standard is described by the "loved one" concept which states, (paraphrased) That they select instructors that they would trust to train their loved ones to dive and, as an instructor, they will not certify anyone who they would not trust to dive with someone they love.
Another noteworthy NAUI principle is that Naui instructors are given wide academic freedom. It includes "the freedom to teach diving in any reasonable manner as long as NAUI standards and policies are met".
If you couldn't attend you can get a good feeling about the organization by reading Jim's slides. Find them here:
Jim Larsen NAUI past and present