You need to be certified if you are going to pursue professional scuba diving. There are many certifications available depending on your interests and budget. PADI, SSI and NAUI are just a few of the popular certification programs available for beginners. Find the right one for you. We also have some tips and tricks for choosing the right certification program for your needs.
PADI
PADI is a professional association for divers training and membership. John Cronin and Ralph Erickson established the organization in 1966. The certification requires a wide range of training, including knowledge of safety, navigation, and dive operation. PADI is a course that teaches divers how they can safely and effectively supervise dives and the nuances involved in underwater navigation.
Students who have completed the PADI open water course will receive a rescue diver certification. There are five courses that require divers to be certified. They each have different learning outcomes and skills. Of these, two must be the Deep Dive Specialty Course and one must take the Underwater Navigation Specialty Course. The other three must be selected from a list. For those who are interested in helping in emergency situations underwater, rescue diver certification may be required. It typically takes two to three days to complete the course, which includes theory and two open water diving sessions.
SSI
A SSI certificate is a great option when deciding on the right certification. Both SSI as well as PADI courses require a level of skill. PADI courses are more rigid, and require students to master skills in a specific order. SSI permits more flexibility. If a skill is too difficult, students can switch to the next one until they succeed. They can even train while on vacation with SSI and get their certification in a matter days.
SSI offers online courses that allow you to log your dives instantly. Manuals can either be downloaded from the internet or obtained at a dive shop. SSI allows you to create an online profile and obtain an e certificate card. Although the cost of courses varies depending on when they are offered, most courses cost around 50 USD. Afterward, you can upgrade to a higher level of certification by completing a dive training course.
NAUI
The National Association of Underwater Instructors is an association of certified instructors in scuba diving. They are responsible for providing education programs and standards to scuba divers across the globe. NAUI certification lets you teach scuba divers to non-professionals while also meeting international safety standards. NAUI offers training courses and teaches scuba diving all over the globe.
Al Tillman (a Scripps Institute of Oceanography peer) held the first NAUI training class in Los Angeles in 1959. In 1958, Tillman and another Scripps Institute oceanographer received provisional diving certifications. In 1960, Lloyd Bridges' film "Sea Hunt", which starred him, generated a lot of interest for scuba diving as an recreational activity. The National Diving Patrol was established in 1960. Jacques-Yves Cousteau was elected its first president. Today, NAUI training programs are used by the Navy SEALs, NASA, and Walt Disney Resorts worldwide.
CMAS
Scuba diving enthusiasts from every continent should look for a dive school that offers CMAS certification courses. Although there is no single listing of accredited dive school, you should still be able search engines to find them. CMAS courses are equivalent to 5 days of diving and emphasize the importance of safety, including the use of a buddy. CMAS certification is only available to those who are at least 16 years of age, have completed at least 25 dives and have a certified medical statement from a qualified diving physician. If you already have a certification, the first step in obtaining SSI will be to complete a course.
If you have a qualification in one agency, but not in another, you are eligible to enroll in an identical course in another agency. If you have some experience in diving, and would like to pursue more advanced courses, the table references can help. The table does not include all training agencies. You might need to start at the lower level if your CMAS 1 or 2 certification is required. This is why you should get advice from the new organization before making any decision.