Scuba Diving Certifications guide

Scuba diving opens up a mesmerizing underwater world filled with vibrant marine life and stunning landscapes. To explore this safely and responsibly, obtaining the right diving certifications is essential. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to dive safely and enjoyably. From beginner levels to advanced specialties, diving certifications cater to all levels of divers. This overview will walk you through the various diving certifications available, the leading certification agencies, and how to choose the best certification path for your diving aspirations. Whether you’re a novice eager to start your underwater adventure or an experienced diver looking to enhance your skills, this overview has everything you need to know about diving certifications.

Major Diving Certification Agencies

PADI logo with diver silhouette and globe

PADI

PADI is the world’s largest diving certification organization, offering a range of courses from beginner to professional levels, recognized globally for its extensive network of dive centers and instructors.

Red 'SSI' stylized logo with registered trademark symbol

SSI

SSI (Scuba Schools International) offers a comprehensive range of diving courses with a flexible approach to training, integrating digital learning and in-water practice, recognized worldwide.

Scuba Diving International logo with diver silhouette

SDI

SDI (Scuba Diving International) focuses on recreational diving certifications, offering a modern approach to training with an emphasis on the latest diving technology and practices.

NAUI logo with globe, 'Dive Safety Through Education' text

NAUI

NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) is one of the oldest diving certification agencies, known for its rigorous training standards and emphasis on diver safety and education.

CMAS logo featuring stylized woman and dolphins

CMAS

CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) aka the World Underwater Federation, provides internationally recognized certifications focusing on underwater sports and scientific diving.

BSAC logo with tagline 'Dive with us'

BSAC

BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club): BSAC is the UK’s leading diving organization, providing a range of diving and snorkeling courses, renowned for its club-based training approach and strong community focus.

Recreational scuba diving certifications

Open Water Diver

Description: The entry-level course for beginners, teaching basic diving skills and safety procedures.

Who it’s for: Anyone interested in starting their scuba diving journey.

Requirements: Typically includes confined water dives, open water dives, and a knowledge review.

Advanced Open Water Diver

Description: Builds on basic skills with advanced techniques and specialty dives.

Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification.

Key Skills: Includes deep diving, navigation, and various specialty dives.

Rescue Diver

Description: Focuses on developing skills to prevent and manage diving emergencies.

Importance: Enhances safety skills and confidence in emergency situations.

Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water Diver certification and CPR/First Aid training.

Divemaster

Description: The first professional level, preparing divers to lead and mentor others.

Role: Includes supervising dive activities and assisting with training.

Prerequisites: Rescue Diver certification and significant diving experience.

Instructor

Description: Trains divers to teach and certify others.

Levels: Various levels from Assistant Instructor to Master Instructor.

Prerequisites: Divemaster certification and additional training programs.

Tech Diving

Technical Diving Certifications: For advanced divers interested in deep, cave, or wreck diving, involving complex skills and equipment. See below

Advanced / Tech Scuba Diving Certifications

Advanced Nitrox

Description: Teaches the use of enriched air nitrox for dives up to 40% oxygen, focusing on extended bottom times and safety.

Prerequisites: Basic Nitrox certification and a minimum number of dives.

Decompression Procedures

Description: Provides training in the use of decompression techniques and planning for dives beyond recreational limits.

Prerequisites: Advanced Nitrox certification or equivalent experience.

Extended Range

Description: Prepares divers for extended range dives up to 55 meters using air and nitrox, with emphasis on advanced decompression strategies.

Prerequisites: Decompression Procedures certification and significant diving experience.

Trimix

Description: Introduces the use of helium-based trimix gases for deep dives, reducing narcosis and improving safety.

Prerequisites: Extended Range or equivalent certification and extensive dive experience.

Advanced Trimix

Description: Focuses on the use of hypoxic trimix for dives beyond 60 meters, including advanced planning and gas management.

Prerequisites: Trimix Diver certification and additional deep diving experience.

Cavern

Description: Provides the skills and knowledge required to safely explore caverns and overhead environments.

Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification and some diving experience.