Explore training options for recreational divers.
Many certification agencies offer diving courses. But what is a certification agency, and what does it do?
A certification agency trains and certifies divers through affiliated schools. It provides the training program, learning materials and certification cards. Agencies also support certified divers and oversee course quality. The best known is PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), which issues the largest share of recreational diving certifications worldwide. Others include SSI, NAUI, CMAS and PDIC. Certifications are international and do not expire, except those issued by CMAS, which require renewal every three years for a fee.
Do you know the recreational diver training levels?
The Open Water course is where you learn the fundamentals and basic skills of diving. It includes theory, a written exam, confined water and open water. All agencies offer a beginner course and continuing education. With PADI, for example, the sequence is Open Water, Advanced, First Aid and Rescue. For professionals, Divemaster is the first level, followed by instructor training. There are further instructor levels, all the way to training other instructors. Agencies recognize equivalent levels, so you can take Open Water with SSI and Advanced with PADI, for example.
Specialty courses run alongside this progression: nitrox, deep diving, night diving, underwater photography and video, cave diving, wreck diving and more. There are dozens of options, so you can choose what suits your interests.