To become a certified diver, you must complete a training course and then earn a scuba diving certification from a certifying body. PADI, Scuba Diving International (or SSI) is responsible for scuba diving certification. There are other certifying bodies as well, such as SSI, but these are the most common. Read on to find out more about certification. We'll talk about the benefits and which certification is best for you.
PADI
PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. John Cronin was the founder of the organization, as was Ralph Erickson. It is a membership and diver training organization. To instruct others, members must first earn the PADI certificate. PADI certifications, which are internationally recognized, are recognized as the standard for teaching diving. These certifications ensure the highest standards of safety and training for all scuba divers.
Scuba Diving International
Scuba Diving International is an organization that offers certifications in scuba diving and training. Technical Diving International is Technical Diving International's recreational arm. SADI's mission is to teach people how to dive. There are certifications available for all levels of diving including advanced divers and beginners. SADI offers many other information, including certifications for scuba diving.
SSI
If you're in the market for a new scuba certification, you're probably wondering which is the best option. SSI and PADI courses are very similar in most respects, but the difference lies in the order in which the skills are taught. PADI requires all students to complete all skills in a specific order. SSI allows divers to skip a skill if they are having difficulty with one. This will help them gain confidence.
Other certifying organizations
There are hundreds of agencies that award scuba diving qualifications. Although many agencies use the same basic hierarchy of certification, requirements and names can vary. In general, open water, divermaster, or instructor will all be equivalent in certification. The table below gives an indication of the requirements for scuba divers. Benchmarks are the ISO 24801-2, ISO 24801-3, or BSAC certificates.
Specialties available
There are numerous specialties offered in certification scuba diving, including deep dives and ice diving. These specialized courses allow divers to explore new worlds below the ocean's surface. Divers can choose from hundreds of different specialty courses. Some of these include night diving, where divers can observe nocturnal creatures such as octopi and certain types of fish. Divers can even weave baskets underwater with some of these courses.
Cost of certification for scuba diving
The cost to become certified scuba diver varies according to the location and class. The PADI Open Water certification course, for example, costs around $500, although it can cost a bit more if you plan to dive in Maui. The certification cost includes the cost for scuba gear such as a mask or fins. Being certified is a lifelong achievement that will allow you to dive in the ocean.