You need to complete a training course before becoming a certified diver. Then, you will receive a scuba dive certification from an certifying body. PADI, Scuba Diving International (or SSI) is responsible for scuba diving certification. There are also other certifying agencies, like SSI. However, these are the most well-known. Continue reading to learn more about certification. We'll be discussing the benefits of each type and how to choose the best one for you.
PADI
PADI stands to Professional Association of Diving Instructors. John Cronin and Ralph Erickson created the organization in 1966. It is a membership and diver training organization. Before being able to instruct others, members will need to have the PADI Certification. PADI certifications are internationally recognized and are recognized as the standard for diving instruction. These certifications provide the best safety and training possible for all scuba divers.
Scuba Diving International
Scuba Diving International is an organization that offers certifications in scuba diving and training. Technical Diving International (TDI), the recreational arm of Scuba Diving International, has this organization. SADI's aim is to help divers improve their skills. All levels of diving are eligible for certifications, including advanced divers, beginners, and professional instructors. SADI provides extensive information about diving and offers certifications.
SSI
You may be wondering which scuba certification is best for you. The SSI and PADI courses look very similar, but there are some differences in how 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 allow them to gain confidence.
Other certifying bodies
There are hundreds of agencies that award scuba diving qualifications. While the basic hierarchy is similar across all agencies, names and requirements can vary. In general, open water, divermaster, or instructor will all be equivalent in certification. The table below provides a rough guide to scuba diving qualifications. Benchmarks include the ISO 24801-2 and ISO 24801-3 certifications as well as the BSAC certifications.
Specialties
Divers can choose from deep diving or ice diving to be certified. These courses open up new worlds beneath ocean's waters to divers. Divers have access to hundreds of specialty courses. These include night diving where divers can see nocturnal creatures like octopi, and certain types fish. Divers can even weave baskets underwater with some of these courses.
Certification for scuba diving is expensive
There are many factors that affect the cost of certification. 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 costs include the cost of your scuba gear (including a mask, fins, and snorkel). It is a life-long achievement and a great way for you to get started scuba diving in ocean.