You must first complete a training program and then receive a certification from a certifying organization to become a certified diver. PADI, Scuba Diving International or SSI are the certifying bodies for scuba diving. There are other certifying bodies as well, such as SSI, but these are the most common. To learn more about the certification process, read on. We'll discuss the benefits of each type of certification and how to choose one for you.
PADI
PADI stands professionally for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. John Cronin, Ralph Erickson and Ralph Erickson founded the organization in 1966. It is a membership and diver training organization. Members are required to earn the PADI certification before they can instruct others. PADI certifications have been internationally recognized and are the standard in diving instruction. These certifications assure the highest standards for safety and training of all scuba divers.
Scuba Diving International
Scuba Diving International, (SADI), offers scuba certifications. Technical Diving International's recreational arm, SADI, manages the organization. The goal of SADI is to help people develop their scuba skills. SADI offers certifications for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, as well as professional instructors. SADI provides extensive information about diving and offers certifications.
SSI
If you're in the market for a new scuba certification, you're probably wondering which is the best option. PADI and SSI courses can be compared in many ways. However, there is a difference in the order 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 agencies
There are hundreds upon hundreds of agencies that can award scuba diving certificates. While the basic hierarchy is similar across all agencies, names and requirements can vary. The equivalent certification levels are open water, instructor, and divemaster. This table provides an overview of scuba diving qualifications. These certifications serve to set the benchmarks.
Specialties
Divers can choose from deep diving or ice diving to be certified. These courses are designed to introduce divers into new worlds under the ocean's bottom. Divers can take hundreds of specialty courses. One of these is night diving. This allows divers to observe nocturnal species like octopi and fish. Divers can even weave baskets underwater with some of these courses.
Cost of certification scuba diving
The cost of certification to dive in the ocean varies depending on which class you take, where you are located, and what program it is. PADI Open Water certification is an example. This course can run around $500 but it might be more expensive if your plan is to dive in Maui. The certification price includes all scuba gear, including masks and fins. The certification is a life-long accomplishment and is a great starting point for scuba diving in open water.