The Complete Guide To Getting Scuba Certified

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Learn To Scuba Dive

How Do I Get Certified To Scuba Dive?

There are many diving organizations offering scuba diving certification courses. Each organization has its own specific programs. The top three internationally recognized organizations include:

Scuba Schools International (SSI)

SSI was founded in 1970. Today, this organization has more than 3,500 training centers in over 150 countries. Courses are offered in more than 40 different languages! The SSI website makes it easy to locate a scuba diving training center near you.

The SSI training philosophy embraces the “SSI Diver Diamond”: Knowledge, Skills, Equipment, and Experience.

In addition to Scuba Diving courses, SSI also offers Freediving, Extended Range Tec Diving, Rebreather Diving, Snorkeling, and Mermaid courses. SSI also has a marine conservation program called Blue Oceans.

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

Founded in 1966 by two friends who were seeking to create a scuba organization that provided state-of-the-art instruction and easy access to training for those seeking to join the sport. Now, PADI training centers and resorts can be found in more than 180 countries. There are more than 6,600 PADI training centers and resorts worldwide!

PADI offers a variety of courses, including Scuba Diving, Technical Diving, Free Diving, and Mermaid Diving. PADI courses are offered in at least 26 different languages.

The name of PADI’s marine conservation program is PADI Aware.

National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)

Despite having the word “National” in the name, NAUI offers training worldwide. The organization’s motto is “Dive Safety Through Education”.

Many well-known organizations use NAUI to train members, including the Navy Seals, NASA, and Walt Disney World. NAUI has a reputation for having the highest training standards in the scuba industry.

Search for NAUI diver centers on their website.

What Scuba Gear Do I Need To Get Started?

One of the great things about scuba diving is that it is usually very easy to rent the necessary gear. That being said, the majority of dive centers require new students to purchase their own masks, snorkel, and fins.

While some new students prefer to purchase all of their gear at the very beginning, this can be an expensive choice. Instead, many beginner and advanced scuba divers choose to rent the:

BCD;
Wetsuit;
Drysuit (if diving in colder waters);
Dive Computer and/or SPG;
Weights;
Regulator and Octopus.

Renting is a great way to try out different brands and styles of scuba gear, finding the right one for you before making a large investment.

Read our Scuba Equipment page for more information.

What To Expect During Scuba Class

Scuba classes are broken down into three different parts.

Classroom Learning

Online learning and classroom learning provide information about diving equipment and scuba terminology. Topics include buoyancy, proper dive planning, equipment assembly, marine conservation, and more.

Pool Sessions

Students will get to take their first underwater breaths during pool sessions! This time is spent with an instructor practicing how to assemble gear and learning underwater skills, like how to clear a mask that has water in it. Performing scuba skills in a confined water setting helps to build confidence.

Open Water Dives

The final step to becoming Open Water Scuba Certified is to perform a set number of open water dives. During these dives, the instructor will ask you to show off the skills you have learned.

Is My Scuba Certification Good For Life?

Yes, once you receive your Open Water Certification you are certified to dive for life. However, if it’s been more than one year since your last dive, many shops and resorts will require that you take a refresher course.

How Much Does It Cost To Become Scuba Certified?

The cost for certification varies widely from shop to shop. But typically, you can expect to spend between $300 – $600 (USD) for the Open Water course. Be sure to budget for the cost of a mask, snorkel, and fins, which, on average, cost between $200 – $300 (USD). Rental gear may be included as part of the course fee or could be an additional fee.

Can I Get Scuba Certified While On Vacation?

Absolutely! Keep in mind that it typically takes 4-7 days to become scuba certified. What many divers choose to do is perform classroom and pool sessions with a shop near their home. Then a referral can be made to a dive center at a resort of their choice, where the open water dives can be performed.

Be sure to ask your local dive shops for additional information.

Can I Get Scuba Certified If I Have A Medical Condition?

Be sure to check with your doctor prior to beginning a scuba diving course. There are certain medical conditions that require a doctor’s approval before certification can be given.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Get Scuba Certified?

Every diving organization is different but many offer classes to children as young as 8 years old in a pool setting. By age 12, a Junior Scuba Diving certification can be awarded. Check with your local dive shops to learn more.