Dive operators, dive shops, dive boats and dive organizations enforce certification rules rather than the United States government. After earning scuba certification, you will get a certification card, commonly referred to as the "C-Card." This card proves that you have passed a recognized scuba diving training course.
Government Laws Regarding Scuba Diving
Government laws regulating scuba diving vary by state. For example, the California Department of Industrial Relations lists certain general industry safety orders that apply to scuba diving. The orders dictate certain safety regulations for scuba diving, such as recompression chamber requirements, depth limits and dive buddy or standby diver requirements. The orders do not, however, indicate that divers must have certification to dive.
History of Certification
According to Marinebio.org, the YMCA offered the first scuba certification course in 1959. Soon after, in 1960, the first national scuba organizations formed for the purpose of training and certifying divers, including the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), founded in 1960, and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), founded in 1966.
Certifying Organizations
As of 2010, a variety of nationally and internationally recognized scuba certifying organizations exist. NAUI and PADI continue to provide scuba certification courses from the beginner recreational level to the most advanced master diver level. Other certifying organizations include the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), founded in 1953 in the United Kingdom, and Scuba Schools International (SSI) founded in 1970 in the United States.
Certification Requirements
To enter a scuba certification class with most certifying organizations, you must meet certain age and physical fitness requirements. PADI, for example, enforces a minimum age of 10 years for junior certification and 15 years for full open water certification. Most certifying organizations also require certification candidates to file physical fitness forms and pass swimming competence tests. The swimming test typically involves swimming at least 200 meters and treading water for at least 10 minutes. Certification candidates must also pass a paper test as well as practical open water skills tests.
Use of C-Cards
In order to dive with a particular dive operator, dive boat or dive resort, you must present your certification card as proof that you have the necessary training to dive safely. Because of liability issues, nearly all dive operators will refuse to let you dive with them if you cannot present a certification card.
Advanced Certifications
Once you have earned your basic open water certification, you can continue your scuba training and work toward advanced certifications. Advanced certifications include cavern, cave, technical, wreck, enriched air and rescue diving. The most advanced certification courses prepare you to become a master diver or dive instructor.
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