Scuba diving offers travelers a way to explore the life and scenery beneath the surface of the water. Without proper training in scuba equipment and methodology, the sport can lead to injury or death. With an internationally recognized certification, you will be able to dive sites all over the world.
PADI
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, is the biggest internationally recognized diver-training organization. With nearly 6,000 dive shops across the globe, you can train nearly anywhere, and your certification will be recognized no matter where you go. While other training organizations exist, PADI has become the standard in diver training, and many international guidebooks recommend training at PADI-certified centers.
Certification Levels
The first level of scuba certification, open-water diver, allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 60 feet. The advanced open-water diver certification allows you to dive up to 100 feet deep. At each of these certification levels, divers may choose specialties, including night diving, drift diving, underwater conservation, dry suit diving and underwater digital photography. After the advanced open-water certification, divers may choose to become certified in rescue diving, followed by master diver certification. At this point, divers may move on to dive-training certification courses.
Requirements
For basic open-water certification, you must either rent or purchase a set of basic equipment including a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control device, regulator and oxygen tank. Nearly all dive shops have equipment for you to rent, but you may feel more comfortable purchasing at least a mask, snorkel and fins for yourself, as the fit of these items varies greatly. Ask your dive center what you'll need to bring to your certification course.
Safety Considerations
Only get your scuba certification from a certified dive shop. Certification ensures that the shop maintains its equipment and follows necessary safety procedures. Always dive with a friend and only dive at locations suitable to your experience level. If it's your first time diving at a new location, consider diving with a local guide who knows the layout and current conditions.
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