Scuba diving agencies play a crucial role in the world of diving. These organizations are responsible for providing training, certification, and guidelines to ensure the safety and enjoyment of divers. They offer various courses and programs catering to divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced divers seeking specialized training.
Diving agencies set standards and best practices for diving education, equipment usage, and dive planning. They also establish guidelines for underwater safety, environmental conservation, and responsible diving practices. By adhering to these standards, divers can enhance their skills, knowledge, and confidence in exploring the underwater world.
Furthermore, diving agencies often collaborate with dive centers and instructors worldwide to promote diving education and organize diving trips and expeditions. They create a network of certified professionals who can provide quality training and guidance to divers across different locations.
It's important for divers to choose a reputable diving agency that aligns with their goals and values. Each agency may have its own curriculum, teaching methods, and certification levels. Some of the well-known diving agencies include PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), and CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques), among others.
Whether someone is looking to try scuba diving for the first time or advance their diving skills, joining a recognized diving agency can provide them with the necessary training, certification, and resources to explore the fascinating underwater world safely and responsibly.
Name
Description
Website
ACUC
American Canadian Underwater Certifications, Canada
The BSAC is the governing body for the sport of scuba diving in the UK. It is a club-based organisation that offers training for members through a branch, or intensive courses through a BSAC school. BSAC was established in 1953 by Oscar Gugen.
Rebreather and open circuit training. Use an e-learning programme. RAID training standards are compliant with ISO Recreational Diving Standards and is accepted by The UK Health and Safety Executive as an approved provider. They also offer Nationally Accredited training in Australia.
Created in 1999 and grew out of sister company TDI, which specialises in the more advanced disciplines of technical dive training. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for SDI include: IDEA, PADI, PDIC, SSI, YMCA, NAUI, BSAC, Sub Aqua Association, European Standard, CMAS and IANTD
There are numerous diving organizations worldwide that grant diving certifications. The table below provides a general overview of equivalent scuba certifications. However, please note that these certifications are not entirely equivalent. For the definitive crossover requirements, please consult your selected diving agency.
The maximum depth guidelines mentioned are based on air dives. With further training, some certifications may allow for greater depths than indicated.
Dive Agency
Diving Qualifications
ACUC
Open Water
Advanced Open Water
Advanced Open Water with Rescue Diver
Divemaster
ANDI
Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Divemaster
BSAC
Ocean Diver 20m (BS EN 14153-2, ISO 24801-2)
Sports Diver 20m (35m after progress dives)
Dive Leader 50m (BS EN 14153-3, ISO 24801-3)
Advanced Diver 50m
1st Class Diver
CMAS
1 Star 20m
2 Star 30m or 40m
3 Star 56m
4 Star
IANTD
Open Water Diver 21m
Essentials Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver 30m
Rescue Diver
Divemaster
IDEA
Open Water Diver
Divemaster
NASE
Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver 30m
AOWD + Rescue Diver
Master Diver
NAUI
Scuba Diver 18m
Advanced Scuba Diver 40m
Scuba Rescue Diver / Master Scuba Diver
Divemaster
NDL
Diver
Dive Master
PADI
Open Water Diver 18m (12m if under 12)
Advanced Open Water Diver 30m
AOWD + Rescue Diver
Master Diver / Divemaster
PDIC
Open Water
Advanced Open Water Diver
PSAI
Open Water Sport Diver 18m
Advanced Open Water Diver 27m with 5 specialities
R.A.P.I.D. Master Diver 27m
Advanced Deep Air Level 1
Divemaster 40m
PTRD
1 Star Diver 25m
2 Star Diver 40m
3 Star Diver 50m
4 Star Diver 50m
RAID
Open Water 20m
Explorer 30m
Rescue Diver
Divemaster
SDI
Open Water Diver 18m
SDI Advanced Adventure
Advanced + Rescue Diver
Divemaster
SNSI
Divemaster
SSI
Open Water Diver 18m
Advanced Adventurer Diver 30m
Dive Guide EN/ISO 24801-3:2014
Dive Guide with Science of Diving = Dive Master
Instructor Grades
Dive Agency
Instructor Qualifications
ACUC
Entry Level Instructor, Assistant Instructor
Open Water Instructor with 140 dives
Open Water Instructor with additional courses
BSAC
Theory Instructor / Practical Instructor
Open Water Instructor
Advanced Instructor
National Instructor
CMAS
1 Star Instructor
2 Star Instructor
3 Star Instructor
4 Star
NAUI
Scuba Instructor
Instructor Trainer
Course Director
PADI
Assistant Instructor
Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)
Instructor Development Course (IDC) / Staff Instructor / Master Instructor