Originally an acronym for self contained underwater breathing apparatus, “Scuba Diving” now is widely considered a word in its own right. It is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater. SSI,PADI, NAUI and others are agencies offering scuba certification.
Role of Certification Agency
These agencies provide diver training at all levels. They also represent and regulate professionals involved in diving as in dive instructors and dive masters. Regulating diving operators, participating in research for diving medicine, promoting conservation of the marine life and habitat as well as marketing the sports aspect of diving are also their responsibilities.
Difference in the agencies
The location of operation is the fundamental difference while comparing agencies. Agencies like CMAS and BSAC are related closely to the countries of their origin, while agencies like PADI are completely global. The courses from the level of beginners through to the level of professionals at all agencies are very similar and each other’s qualifications at a recreational level are recognized by all of them. However, at a professional level, such may not be the case.
Choosing an Agency
There is a similarity in all courses and a certification card for open water from any agencies that is recognized is recognized throughout the world by dive operators. This needs to be remembered when choosing an open water course. Depending on where you want to learn is an important factor in choosing the agency as is the factor of the agency of certification of the instructor preferred by you.
Biggest Agencies
With dive instructors and centers in almost every location that people dive in, PADI is the biggest agency. Agencies such as SSI and NAUI are concentrated more in particular areas of the world. A brief overview of the chief agencies is given below and the World Recreational Scuba Training Council can provide further information on agencies and their credentials.
PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors
More divers at the beginning levels are certified by PADI than the total of other agencies put together. The conservation of marine life and habitats by way of their operation Project AWARE is an area that is active for PADI, the biggest diving promoter through sponsorship and advertising, involved in training for technical diving. Emergency First Response is an organization run by PADI to provide First Aid training and CPR.
SSI – Scuba Schools International
There are 2000 authorized dealers and 225 Regional Centers in 90 countries around the world. Headquartered in Colorado, USA the diver education system here is very similar to PADI’s system. SSI has abundant training facilities in South East Asia and North America.
NAUI – National Association of Underwater Instructors
NAUI, founded in the USA in 1959 is one of the biggest agencies for global certification with an education system for divers that is very similar to PADI and SSI. With dive centers primarily in North America, NAUI also does technical diving since 1997.
SEI – Scuba Educators International
SEI was formed with the closing of the scuba program by the YMCA after 50 years. It continues along similar standards.
BSAC – British Sub Aqua Club
Founded in the UK, BSAC is among the agencies that is the extremely popular there. Training facilities of the BSAC are found in countries that divers from Britain frequent. BSAC has very high training standards and requires training levels at the extreme for achieving certification.
CMAS – Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques
Originally founded in Brussels, Belgium CMAS is an agency for scuba certification that is the oldest in the world. Now headquartered in Italy, in Rome, the rating system of CMAS is quite different when compared to when based on levels determined by way of stars. CMAS is active primarily in Europe.