Dive certification organizations – A guide

There are several dive certification organizations recognized worldwide. These organizations provide standardized training and certification for scuba diving, ensuring that divers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to dive safely. Some of the prominent dive certification organizations include:

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

PADI is the largest and most widely recognized dive certification organization globally. Based in the US, they offer a range of certification levels, from beginner to professional, and have a vast network of affiliated dive centers and instructors worldwide.
Read our post about PADI here.

Scuba Schools International (SSI)

SSI is another leading dive certification agency, founded in the US, that provides comprehensive dive training programs. They offer various certification levels, including recreational diving, technical diving, and professional diving.
Read our post about SSI here.

National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)

NAUI is a nonprofit organization that offers diver training and certification programs. They focus on promoting safe diving practices and environmental awareness. Head Office is in Florida, US.
Read our post on NAUI here.

British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)

BSAC is a UK-based dive certification organization with a strong emphasis on promoting safe diving practices and education. They offer a range of certification courses for divers of all levels.
Read our post on BSAC here.

Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS)

CMAS is an international federation that provides diver training and certification, founded in France. They have member organizations in various countries and offer a standardized certification system.
Read our post on CMAS here.

Federazione Italiana Attività Subacquee (F.I.P.S.A.S.)

F.I.P.S.A.S. is the Italian federation for underwater activities and is affiliated with CMAS. They provide training and certification programs for divers in Italy.

Global Underwater Explorers (GUE)

GUE is another non-profit international organization, based in Florida, US. They focus on technical and cave diving training and emphasize precision, safety, and exploration and offer a range of certification programs.
Read our post about GUE here.

National Association for Cave Diving (NACD)

NACD is a specialized certification organization focused on cave diving. They offer training and certification for divers interested in exploring underwater cave systems. NACD is based in the US.

In addition to the well-known dive certification organizations like PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS, BSAC, GUI, and NACD, there are several other dive certification organizations that cater to divers around the world. While these organizations may have a more localized focus or smaller membership base, they still provide valuable training and certification opportunities. Here are a few examples:

Australian Underwater Federation (AUF)

AUF is the national governing body for underwater sports in Australia. They offer diver training and certification through their affiliated clubs and instructors across the country.

International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD)

IANTD specializes in technical diving and offers training and certification for advanced diving techniques, including mixed gas diving, rebreather diving, and cave diving.

Technical Diving International (TDI)

TDI is a leading organization for technical diving education. They provide training and certification in areas such as nitrox, trimix, rebreather diving, and advanced wreck diving.

National Academy of Scuba Educators (NASE)

NASE offers diver training and certification programs for recreational and technical diving. They provide a range of courses, including those for open water diving, specialty diving, and instructor development.

Sub-Aqua Association (SAA)

SAA is a UK-based dive certification organization that focuses on recreational diving and instructor training. They offer a comprehensive curriculum for divers of all levels.

American Nitrox Divers International (ANDI)

ANDI specializes in gas blending and provides training and certification for technical diving, including mixed gas diving, rebreather diving, and gas blending techniques.

Professional Diving Instructors Corporation (PDIC)

PDIC is an international dive certification organization based in the Philippines. They offer training and certification for recreational and professional diving.

It’s important to note that the availability and recognition of specific dive certification organizations may vary depending on the country and region. When choosing a dive certification organization, consider factors such as their curriculum, instructor quality, industry reputation, and alignment with your diving goals and interests.

If you find our review wrong or misleading, feel free to contact us so that we can make corrections. Contact us at hello@divepricer.com

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