Scuba Diving Certification

So, how do you obtain the scuba diving certification? The only way to receive this certification is by signing up with a scuba diving school which basis it's curriculum with a recognized scuba training agency. Such scuba certification agencies regulate and represent diving professionals and operators whilst also promoting the sport and the marine environment.

All recognized scuba certification agencies adhere to strict training guide lines which will ensure that you receive the necessary training for safe scuba diving.

On successful completing the training, you will be certified as a scuba diver. You will then receive a scuba diving license which will allow you to scuba dive with diver operators and rent scuba equipment.

Because there are many different scuba diving certification agencies around, it is worth to find out which ones are closer to your home. It is important to understand that the approach to scuba diving will vary for each agency. However most popular agencies will offer very similar training for recreational scuba and will recognize each other's qualifications.

Some Agencies are global organizations such as PADI and NAUI and thus recognized worldwide whilst other agencies are closely related to their country of origin. You can find more information on reputable agencies with the World Recreational Scuba Training Council.

How difficult is it to get the scuba diving certification?

The scuba diving certification is not so easy. It takes mental and physical training and most of all your willingness to learn, but I guarantee you that it is worth the effort.

The certification obtained following your scuba diving lessons, is very similar to getting your driver's license. On signing up with a scuba diving school, you will have scuba diving lessons which are structured around theory and hands-on scuba diving training in confined and open water.

Scuba diving lessons - Theory

In the theory part, you will be learning scuba diving safety techniques and basic scuba concepts. You will likely watch videos introducing you to scuba and will be briefed on scuba safety practices. Within the theory lessons you will also get to learn the different scuba hand signals for use underwater communication. 

Most important of all, you will be introduced to the different diving equipment that you are soon going to use. During this time you will also be reading text books and gaining an understanding of the relationship between depth and pressure. Knowledge of how to use the dive tables to plan a dive and assembling and maintaining your scuba equipment will also be provided within this part of your scuba diving lessons.

Scuba diving lessons - Confined Water training

The next part of your scuba diving lessons is the confined water training. Finally within this part of the scuba course, you will actually get your first experience to breathing underwater. These sessions will train you on how to use your equipment and practice your buoyancy and surfacing skills. There are many skills to practice and learn, so you will probably have several sessions to practice them out.

At the end of the theory and confined sessions, you will be required to pass a final exam to progress to the open water portion of the program.

Scuba diving lessons - Open Water training

The final portion is the open water training. Here you will get to test the skills learned from the previous confined water training sessions. You will here practice the scuba diving skills with your instructor until you're completely confident and can perform them with ease in a real diving situation. 

During these scuba dives, you will be given an orientation to some of the local conditions and environment you will be diving in once you have completed the course. The good thing about it is that you will also get to check out the underwater scenery. Be ready to become addicted to diving. 

These skill evaluation tests are spread over approximately four different dives. Once your instructor is satisfied with your progress and have passed all the necessary tests, you will be certified as an official scuba diver.

On obtaining your scuba diving certification as an open water diver, it is not necessary that you are accompanied by an instructor, but always remember to be accompanied by a diving buddy. You will also be able to dive to a maximum of 60 feet /18 meters. This course is only the beginning of what scuba diving has to offer. You can continue your diving training by progressing to the Advanced Open Water course and other specialties.

The great thing about this scuba diving certification is that you never need to renew it. Having said that, should you have not dived for over a year or more, it is wise to get a refresher's course known as a Scuba Review to go over your skills.

 

For more information on scuba diving be sure to check other articles on:

Cost of Scuba Diving/History of Scuba Diving/ Facts About Scuba Diving/  Scuba Gear Guides / Scuba Diving safety rules