The Alphabet Soup Of Diving Certification Agencies

Are you interested in learning to dive but don’t know where to start? While there are a variety of certification agencies for new divers to try, most schools teach the same standardized skill when learning to dive. 

Keep in mind, the similar approach used by these diving agencies may cause you to consider other factors. You may discover it is more important to focus on how comfortable you feel with your diving instructor. After that you may decide to compare other factors including price and location.

Diving Certification Agencies

SDI - SCUBA Diving International

SDI was started in 1998 out of its sister company TDI. The only SCUBA certification that requires students to be taught with modern dive computers, there’s an emphasis on practical skills learned in the pool and open water.

Dreaming Sea Divers own John Phillips is a Course Director for SDI. Key points about SDI:

• It's based in Stuart, Florida -- not far from West Palm Beach, where Dreaming Sea Divers is based
• The umbrella agency started with only Technical Dive training, so its recreational agency adopts some of those mentalities
• It’s computer diving only, no tables
• Digital and physical certificate cards are standard, not an extra $55 like PADI
• It’s a diver-run organization

PADI - The Professional Association of Diving Instructors

PADI is another diving certification agency that emphasizes the theory and practical skills of diving. Founded in 1966, PADI presently maintains over 6,000 diving schools around the world. Their extensive reach has allowed them to license over 60 percent of recreational divers with a PADI certification. PADI also gives you the option of beginning your educational experience online with courses that offer flexibility for future divers needing to grasp the basics. 

4 E Philosophy 

1. Education: PADI dive certification focuses on teaching all aspects of diving so that each student can expand their capabilities. They provide their students with the foundational knowledge to learn to dive on any level.
2. Experience: Experience is emphasized for PADI certifications as well. Everyone knows practice makes perfect. 
3. Equipment: PADI believes all learners should stay up to date with equipment functions and features to keep their divers safe when learning to scuba. 
4. Environmental Conservation: Learning to dive can only continue to happen if divers have access to the aquatic environment's current wonders. For this reason, PADI finds ways to participate in preserving our underwater ecosystem so it can be around for years to come. 

Project AWARE

Compared to other dive agencies, this organization stands out because of their environmental efforts using their non-profit organization Project AWARE. PADI works hard to organize beach cleanups, promote plastic awareness campaigns, and participate in shark protection through their marine conservation efforts. PADI believes conservation efforts are crucial to the future of diving. 

NAUI - National Association of Underwater Instructors

NAUI was established in 1959 and currently holds the title of the oldest diving agency around. A non-profit diving organization, NAUI focuses on recreational and technical training for those learning to dive. This organization is recognized for its innovative approach when training divers and is the second-biggest agency based on the number of certifications delivered to the diving community. 

Fun Fact: NAUI has trained and educated divers working for big names like Disney World Resort, the United States Navy Seal Teams and NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Huston, Texas. 

SSI - Scuba Schools International 

SSI was established in the 1970s and uses professional dive centers and resorts to attract future divers. This diving school is a retail-based organization, so they mostly attract tourists interested in freediving, snorkeling, swimming or scuba diving. SSI has 30 service centers that use uncompromising standards and focused methodology when teaching you how to dive.

Scuba Diving Diamond

This organization promotes the scuba diving diamond focused on four main points. These include:

1. Knowledge: SSI wants everyone they certify to be an expert in diving. Extensive knowledge will ensure their divers learn safely and are ready for future dives. 
2. Skills: SSI wants all divers to walk away with the skills necessary to dive on their own. They maintain the belief that every diver will become more comfortable diving underwater by repeating practices during the certification process. 
3. Equipment: SSI uses the two points above to familiarize all its divers with their equipment. Understanding everything about your equipment makes learning to dive easier. 
4. Experience: SSI wants all of its students to go beyond the minimum established requirements for divers trying to complete their certification. They believe divers who have more experience will always perform at their highest level when learning to dive. 

So Who Has The Best Diving Certification Methodology? 

There isn’t necessarily an agency that offers a “better” approach when certifying new divers. Diving organizations have more similarities than differences and follow the same global standards. Each diving agency teaches the core skills necessary to learn to dive.  

Furthermore, all students receive the same certification capabilities around the world. The likeness of each agency means new divers should focus on the experience provided by their dive instructors. Who you learn to dive from is one of the most important factors to consider. Your diving instructor is the captain of your adventure. His energy can affect your experience, especially if the class size is too big or the instructor does not meet your needs. John Phillips offers a diving experience that puts safety first – so you can focus on enjoying exploring the wonders of the ocean.  

Dreaming Sea Divers Offers Private Certification Lessons

Dreaming Sea Divers gives you a chance to do something different this Valentine's Day. Connect on a deeper level by learning to dive with your significant other. Explore the mysticism of the underwater world and find a new hobby for you both to take up this New Year. 

There are many benefits to hiring a private dive guide and our mission is to make your day of diving a magical experience! Book your next adventure with us here.