Scuba Diving Schools

Scuba diving is a multi-faceted sport which is steadily expanding. Once you become a certified diver, you can go to many different specialties or remain a purely recreational diver. Various types of diving include cave diving, wreck diving, rescue diving and night diving. Some people get into underwater photography and underwater video. There are careers in the field from instructor to commercial diving. Diving is not limited to the ocean as there are many freshwater lakes and quarries which divers also explore.

  1. Certification Agencies

    • There are three major agencies in the United States for scuba certification. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the largest agency in the country; National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) is the oldest, having been established in 1959; Scuba Schools International (SSI) is the third-largest agency in the United States. Certification cards or C-cards from all three of these agencies are recognized world wide and will allow you to purchase air for your dives.

    Traditional Classes

    • In order to obtain scuba certification, the various agencies have set curriculums and tests that need to be completed. Not only are classes taken, but the potential diver must also receive training in the use of scuba equipment, pass a series of tests and also do an open water dive, which takes place either in the ocean or a lake.

    Online Schools

    • As with everything else, online instruction is now available for scuba certification as well. There are different courses available through recognized certification agencies. Online courses cover the basics of diving and the physics behind it. Different courses allow various lengths of time to complete the program. Once the online segment of the class is finished, you will still need to take the open water portion to complete the class and receive your certification.