Basic Scuba Diving

Scuba diving allows you to visit and explore a new world: the underwater realm. Many water enthusiasts try out scuba diving because they're curious to see what else is happening in the ocean. The scuba diver level is the basic or introductory level of dive training, which allows individuals to dive with a certified dive professional to a maximum depth of 40 feet. Certified scuba divers can rent and purchase dive gear and join dive activities as long as they maintain the requisite supervision. Open Water Dive training covers basic scuba diving skills and involves additional check out dives for skill evaluation.

  1. Training

    • Open Water Dive training consists of knowledge discussed in a classroom setting, skills training conducted in a confined setting, such as the pool and skills assessment in the ocean, lake or quarry.

    Scuba Diver Level

    • Basic scuba diver training is an introductory course, which covers the same classwork and confined skills as Open Water Dive Training. However, ocean skills are limited because this level can only dive with a dive professional, such as a divemaster.

    Agencies

    • Major scuba certification agencies provide the basic scuba diver course as part of the Open Water Diver training (first level of scuba diver). Major agencies include PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International), NAUI Worldwide (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and YMCA.

    Considerations

    • Divers with scuba diver certification are limited to diving with a dive professional, such as on vacation. Certified Open Water Divers do not require the services of a dive professional and have the flexibility of diving with a buddy or group.

    Fun Fact

    • Your scuba certification has no expiration date, but refresher courses are recommended for divers who have not been diving in a while.