Sport Forward: Scuba Certifications Explained

If you are planning on learning how to scuba dive, you'll need to complete a training course and receive certification. For new learners, this means you'll need to choose between Padi and Naui certification. For experienced divers, there are a wide range of courses available that can help you improve your skills and get even more fun out of your underwater adventures. Here's a breakdown of what you might be interested in taking.

Padi or Naui?

For new non-divers, the first decision is whether to pursue Padi or Naui certification. Both training programs are based on the same general idea: to teach people how to dive safely. They have solid reputations and have certified divers all over the world through their programs. The main difference is that Padi certification is more popular and is held by most of the new divers who hit the water.

You might also be limited in choice to what's around you. Most dive training centers will only offer one type of certification. Hence, if the you find the dive center closest to you only offers Naui certification, that may be the deciding factor. However, the Padi e-learning courses are giving some options.

Padi E-Learning

While it might sound ridiculous to learn how to scuba dive through an e-learning class, what you're actually doing is learning the basics through an online class. Things you will learn include: recommended scuba gear, how to use your scuba equipment, and most importantly safety precautions. You'd take the course at your convenience, pass the online quizzes meant to test your knowledge, then move onto the water-portion of your learning at an approved diving center or resort with a skilled trainer.

This type of course is a good option for someone planning to go diving for the first time on vacation so you can get all of the classwork work out of the way and start getting into the water as soon as you arrive.

Beginning Course

Known as the Open Water Diving Course (Padi) or Scuba Diver (Naui), this initial course is meant to introduce you to all of the basics you need to dive. The Padi course, for example, introduces learners to some of the principles of scuba diving, as well as the techniques and methods necessary to move around underwater. The Naui course promises to do much the same thing, including teaching you how to use the equipment and learn safety procedures.

As expected, training in the water is required for both courses. The Naui course, for example, includes at least five open water dives. The number included in the Padi course may be up to the diving center or training with whom you are working.

To become certified as a diver, simply successfully complete either course. Once you obtain that certification, the underwater world is open to you. You can easily go scuba diving and go the next step in you training if desired.

Courses for Experienced Divers

An important thing to remember is that once you select your certification you'll need to complete the rest of your courses through them as well. For example, if you take the Open Water Diving course through Padi, you'll be able to take other courses that Padi offers, including more of their e-learning options.

The Advanced Open Water diving course offered by Padi covers both deep diving and underwater navigation diving. You'll also learn about some other exciting and popular diving activities, such as exploring undersea wreckage or going night diving. Boat diving is also covered and is also a popular choice. This course is also available through the e-learning option.

If you've chosen Naui certification, you'll be able to choose the Advanced Scuba Course which includes diving in currents, boat diving, shore diving, and salt and fresh water diving. There is a six dive minimum for this course.

Other Courses

Both Padi and Naui certification opens up the possibility of becoming a Master Scuba Diver. This is the ultimate non-professional certification for a diver. It does include additional training in a wide variety of diving techniques.

Besides this extra certification, you can also take a number of specialty diving courses through the Padi training centers, including enriched air diving which lets you stay underwater longer. You can also learn how to dive in dry suits or explore caverns while diving.

Additionally, experienced divers who want to use their skills for more than just personal enjoyment can take further classes that will help them become rescue divers or diving trainers. There are plenty of options available once you take the first plunge and get your initial certification.

Sport Forward

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Scuba Certifications Explained

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