Recommendations in choosing PADI vs SSI To summarize: Both PADI and SSI offer world-class diving training around the world. They both maintain high standards of practice across the globe. SSI is generally cheaper, so if you are looking for a lower price, you can do your SSI Open Water.

What is the highest diving certification?

Master Scuba Diver (sometimes referred to as “MSD”) is the highest level of recreational diving, To become a PADI Master Scuba Diver™ you must: Hold an Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certification.

Whats the difference between PADI and SDI?

One difference is that SDI was developed from dive professionals in the technical diving field. PADI has deep roots in recreational diving and has stayed true to these roots. … Divers can progress through SDI’s recreational levels, then transition smoothly into technical diving with TDI.

How many PADI levels are there?

The seven levels of recreational divers. PADI offers various levels of training and certification, with most courses consisting of three main components.

Do PADI licenses expire?

Your PADI certification never expires; but if you haven’t been diving in a while, it’s better to be over-prepared than risk a problem because you forget something important. Dive shops also appreciate seeing a recent ReActivated date on your certification card.

What age is PADI certified?

The minimum age is 10 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

Is PADI certification good for life?

Will my certification expire? No, your certification will not expire. As an PADI Open Water Diver, your certification is good for life. If you do not actively participate in scuba for an extended period of time, however, it’s a good idea to refresh your skills through the PADI ReActivate class.

What is scuba certification called?

The open water scuba diver certification, also sometimes called a “diving license” or “scuba certification,” is a credential that allows you to: Get air fills for tanks. Rent diving equipment.

What is the first PADI qualification?

1. PADI Scuba Diver Or Junior PADI Scuba Diver To Start. The PADI Scuba Diver is a scuba diving certification level indicated for those who do not have too much time. The knowledge you will acquire will allow you to dive to a maximum depth of 12m / 40 feet.

Do you need a license to scuba dive?

Do you have to be scuba certified to dive? Yes, you do! You should get scuba certified and yes you need a license to scuba dive and you should not attempt to do so without. … The PADI open water diver course is the first diving certification course you can enroll to become a fully certified diver.

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What is level1 diver?

EN 14153-1/ISO 24801-1 Recreational diving services – Safety related minimum competence requirements for the training of recreational scuba divers – Part 1: The level 1 “Supervised diver” has sufficient knowledge, skill and experience to dive, in open water, to a recommended maximum depth of 12 m, which do not require …

How deep can I dive with PADI open water?

PADI Open Water Diver: Maximum Depth. – Open Water Divers can plan and execute dives with a certified buddy or dive professional to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet. – Scuba Divers may only dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.

Can you dive anywhere?

Contributor. If you can get to and from the water you can dive just about anyplace you might want to, unless there’s a posted rule otherwise. Make sure you know enough about the site; current, surge, boat traffic, pollution, navigation hazards, etc. to keep yourself safe.

What are the two types of scuba certification?

There are two main scuba certification levels that most recreational scuba divers are interested in: the open water diver certification and the advanced open water diver certification. The open water diver certification allows you to dive down to depths of 60 feet.

How much does PADI dive master cost?

Course NameCostRescue Diver$400Rescue Diver eLearning Already an elearning student? Click here to login$189 eLearning $250 Dockside Total cost $439Divemaster$800Divemaster eLearning Already an elearning student? Click here to login$259 eLearning $600 Dockside Total cost $859

What is the most important rule in scuba diving?

If you remember one rule of scuba diving, make it this: Breathe continuously and never hold your breath. During open water certification, a scuba diver is taught that the most important rule in scuba diving is to breathe continuously and to avoid holding his breath underwater.

How much does scuba gear cost?

When purchasing a complete set of new gear, expect the bill to be around $1000 – $2000. Of course, it varies depending on whether you are buying low end or high end items. The cost of renting scuba diving gear also varies per location but in most cases it will only be a fraction of the retail price.

How fast can you get scuba certified?

What to Expect in a PADI Course. There are a few things to expect in getting PADI Open Water Diver Certified: It Takes Time: While you can’t get certified in a day, it’s entirely possible to complete the course in three to four days.

How can I dive for free?

Hold on to something (your buddy, the pool wall, the buoy etc.). Breathe in deeply, hold your breath for a moment, then slowly relax and let the air exhale. Repeat this process at least three times until you feel completely recovered. Do not attempt another dive for at least three minutes.

Can you scuba dive with asthma padi?

Diving may be hazardous to the lung function of patients with asthma. Despite the risks of SCUBA diving, many asthmatic individuals can dive without serious diving events. Diving evaluations for asthmatic patients have focused on a thorough patient history, spirometry, allergy testing, and bronchial challenges.

How long is a PADI course?

The number of dives needed to complete the course means it can take anywhere between six weeks and six months to attain the certification.

Is there a weight limit to scuba dive?

Scuba diving does not have a maximum weight limit. However, it is a sport and most sports requires a certain level of fitness to participate. Every active diver should undergo a medical examination once a year to demonstrate physical compliance.

Can a 10 year old scuba dive?

Divers aged 10 and 11 years old must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent or guardian, and dives cannot exceed 12 meters (40 feet). Divers aged 12 years to 14 years old must dive with a certified adult and dives cannot exceed 18 meters (60 feet) in depth.

What does scuba stand for?

The word SCUBA in scuba diving means Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. The Webster dictionary definition of scuba is, “an apparatus utilising a portable supply of compressed gas (as air) supplied at a regulated pressure and used for breathing while swimming underwater”.

How do I become a dive master?

Divemaster is the first professional-level course. You must be at least 18 years old, with the PADI Rescue Diver course (or equivalent). You must have CPR/first aid and secondary care training in the last 24 months, with a minimum of 40 logged dives.

What is a PADI c card?

Your PADI diving certification card is proof that you have successfully completed a PADI Training Course.

Is PADI certification International?

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards Compliant – PADI courses are certified as compliant with ISO standards for Recreational Diving Services by an independent auditor, the European Underwater Federation and the Austrian Standards Institute.

Can you legally scuba dive alone?

It is not illegal to dive without certification, but no reputable dive center or club would allow someone to dive with them without first being certified to scuba dive.

At what age should you stop scuba diving?

There is no maximum age for scuba diving, but whether the person is physically able and confident to dive. This question would also apply to someone in their 20s! I personally work with a Dive Master who is in his mid-50s who works full-time, and I’ve had many Open Water diving students who were over 50 years of age.

Is scuba diving expensive hobby?

Yes, scuba diving is an expensive hobby. You can expect to spend roughly $300 to receive your diving certification, anywhere from $200 – $2,000 on scuba diving gear, and anywhere between $75 – $150 per dive. Renting your gear instead of buying can let you scuba dive on a budget.

What is level3 diver?

Recreational Diver 3 is for divers who have completed Recreational Diver 2 or a GUE Fundamentals course at the “recreational” level and have completed at least 75 non-training dives, of which at least 25 must be with double tanks.