PADI
Professional Association of Diving Instructors · founded 1966- The largest agency in the world, issuing about a million certifications a year
- Thousands of dive centers across 180+ countries
- Polished eLearning you can finish before your trip
You do the hardest part 20,000 times a day!
Why not use a few of those breaths to discover the most incredible, living, colorful and amazing world of all?
Life Changing ExcitementComing SoonCompletion Nearing
Depth 0 ft · Learn to Dive
How to become a certified diver
An Open Water certification is your lifetime license to dive. Most people complete the course in 3 or 4 days, and the cost ranges from $500 to $700. As a bonus, Diver.org gives you a free $75 “New Diver Gift Card” to use right away at the shop where you get certified.
1
Knowledge
Online or classroom lessons on pressure, equipment and safety. Do it at home at your own pace.
2
Pool skills
Breathe underwater for the first time in a pool, clear your mask, and practice buoyancy.
3
Open water dives
Four dives in the ocean, a lake or a quarry with your instructor, putting the skills to work.
4
Certified
You receive your card. It never expires, and every dive shop in the world recognizes it.
The agencies that certify divers
NAUI
National Association of Underwater Instructors · founded 1959- The oldest U.S. agency and the largest non-profit one
- Known for thorough, instructor-led training
- Strong presence across North America
SSI
Scuba Schools International · founded 1970- Instructors teach through an affiliated dive center
- Free digital learning materials in its app
- Very popular in Europe and Asia
WHICH ONE SHOULD I PICK?Honestly, all 3 agencies teach the same core skills, depth limits, safety standards, etc. And all 3 C-Cards are accepted everywhere. So choose the shop/instructor over the agency.