If you are trying to become a certified scuba diver, then you must be able to distinguish between what each qualification allows you to do and the differences between the certifications that are available. Before going through with becoming certified, you should be doing ample research into what it takes to get a specific qualification, which will, in turn, help you to decide on which type of certification is the best one for you and the type of diving you wish to take part in, in the future. Many people choose to attain a specific scuba certification to pursue a career within the industry, others want to take their hobby to the next level, and others have more specific needs, such as learning how to kayak with toddlers so that their whole family can join in with this fun activity.
Why You Should Become a Certified Diver
Becoming a certified scuba diver opens up a wide range of opportunities to someone who enjoys diving as a leisure activity. If this is something that you have a strong passion for, then I would highly recommend that you look into what getting a qualification can do for you. Your qualification basically tells people that you are an experienced and trustworthy diving coach. It makes sure that you are aware of all of the risks involved and that you are trained to the point that you could help yourself and other divers in the unfortunate situation that something goes wrong when you are on a dive. Many scuba qualifications require some first aid training level, which is another transferable skill and qualification that you could take into many different aspects of your life.
For someone who is thinking about opening a business within the scuba diving industry, then you must be certified by an official corporation in order for you to be able to take customers out on dives legally. Having that certification is highly essential to any business in the diving industry as it provides customers with peace of mind that you and your business can be trusted. As scuba diving carries substantial risks compared to other activities, being certified is so important so that you can safely look after groups of amateur divers with peace of mind that you are covered and protected if something was to happen on a dive. It would cause significant legal repercussions if you were caught taking people on dives without the proper certification and qualification to do so, which could seriously hinder your business plans and reputation.
Becoming Certified For Your Own Enjoyment
Although one of the main reasons for someone to want to get their diving qualification is for a business of the same nature, many people choose to become certified to learn more about a hobby they love rather than something specific. It is common amongst many amateur divers to use the certification process to learn all they can about how to be safe whilst diving and effectively teach others the safety regulations required. To become a certified diver, a professional will have to take you through the many different diving aspects to ensure you know everything you need to.
With specialist sessions focusing on how to maneuver your body in the water, select the right equipment, and many other common discussions within the world of diving like choosing the right wetsuit for you. You will likely cover many different things in terms of driving safety as well as tackling many diving disagreements about the best equipment on the market like a freediving wetsuit vs scuba wetsuit and how to find the best breathing equipment for the long haul drives. The great thing about spending time with an industry professional during your certification is that it allows you to spend time with someone who knows what they are talking about and source answers for any questions you may have. This is perfect for an amateur as it is a learning experience that can be used within your own leisure dives.
PADI Certification – What Does This Mean?
PADI (professional association of diving instructors) is one of the most recognized diving qualifications worldwide. It basically means that anyone who has gained certification from PADI is knowledgeable of how to use scuba equipment and know all of the safety regulations underwater signaling techniques. Over 900,000 people are certified from PADI every year, and it is one of the most recognizable certifications a diver can get in their professional career.
There are different levels within PADI certification with courses aimed at experience level as well as the amount of time you have available to dedicate to becoming certified. This means that you are able to find a qualification level that is within your experience range, as well as being able to complete the course at your own convenience. The PADI qualification involves different aspects of diving safety. The courses are priced at a similar rate to what you would pay for other lessons or leisure activities, meaning that it is accessible to a wide range of people no matter the budget.
When you start your course, your PADI instructor will be on hand to make sure that you are confident in the water. They are industry professionals that can be trusted, and rather than having a more direct teaching approach. They focus much more on making sure that you are confident and that you are enjoying what you do. The PADI qualification covers diving safety, planning a successful dive, using scuba equipment, and making sure that every student knows the right way to communicate with other divers underwater using hand signals.
NAUI Certification – What Does This Mean?
NAUI (national association of underwater instructors) has provided high-quality, trusted diving certifications since the late 1960s. Their training courses are great for someone looking to start a diving business as they provide a wide range of detailed diving safety information. There is bound to be a suitable diving course for you with different courses suitable for a wide range of groups and ages, much like PADI. NAUI focuses on making sure their students are confident in the water before teaching the more specific diving safety regulations. The way that NAUI offers a range of courses, each targeting different skill and experience levels, is great as it opens up this teaching opportunity to basically anyone who is willing to learn. If you are someone who wants to take up diving as a more relaxed hobby, then there is a mid-level course that focuses on making sure that you can drive safely. If you are looking for something more advanced than NAUI also offers an intermediate level leadership course that focuses on setting up a good dive and how to look after amateur divers who you may be taking out in the future.
In terms of what you will actually learn whilst taking part in an NAUI certification course, each course requires students to show they are confident in their swimming ability. You will cover a wide range of topics, including how to swim underwater, how to assemble scuba equipment correctly, and a range of crucial driving safety information that could potentially save someone’s life in the future.
How to Choose The Right Scuba Certification
Choosing the right certification for you is a big decision that has to be made by you personally. One of the main differences between PADI and NAUI is that NAUI actually teaches their students the basics of resuscitating an unconscious diver, whereas PADI does not. If you are looking to open a diving business, then I would recommend that you go for a qualification that offers formal first aid training as this is something that will really come in handy if you have to save someone. Overall choosing the certification that you want to get is a personal decision that should be made after plenty of research into what different agencies teach and what each qualification allows you to do.
