Scuba Diving Certifications

Scuba diving is a wonderful hobby. And since it requires certification even as a beginner - it is one of the few sports where you can track your progress and can advance as far or as little as you would like.

All scuba diving starts with Basic Certification. It is required that you complete an entry level or basic scuba diving course from one of the accredited Scuba organizations to rent or purchase Scuba diving gear. With Basic Open Water Scuba Diving certification you can enjoy many scuba experiences and dive trips. It is not required that you advance beyond basic Open Water Certification to still thoroughly enjoy recreational scuba diving, however if you would like too; and many do; there is a whole wealth of advanced and specialty Scuba Diving Certifications available - right on up to Master Scuba Diver the highest level of non-professional or recreational scuba diving.

Even holding "Open Water" or "Basic Scuba Diving" credentials (depending on the dive organization that has issued the certification) entitles you to take classes and receive certification in a number of scuba diving specialties. Such as Boat Diving. Boat diving is a simple and great specialty course for any Open Water Diver who intends to take any dive boat trips or excursions. In this specialty you will learn how to properly exit and enter the water to or from a dive boast, stow your gear, and basic boating safety. Other interesting and exciting specialties that do not require Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving Certification are, Altitude Diving - for exploring high mountain lakes, Cavern Diver - which will allow you to explore underwater caverns where light is still visible, and basic Underwater Photographer or Videography. All specialty Scuba certifications count towards achieving Dive Master Certification.

The next step - Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver Certification not only brings with it a higher level of skills and training, but also opens the door to far more daring and thrilling underwater adventures and specialty certifications. Many Advanced Scuba courses include some of the most popular specialty certifications as part of the program. For example PADI's (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) Advanced Open Water class includes an "Adventure Dives" package that permits the student to obtain 3 specialties along with their Advanced certification such as Night Diver, Wreck Diver, or Deep Diver. The list of advanced scuba diving certifications is almost endless, specialties in just about every type of diving environment or conditions are available. Today's recreational scuba diver is limited only by his or her own ability and desire to progress. Scuba divers can receive training and certification in the use of Dive Propulsion Vehicles, Ice Diving, and Cave Diving. You can learn and become certified in the latest scuba equipment that can increase dive time such as Enriched Air Diving, or Closed Circuit/Rebreather Diving. Or you can learn how to better protect yourself in the underwater world and be better prepared to help others by obtaining Rescue Diver certification.

Whether you choose to advance all the way up to Master Diver with dozens of specialty certifications, or just remain a basic Scuba diver, recreational Scuba divining is an excellent hobby that will expand your horizons, increase your confidence, and your appreciation for the whole world around you.