Interested in scuba diving? Read on to discover the benefits of certification scuba diving, how to get it, and what organizations offer this training. You will need to take a course to become a certified diver. Although certification can be expensive, you will be happy you did this step if your goal is to dive professionally. These are the key points you need to remember.
Getting a certification scuba diving
To become a certified scuba diver, you must complete an open water diving course. These courses require that you complete at least four open water dives and four to five confined dives. Once you have completed your open water dives, you can apply for your specialized license. You must have at least one full year of experience diving before you can apply for a specialized license. The following steps will help you get started.
Take HAZWOPER/HAZMAT training. This is a 40-hour course that will teach you how to handle hazardous materials both on land and underwater. HAZMAT certifications can only be used in emergency situations, but HAZWOPER certificates may be used in all other areas. These certificates allow you to dive from 8 meters to over a hundred feet, and can perform more complex operations. HAZMAT certifications may not be required by law. However, they are very useful for those who work in an industry that requires them.
Cost of certification scuba diving
You can choose from a variety of certifications to learn scuba diving. The price of training is different for each type. PADI has 12 levels that range from "zero” to "hero". For your certification, you can choose between classroom training and e-learning. Your choice of class may also impact the cost. Also, consider the cost of your scuba gear. You will need to get a certification if you plan on using your gear in the ocean.
Generally, a scuba certification course requires you to purchase personal equipment, which includes a wetsuit, snorkel, mask, fins, and booties. Personal equipment can range in price from $55 to $100 depending on the type and thickness of your wetsuit. You'll also need to factor in travel costs to get to the dive site. Sometimes, you'll need to travel abroad to get the best diving locations, which may be more expensive than filling your own tank.
Organizations offering certification in scuba dive
There are many scuba divers organizations out there, but PADI has the largest. This organization offers a wide range of courses, including technical dives, scuba diving, and open water diver certification. Although there are some benefits to choosing one over the other, each organization has its unique requirements. PADI certifications are generally recognized all over the globe. This means they're valid anywhere.
Recreational scuba diving is not regulated by a central agency. The non-participation in many certification agencies, such as CMAS, means that there is no centralized governing body for recreational scuba diving. Today, there are more than 50 diving organizations in the world. Each organization has its own teaching philosophy. All of them offer basic training, but they also have a variety to choose from.