How To Get Certified As Scuba Diver

By Amillson On July 7, 2009 Under Guidelines, How To, SCUBA, Scuba Tips

The question is how to get certified as scuba diver? Simple, you need training. That’s all. To get trained you need to find a trainer or an instructor to teach you. You need some quality training too as you are in this for the rest of your life. Get trained how to use scuba equipments and swim the deep blue sea.

But wait a minute. You don’t simply show up at some random dive shop/centre/resort and sign up for the course. This is especially true when you are going to do your entry-level certification.

No matter where you are going to do the course, you need to do some research. You need to do some digging here. Your research SHOULD include these:

1. Find a reputable dive shop: good track record
If, for example, there are a few dive shops in the area where you live, find out which of those shops has a good track record. Another word: professionally run operation. Ask your diver friends or your friend’s friend(s). You can even search for those information via the Internet: Google them up. Remember: you want quality training.
This step also applied even when you are on vacation some where in the nice and warm tropical water.

2. Price
Prices for the same course may vary from one shop to another. Don’t be caught in the ‘hype’. Some shops are eager to put up BIG signs advertising the price of their dive courses, excursions, gears, great offers etc. This is especially true when there are a few dive shops, which are offering the same course, in the same area. They are simply competing. You know that.

3. What’s Included
Take number 2 above, find out what will be included in the package. Some shops might not include course manual or logbook or dive tables – no wonder it’s cheap! Don’t be surprised if you are asked to buy your own manual and this and that. Add them all up and the next shop might still be cheaper plus the offer includes all of the above.
Normally, dive equipment use (during the course), boat transfer and certification fees are included in the price.

4. Paperwork
Yes! Paperwork. There are paperwork involved. You will see this when you sign up for the course. Its a must. Anyway, get this done first. The Medical Questionnaire is extremely important part. If any of the question(s) you answer “yes” then you definitely need to consult a physician to determine if your fit to dive. If you have physical disability, you need to consult a physician as well. Take note: many dive shops are prepared to deal with students with disability – so don’t worry.

5. Certifying Agency
There are many established diving certification agencies in the world that you can choose from. We have Professional Diving Instructors (PADI), National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), Scuba School International (SSI), The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), The World Underwater Federation (CMAS) and a few more out there. See which one is available or famous in your area or the dive shops you are signing up with. Get recommendations from the Instructors/Divemasters – the expert - of the dive shop. Get the insights from your friend too.

6. Course Schedule
If you are signing up with one of the dive shop where you live, discuss with the instructor for a more flexible schedule. Many dive shops offer weekend courses – this option will take longer time to complete. For some people this will suit them perfectly. You may opt to finish the course in one go provided you can offer the time.

If you are going on vacation, contact the dive shop/resort prior to your departure to get the exact date and time of the course. For this option, normally, the course will run a few days straight.

I strongly recommend you to do the course at home – if you love the weather there – to save time and money. Vacation means vacation. Think about it.

Scuba diving is all about having fun. Fun comes after taking all other factors into considerations. So, sit down and take some time to look into the guidelines above.

Do some research.
Make phone calls if you have to.
Email the dive shop or resort you are planning to sign up with for further informations.
Get in touch with your friends through social networks like skype, fb, twitter and so on.

It may look simple but again quality training is very important. Choose wisely in order to get your ticket to the underwater world.

Soon you will be on your way to get your scuba certification. Later you’ll find yourself among friends and family members indulging in the fun-filled-sport of scuba diving.