Diving Associations

Diving associations were created to ensure the proper training and provide specific certification for all types of diving.

Among the most noted Scuba diving associations, the two most recognized are the PADI, Professional association of diving instructors. This association sets a standard of quality for dive instructors and provides training for dozens of specialized interests and techniques. PADI was founded in 1967 and issues more than 850,000 certifications a year. NAUI, National Association of Underwater Instructors. NAUI is highly respected as an international association. Like PADI, NAUI set a high standard for quality dive instructors. It is also known that NAUI standards are higher than most, the curriculum is more advanced and achieving certification from NAUI is more challenging that most other programs.

In additional, scuba training is offered at local YMCAs and other scuba schools, such as scuba schools international and offers school-based scuba diving education and certification. This type of certification will be accepted at all dive shops for rentals.
The Professional diving instructor’s corporation, or PDIC, offers programs at every level from beginner to advanced instructor.

The association of diving contractors, an international corporation was founded in 1968, by groups of diving companies to create an organization that was focused on the art and science of commercial diving. Over the years the ADCI has grown and now includes over 500 companies, in 41 countries covering services and support for safe underwater operations.

The handicapped scuba association, founded in 1981 prides itself in providing diving support for those with disabilities allowing for physical as well as social opportunities through the joy of scuba diving. Instructors that are part of HSA devote their time to learning the most advanced techniques for training people with disabilities to dive. During the instructors training, they are taught 12 separate disability types along with training with legs tied, blacked out masks and various other issues that may be cause problems for a diver.

The scuba industry trade association, also known as a dive industry association, goal is to represent manufacturers, retailers, and all involved in the selling and providing services for scuba diving. In comparison, the dive industry association is dedicate to the development of small business that are involved in water sports and whose goal is to bring snorkeling and scuba diving into the limelight and open it up to those who are still uncertain as to if they would like to venture into the deep blue sea.