How do I get certified as a scuba diver?

Initially, diving was not presented in the tourist sphere, as it was focused on the study of underwater depths. The first representatives of freediving, who made dives, were ancient pearl divers. With the invention of the scuba diver in 1943, diving became of interest to the military. With the end of the war came a “golden time” in the knowledge and exploration of the ocean and sea depths. Modern diving is represented by numerous directions available for both professional and amateur divers.

The first steps in mastering diving, regardless of the chosen direction, are under the control of an instructor. This is justified, as a beginner needs to learn the theory, master the technique of diving, learn to handle underwater equipment, as well as get a lot of additional skills that allow you to feel confident in the water. To get the necessary qualification and to be able to dive independently in the chosen water area, it is necessary to become a holder of an international diver's certificate.

Concept of certification

The certificate, issued to the diver in electronic form after completion of the course, is an official document. This is a kind of certificate, confirming the completion of its holder's training in a particular program.

The certificate has the functions of a license that allows you to perform a number of specified actions - from diving in specified conditions to conducting training courses as an instructor. Specific aspects determine the skill level of the holder.

It is not possible to obtain an international diver's certificate in any place. They are issued by accredited organizations that conduct training on one of the programs. Among them is Easy Divers Diving Center in Sharm el-Sheikh, representing PADI courses.

Necessity of obtaining a certificate

The main advantages that the international certificate gives to its holder:

• Confirmation of completion of a training course. The document is a guarantee that its holder has mastered the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills of scuba diving.
• Increasing the depth of diving. Without a certificate you can dive only in tandem with an instructor, and then at shallow depths. With the document allows diving to 40 meters, including night diving.
• Diving on your own, without an instructor or a partner.

The benefits do not end there. International certificate holders feel more confident in their own abilities and are able to handle equipment independently. Mastering new levels of training “pumps up” personal confidence. The certificate literally opens a new world before the diver, the opportunity to travel and explore different seas and oceans, comprehending the beauty and mysteries of the underwater world in different parts of the planet.

For researchers, scientists it is a chance to conduct scientific research, to study the underwater world. A well-thought-out system of international courses allows you not to stop at what you have achieved, to expand your knowledge and skills, reaching new levels of mastery in diving. Over the years, the hobby of scuba diving is quite capable of growing into a new profession.

Training, procedure for obtaining

Among the most popular systems of training, accompanied by the issuance of international certificates recognized by any diving center, stand out:

• PADI. Professional American Association of Diver Training, operating worldwide. The system is based on multi-level training, offers various educational options - from basic courses with varying complexity to specialized programs. At each stage of training provides the mastering of theoretical and practical knowledge in the volume assumed by a particular stage of training.
• CMAS. An international organization that oversees both diving and all underwater sports. CMAS standards imply assigning stars (1-3) to divers and instructors, which determine the level and degree of training and the diver's capabilities.
• NAUI. Another American association that has its own training standards based on the principle of safety. It includes various training courses aimed at providing the diver with the required level of training - from beginner to professional.

There are several steps to obtaining a diver's certificate:

• Selecting a dive center or dive school. Choose an organization that offers internationally certified training programs.
• Completing a training course. Register for a diving course, selecting the appropriate course for your level of training and experience. Most courses include a theoretical, practical part with guided dives in a pool or open body of water.
• Theoretical exam. After completing the training course, you will take a theory exam.
• Practical exam. If the theory is passed successfully, the learned practical skills are checked. Divers demonstrate their own skills in practice. Tasks may include underwater exercises, assembling and disassembling equipment, underwater breathing, buoyancy control.
• Obtaining a certificate. After successful completion of all stages, the diver is issued an international certificate confirming the ability to dive safely underwater.