What is Scuba Certification…really?
For whatever reason, you'll hear an endless variety of names for essentially the same thing:

SCUBA Certification
Open Water Certification
Dive Certified / Qualified
Scuba/Dive License
PADI Certification
NAUI Certification
Your "C" Card, or "Cert" Card

If you get any one of the above things, you're a scuba diver! And better yet, it's for life! It never expires. A scuba diver is certified to conditions that "approximate" their training conditions. But is generally considered to a maximum of 60 feet of depth, with a dive buddy, on standard recreational scuba gear. They all have a minimum of 15 feet to pass.
*NOTE: There are some restrictions on certain dive certifications that require you to dive with a professional, and may have depth limits.
Make sure to ask if unsure ✅


Here’s what scuba certification REALLY is:
Open Water does NOT mean "the ocean". It simply refers to conditions (it basically means, 'real world', or 'not a pool'). You can become scuba certified (or Open Water certified) in a lake, river, quarry, spring, etc.

NOT illegal?
In most of the world, there are no laws regulating who can scuba dive. It's primarily industry-regulated, meaning this: While it's not illegal for anyone NOT certified to scuba dive, you won't be allowed into private parks, rent gear, fill tanks, go on boat charters, etc. without proof of scuba certification. A friend or family member who allows a non-certified person to dive with them in a private location would be subjecting themselves to liability and risk to the uncertified individual, and most people understand this.

Agency?
PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, CMAS, etc. are some of the many recognized worldwide agencies that can issue your scuba certification card. They each require to be ISO compatible (there are ISO numbers that correlate to each different scuba certification like advanced, etc. But to be “LEGIT” they all have to meet those minimum standards. They often exceed them, and may have different ways of implementing them. They each create their own learning materials (such as textbooks) that their instructors and professional leaders must adhere to. They're all effective, and each brings their own flavor to the same minimum standards and basic principles. Dive shops and facilities will usually choose the one that suits their individual business model or regional needs best.
This ones HUGE -Each also recognizes the other, so if you get certified with one, then move on to another place that uses a different agency, they typically will recognize your certification and let you take further courses (such as Advanced Scuba Diver).

No Expiration Date?
Your scuba certification never expires. However, the industry standard requires divers to have a dive log showing they went diving at least twice a year, or once every 6 months. This can be in written form, or demonstrated on a dive computer or even an app like the one I use (Buddy App) with @divewithbuddy
If it's been longer, it's suggested you take a "refresher" course with an authorized instructor.
Some locations with more challenging dives may require more recent dive logs, while some easier, controlled dives (like an aquarium dive) often simply require proof of certification.
Cert Card? Most places issue a physical, certification ID card with your photo on it, or at least have it as an add-on option. Modern agencies keep a digital record in case the card is lost, and allow you to show proof from your smartphone, or print a certificate from their website.
TIP: I still recommend getting a physical card from your instructor or shop, as some locations require you leave it with the staff while diving so they know you came back safely. ALSO, remote locations may have no cell service. Always get a card, where possible.
Alright, so now you know what all those words mean and all the boring stuff is outta the way… Let’s jump to my next video where we talk about WHY you want to get certified...