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Equivalent Diving Qualifications from Different Agencies
21 May 2024There are many different bodies around the world which award diving qualifications. This table gives a rough guide to equivalent scuba certifications. It is only a guide though: the qualifications are not exactly equivalent. Please contact your chosen diving agency for their definitive crossover requirements.
The maximum depth guides are all on air. Some grades can go deeper than stated with additional training. Any questions or comments? Get in touch. For instructor grades see below.
Equivalent Diving Qualifications: Crossing over from different SCUBA Agencies
The table uses the CMAS and BSAC qualifications, which are two of the more rigorous training agencies, as a reference point.
| Dive Agency | Diving Qualifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSAC | Ocean Diver 20 m (BS EN 14153-2, ISO 24801-2) | Sports Diver 20 m (35 m after progress dives) | Dive Leader 50 m (BS EN 14153-3, ISO 24801-3) Note, BSAC consider CMAS 3* to be equivalent to Dive Leader but CMAS consider Dive Leader to be equivalent to CMAS 2* | Advanced Diver 50 m | 1st Class Diver | |
| CMAS | 1 Star 20 m | 2 Star 30 m or 40 m with appropriate experience | 3 Star 56 m | 4 Star | ||
| EN/ISO Standard | EN/ISO 24801-2:2014 Diver level 2, Autonomous Diver | EN/ISO 24801-3:2014 Diver level 3, Autonomous Dive Leader | ||||
| PADI | Open Water Diver 18 m (12 m if under 12) | Advanced Open Water Diver 30 m | AOWD + Rescue Diver | Master Diver / Divemaster | ||
| NAUI | Scuba Diver 18 m | Advanced Scuba Diver 40 m | Scuba Rescue Diver / Master Scuba Diver | Divemaster1 | ||
| SAA | Open Water Diver 20 m | Open Water Diver 20 m | Club Diver 35 m | Dive Leader 50 m | Dive Supervisor 1 | SAA National Diver |
| SSI | Open Water Diver 18 m | Advanced Adventurer Diver 30m | Dive Guide EN/ISO 24801-3:2014 | Dive Guide with Science of Diving = Dive Master | ||
| NASDS | Open Water Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver | AOWD plus Rescue Diver | Dive Supervisor / Master Diver | ||
| SDI | Open Water Diver 18 m | SDI Advanced Adventure | Advanced + Rescue Diver | Divemaster | ||
| SSAC (ScotSAC) | Sports Diver 30 m | Master Diver 40 m | Second Class Diver / Master Diver 1 | |||
| Royal Navy | Ships Diver | |||||
| ITDA | Open Water Diver | ITDA Rescue Diver | Technical Nitrox Diver | Extended Range Nitrox Diver (Ntech) | ||
| ANDI | Open Water Diver | Rescue Diver | Divemaster | |||
| GUE | Recreational Diver 1 | Recreational Diver 2 | Most other GUE qualifications | |||
| IANTD | Open Water Diver 21 m | Essentials Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver 30 m | Rescue Diver | Divemaster | |
| DMT NASE UK | Open Water Diver 20 m | Advanced Open Water Diver 30 m | Rescue Diver | Advanced Rescue Diver | Divemaster | |
| PSAI | Open Water Sport Diver 18 m | Advanced Open Water Diver 27 m with 5 specialities2 | R.A.P.I.D. Master Diver 27 m3 | Advanced Deep Air Level 1 | Divemaster 40 m | |
| LA Co UW | Basic Certification | Intermediate Certification | Advanced Certification | |||
| PDIC | Open Water | Advanced Open Water Diver | ||||
| IADS | 1 Star Open Water Diver 20 m | 2 Star Advanced Diver 32 m | Intermediate Certification | Advanced Certification | ||
| IDD | Open Water Diver 20 m | Advanced Open Water Diver 32 m | ||||
| FEDAS | Buceador 1 Estrella | Buceador 1 Estrella | Buceador 2 Estrellas | Buceador 2 Estrellas | Buceador 3 Estrellas | |
| HSE | HSE SCUBA Diver (BSAC Ocean Diver) | HSE SCUBA Diver (other agencies), BSAC: other HSE Divers | ||||
| RAID | Open Water 20 m | Explorer 30 m | Rescue Diver | Divemaster | ||
| ACUC | Open Water (ISO 24801-2) | Advanced Open Water | Advanced Open Water with Rescue Diver | Divemaster (ISO 24801-3) | ||
| SNSI | Divemaster | |||||
| IDEA | Open Water Diver | Divemaster | ||||
| ESA | Open Water Diver | Advanced Diver | Diveleader | |||
| PSS Worldwide | Open Water Diver 18 m | Advanced Open Water Diver 30 m (40 m with Deep Diver course) | SCUBA Rescue Diver | |||
| NASE | Open Water Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver 30 m (40 m with Deep Diver course) | AOWD + Rescue Diver | Master Diver | ||
| IDIC | Open Water Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver 40 m with Deep Diver | AOWD + Rescue Diver | Dive Supervisor | ||
| UTD | Open Water Diver 18 m | Recreational 1 (a more robust entry level class than their Open Water Diver) 18 m | Recreational - Advanced (teaches nitrox as standard) 30 m | Master Diver (teaches heliox as standard) 39 m | ||
| PTRD | 1 Star Diver 25 m | 2 Star Diver 40 m | 3 Star Diver 50 m | 3 Star / 4 Star Diver 50 m | ||
| NDL | Diver | Dive Master | ||||
| DIWA | Open Water Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver | Master Diver | Diveleader | Divemaster | |
| A.D.I.P. | Autonomous diver (EU14153-2) | Dive guide (EU14153-3) | ||||
| AUSI | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | ||
| SEI | Open Water Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver | Advanced Plus Diver | Master Diver with DRAM Rescue Diver | ||
Notes
As a rough guide, if you have a qualification from one agency you will be allowed to enroll in the equivalent next course up from another agency - assuming you have the relevant diving experience. See the references below for more information about individual agencies.
Instructor Grades
| Dive Agency | Instructor Qualifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMAS | 1 Star Instructor | 2 Star Instructor | 3 Star Instructor | 4 Star | ||
| BSAC | Theory Instructor / Practical Instructor | Open Water Instructor | Advanced Instructor | National Instructor | ||
| PADI | Assistant Instructor | Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) | Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) | Instructor Development Course (IDC) Staff Instructor Master Instructor | ||
| EN/ISO Standard | EN 14413-1 / ISO 24802-1 | EN 14413-2 / ISO 24802-2 | ||||
| NAUI | Scuba Instructor | Instructor Trainer | Course Director | |||
| SAA | Club Instructor | Open Water Instructor | Regional Instructor | National Instructor | ||
| SSI | Assistant Instructor | Open Water Instructor | ||||
| SSAC (ScotSAC) | Branch Instructor | Regional Instructor | Club Examiner | |||
| LA Co UW | UICC (underwater instructors certification course) | |||||
| IADS | UICC (underwater instructors certification course) | |||||
| ITDA | ITDA Open Water Instructor | ITDA Sport Instructor | ITDA Course Director | |||
| FEDAS | Instructor 1 Estrella | Instructor 2 Estrella | Instructor 3 Estrella | |||
| ACUC | Entry Level Instructor, Assistant Instructor | Open Water Instructor with 140 dives | Open Water Instructor with additional courses | |||
| SNSI | Open Water Instructor | DM Instructor | ||||
| SDI | Assistant Instructor | Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor | Course Director | Instructor Trainer | ||
| PTRD | 1 Assistant Instructor | 1 Star Scuba Instructor | ||||
| DIWA | Assistant Instructor | Speciality Instructor | Master Scuba Instructor | Instructor Trainer / Course Director | ||
Crossing Over Qualifications
The above tables are by no means exhaustive: there are other training agencies and qualifications. If you plan to cross-over training, you may be asked to start a level down from your equivalent qualification. Ask your new agency for advice.
- ACUC
- American Canadian Underwater Certifications. Formed in 1969.
- ADIP
- Association Des Instructeurs de Plongee Created in 1997 in Belgium. A not-for-profit organisation.
- ADS-International
- Established in 1980 in Japan. Used mainly in Taiwan, Brazil, Indonesia, South Korea, China and the USA.
- ANDI
- American Nitrox Divers International. Specialise in training programs for technical diving and closed circuit rebreather systems.
- AUSI
- Australian Underwater Scuba Instructors. Established in 1994
- BSAC
- British Sub-Aqua Club. The BSAC is the governing body for the sport of scuba diving in the UK. It is a club-based organisation that offers training for members through a branch, or intensive courses through a BSAC school. BSAC was established in 1953 by Oscar Gugen.
- CMAS
- Confédération Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques (World Underwater Federation of Underwater Activities). Established 1959.
- DMT NASE UK LTD.
- No association with NASE or NASE Europe. The DMT Training Group researched, developed and implemented the programmes in the UK and Canada and were the first Agency Accredited by HSE under the updated DWR 1997 Regulations in 2000 and were accredited by HSE in January 2001. Since that time DMT NASE UK has been accredited annually, with new programmes being submitted on a regular basis.
- DIWA
- Diving Instructor World Association. Founded in Freiburg in 1972.
- ESA
- European Scuba Agency.
- EUF
- European Underwater Federation. A membership organisation of recreational diver training organisations.
- FAUI
- Federation of Australian Underwater Instructors. An Australian system which merged with NASDS – USA (National Association of Scuba Diving Schools) becoming NASDS Australasia Inc. The qualification can be converted to CMAS by the Australian Underwater Federation.
- FEDAS
- The Spanish Underwater Federation. Affiliated to CMAS.
- GUE
- Global Underwater Explorers. Non-profit organisation dedicated to the training of divers as well as the study and protection of the aquatic realm.
- i.a.c.
- International Aquanautic Club. German association - training and certifying divers for over 30 years. Certified by EUF.
- IADS
- Instructor Dive Development. Established in 1992 in Europe with its Head-Office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. IDD wanted an education which could be used not only in tropical waters or cold European waters, but truly could be used effectively all over the world.
- IANTD
- International Association of Diving Schools.
- IDD
- International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers. UK organisation offering training courses from Open Water Diver through to Expedition Trimix.
- IDEA
- International Diving Educators Association. Established 1952 as part of the Florida Skin Divers Association.
- ISO
- International Standards Organisation. Has three standards for recreational diving - ISO 24801-1, ISO 24801-2 and ISO 24801-3 - which set out the requirements for the training of recreational scuba divers as Level 1 - Supervised diver, Level 2 - Autonomous diver and Level 3 - Dive leader. There are two standards for instructor training: Instructor level one (BS EN 14413-1:2004 and ISO 24802-1:2007) and Instructor level two (BS EN 14413-2:2004 and ISO 24802-2:2007). Level-one instructors can teach and assess confined water skills and theoretical knowledge up to diver level one. Under the supervision of a level-two instructor, they may also teach theoretical knowledge for levels two and three, and may teach any level of diver in confined water, such as a swimming pool. Level-two instructors are qualified to teach and assess students up to diver level three. They can also plan, organize and conduct dives and rescue activities, and lead other divers in open water.
- IDIC
- International Diving Instructor Corporation. Established in Austria in 2000. Accredited to TUV.
- ITDA
- International Technical Diving Agency.
- LA Co UW
- LA County Scuba Underwater Programs. First American training agency: established 1954.
- Military Divers
- PADI recognises military diver qualifications as a pre-requisite to many of its courses, but doesn't offer a straightforward crossover. So you could, for example, take a rescue divers course without having previously done a PADI advance open water course.
- NASDS
- National Association of Scuba Diving Schools: now merged with SSI.
- NASE
- National Association of Scuba Educators. American-based. Draws its extensive experience from the fields of commercial, recreational, technical and cave diver training. No association with DMT NASE UK LTD.
- NASE Europe
- National Association of Scuba Educators Europe. No association with DMT NASE UK LTD.
- NAUI
- National Association of Underwater Instructors. Worldwide organisation headquartered in America.
- NDL
- National Dive League. Russian organisation, member of the European Underwater Federation.
- NQS
- National Qualification System. An Australian system which is no longer operating. The qualification can be converted to CMAS by the Australian Underwater Federation.
- PADI
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Worldwide organisation formed in 1966 and headquartered in America.
- PDIC
- Professional Diving Instructors Corporation. Founded in the USA in the 1960s.
- PSAI
- Professional SCUBA Association International. The oldest technical / extended range scuba certification agency.
2Narcosis Management Level I or Deep Diver speciality inclusion extends depth limit of Advanced Open Water Diver to 30m.
3Narcosis Management Level II speciality inclusion extends depth limit of R.A.P.I.D. Master Diver to 40 m. - PSS Worldwide
- Professional Scuba Schools. Conform to the directives of the European Community (EN Standards) and to ISO standards.
- PTRD
- Professional Technical and Recreational Diving. Follow CMAS and RSTC standards and is ISO Certified by EUF.
- RAID
- Rebreather Association of International Divers. Rebreather and open circuit training. Use an e-learning programme. RAID training standards are compliant with ISO Recreational Diving Standards and is accepted by The UK Health and Safety Executive as an approved provider. They also offer Nationally Accredited training in Australia.
- SAA
- Sub-Aqua Association. British organisation.
- SDI
- Scuba Diving International. Created in 1999 and grew out of sister company TDI, which specialises in the more advanced disciplines of technical dive training. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for SDI include: IDEA, PADI, PDIC, SSI, YMCA, NAUI, BSAC, Sub Aqua Association, European Standard, CMAS and IANTD
- SEI
- Scuba Educators International. Born out of the YMCA diving program. In 2008 YMCA of the USA made a decision to end the involvement of YMCA in SCUBA education. YSCUBA instructors Ken Nemeth, Dan Marelli, and Tom Leaird made a decision to begin a new agency and created Scuba Educators International (SEI) with a focus on high scuba education. SEI is the organization to contact for YMCA C-card replacements.
- SNSI
- Scuba and Nitrox Safety International.
- SSAC or ScotSAC
- Scottish Sub-Aqua Club. Founded in 1953. Like the BSAC it is a club-based organisation offering thorough training for Scottish conditions.
- SSI
- Scuba Schools International. In the Spring of 1999, SSI merged with the National Association of Scuba Diving Schools.
- TDI
- Technical Diving International. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for TDI include: IANTD, ANDI, DSATI, SSI, NAUI, NACD, NSS-CDS, CMAS, BSAC and CDAA.
- UTD
- Unified Team Diving. Teaches nitrox as standard in Recreational 2 advanced and heliox in master diver.
- WRSTC
- World Recreational Scuba Training Council. Develops worldwide minimum training standards. Membership is restricted to national or regional councils comprised of the individual training organisations. Includes RSTC (United States), RSTC Europe, RSTC Canada and RSTC Japan.
Sources: BSAC Equivalency Chart, BSAC Statement of Alternative Trainging, HSE, SDI TDI ERDI, CMAS International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual, CMAS Two-Star Diver Standard e-mail from PSAI Europe, e-mail from DMT NASE UK Ltd / DMT Training Group, email from IDD and IADS, CMAS-PADI agreement, BSAC Information for Divers Crossing Over from PADI, SSI, SSAC & SAA, A consumer's guide to the standards for recreational scuba diving (BS EN 14153 and ISO 24801 standards), ACUC crossovers, PADI Instructor Development Course, CMAS 1 star instructor training, SDI, TDI, and ERDI crossover program, email from SDI, DIWA-BSAC, DIWA-others, email from ITDA, SSI Standards, Australian Underwater Federation, ACUC CROSSOVER PROGRAMS (INSTRUCTORS)
by Jill Studholme
Over to You
If you have any comments or questions, enter them here.
(1001 users, 4.8)
(5*)I am a PSAI instructor, is it possible to make a cross to CMAS?
Beni, 21 May 2024
As far as I am aware CMAS does not have any reciprocal agreement with PSAI and so you would have to take an instructor course with them. But check with CMAS directly to be sure.
The SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Hello, I am going to take an Advanced Open Water Diver certification with DIWA, but in the future I would like to convert to PADI. Is this possible by continuing to another course instead of repeating the AOWD?
Matteo, 13 September 2023
Yes, exactly so. You can continue to another course without repeating the AOWD.
Jill
(4*)I have obtained a class 4 Dive supervisor qualification through the Department of Manpower in South Africa - I believe that it is equilivant to a PADI Dive Master. How would I go about getting the conversion done?
Brian, 26 July 2023
With all PADi conversions you need to take another course, equivalent to or the level above your current qualification. Get in touch with a local PADI dive centre for costs etc.
The SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Appreciate the article, going for my certification and was curious as to the differences. Have decided to go the SDI route as I by nature am a more technically minded person and believe that I will better relate to that type of teaching.
Shaka Miller, 25 April 2023
Glad to be of help. Good luck with your course and future diving.
Jill
(5*)Hello. I need my HSE scuba certificate for film and Tv work. Is there anywhere abroad I can go to do it? Thanks
Harlon Haveland, 19 April 2023
Hi Harlon, Interesting question but sorry, there are none that we know of. Let us know if you find any.
The SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)I'm master diver certified padi my friend was certified YMCA basic scuba diver back in 5/16/82 can we do 70 to 90 foot dives together
Eric Lefebvre, 8 February 2023
We'd suggest that your friend replaces his YMCA card with a one from Scuba Eductors then the situation would be clearer. But, if your friend has YMCA Open Water this would allow him to dive to 90 feet with you. (Sorry, we're not familiar with YMCA basic scuba diver.)
The SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)You will need to do an SSI instructor crossover. MSDT PADI and CMAS 2 star instructor are equivalent to SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor.
Normand Gravel, 19 December 2022
You will need to do an SSI instructor crossover. MSDT PADI and CMAS 2 star instructor are equivalent to SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor.
The SCUBA Travel Team
(4*)Will PADI advanced open water diving certification qualify me as lifeguard?
Tom, 30 August 2022
Sorry, no. You will need a lifeguarding certification.
The SCUBA Travel Team
(4*)I wonder do you have a source which says CMAS 2 star is allowed to dive to 40m? I think the same, but if I check the official CMAS standard they mention 30m max depth
Szabolcs, 10 June 2022
Thanks for the question. Our source is https://www.cmas.org/document?fileId=5390, but the 40 m figure only applies if the diver has done three deeper dives during training.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Hi I have a AHCLPW305A padi scientific diver qualification from Australia that allowed me to work doing scientific work. is there any equivalence to this that allows me to work in the UK? I have a Padi rescue ticket as well.
Andrew Durrant, 19 May 2022
You need to check with the HSE - they have a document here listing approved qualifications. More information is at https://www.hse.gov.uk/
Jill Studholme
(5*)Hello, I wish to crossover from SDI-TDI into PADI. Actually own OWSDI licence, is that possible directly without more exams?
Andrea Pieroni, 4 January 2023
Sadly there is no way to crossover to PADI without paying for one of their courses.
Jill Studholme
(5*)I've discovered that there is a new NASDS association. Are their certifications equivalent to the "old" ones ?
Fred, 9 November 2021
I'm sorry but we don't have any information about historical NASDS qualifications - if you contact them directly (info@nasds.com) they should be able to help you.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Hi there can i cross over from BSAC advanced diver to any padi qualification
Thomas Adams, 14 April 2021
You'll be able to take a PADI divemaster course to cross-over.
SCUBA Travel team
(5*)I enjoyed this article very much. Like you mention it is not always possible to make an exact comparison; but, this helps individuals have a general overview. I would like to suggest the inclusion of SEI (Scuba Educators International) in your matrix. To generalize, SEI is the modern YMCA Program. Historically, they were born out of the Y program when the national YMCA discontinued the program. In fact, should an individual need their YMCA C-card replaced, SEI is the organization to contact.
Brian, 18 October 2021
Thanks Brian, we'll add SEI
Jill Studholme
(5*)Buenos días, soy PTRD 1 estrella, quiero sacarme el siguiente nivel, pero me gustaría saber si tendría problemas para bucear tanto en España como en el extranjero. No he tenido nunca problema porque siempre he buceado en la misma agencia y solo una vez en el extranjero.
Es para saber si seguir avanzando con PTRD o pasarme a PADI.
Muchas gracias
Sara, 23 August 2021
If you are planning to dive outside of Europe you may be better converting to PADI, as PTRD isn't widely known.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Good morning, I am an ACUC entry level instructor, I would like to know what would be validation or crossover for FEDAS
Luciano Galan, 19 August 2021
ACUC entry level instructor is roughly equivalent to FEDAS Instructor 1 Estrella. But to make sure contact a FEDAS dive school and ask what qualifications they require to convert.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)I was certified as a US Navy Deep Sea Diver (mixed gas) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) diver for over 20 years, as well as a SSI Open Water diver and have hundreds of hours diving in many different water depths and conditions. I can I get and apply credit for the experience that I have diving and which organization will accept my qualifications?
Leon Jackson Jr., 7 April 2021
(5*) Very well written, I wondered what the difference was. thank you.
Robert Gibbs, 24 March 2021
(5*) In your experience did PADI DISAVOW YOU when you became an SDI instructor? Is it possible for instance to teach nitrox as it SDI instructor if you are a PADI instructor as well?
Christopher Wolf, 8 March 2021
There is no restriction on being both an SDI and a PADI instructor - good luck.
SCUBA Travel Team
(4*) I hold a NQS scuba certificate which I would like to swap over to a CMAS certification, can you please instruct me on the process to go about this?
Mark Hensel, 5 March 2021
If you trained in Australia, contact the AUF National Recreational Diving Commissioner at scuba@auf.org.au and they will give you details.
Jill Studholme
(5*) Hi Scuba Travel!
You have an excellent page, and I would like to ask you to include also AUSI, Associated Scuba Instructors Association, which operates worldwide and has HQ in Australia and here in Sweden.
Our website address is: https://www.ausi.com.au/
Best scuba greetings
Göran, 14 December 2020
Will do
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*) Hello, very well done, but I am surprised that the ADIP (Association Des Instructeur de Plongée) does not appear. It is an organization that is present in 51 countries and on 5 continents.
Marino, 10 December 2020
We'll add it
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)The RAID courses are wrong - Add Explorer 30 as Adv Equiv and OW20 is OW - thanks
James, 10 November 2020
Thanks for the info James, we'll update the site
Jill Studholme
(5*) Hi this is a great comparison table. Any chance you can update the Dive RAID equivalency? they seem to be growing and have good feedback on how the trained divers come out
thanks
Starr, 3 November 2020
Hi Starr
Thanks - have done so.
Jill Studholme
(5*) Hi I am a BSAC Dive Leader and according to the equivalency table I should be able to apply for the CMAS 3 Star. Although after applying BSAC has replied that they would only give me the CMAS 2 Star.
Could you please clarify this.
Anthony Yusifredo, 24 September 2020
BSAC Dive Leader used to be equivalent to CMAS 2 Star, but according to their equivalency chart is now equivalent to CMAS 3 Star. I've previously checked this with the BSAC Diving Support Advisor, Geoff Bacon, who confirmed that this was t,but CMAS consider Dive Leader to be equivalent to CMAS 2*
Jill Studholme
Update: BSAC now say that although BSAC consider CMAS 3* to be equivalent to Dive Leader, CMAS consider Dive Leader to be equivalent to CMAS 2*, and the info givn by the BSAC Diving Support Advisor was incorrect.
Jill Studholme
(5*) I'm padi MSTD want know how make crossover to SDI how much and how can make it
Salah, 21 September 2020
Hi Salah
Thanks for getting in touch. You need to get in touch with SDI to find out the procedure - https://www.tdisdi.com/.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*) Comencé a bucear en el año 1980 en 1988 me hice instructor PADI, he enseñado buceo desde ese entonces en forma permanente hasta la fecha, he visto pasar muchas agencias de buceo que llegaron queriendo superar a PADI y se quedaron en el intento. Por eso puedo confirmar que PADI es y seguirá siendo la agencia de buceo más reconocida y la que la mayoría que quiera hacer un curso de formación de instructores buscará. Con esto no quiero decir que SDI sea mala o algo similar, pienso que esta trabajando y haciendo las cosas bien. Pero a cada una se le debe dar su lugar.
Pedro Luis Roa, 17 August 2020
A PADI online course is £122, or, in the US $190. You'd also have to pay for the practical part of the course with a dive centre. Hope you make it.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Thanks for the tables,I notice the HSE scuba is included. As a dive leader BSAC for many years this would be equivalent or above to HSE scuba. Could one apply to get certification subject to proving qualifications.
Rod, 14 August 2020
You can't get a HSE qualification upon producing evidence of a BSAC certification - you have to take the course. However, as a Dive Leader (EN/ISO 24801-3:2014) you can work as a scuba diver in the UK without a HSE qualification in various situations including: in an aquarium, shellfish diving, scientific diving and working for the media. Details at HSE Diving at Work Regulations 1997, List of Approved Diving Qualifications dated 13 February 2020
Jill Studholme
(5*)I am a GUE Fundamentals Tech Pass. I would like to enter the PADI training pipeline for dive master. Do you have any information on whether I could enter the dive master program or would I need to take rescue or even AOW. Thanks
Bradley Hughes, 29 May 2020
Hi Bradley. You should be fine to enter the dive master program without the need for other courses.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Is the matrix aligned correctly under :
"Diving Qualification" for BSAC, CMAS, SAA
Jason, 12 March 2020
Yes, I've recently talked to BSAC and they confirmed the CMAS equivalencies.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Thanks for this table.
Just to clarify... This seems to imply the max depth for Advanced Open Water Diver (PADI) to Rescue are both 30m?
I thought you could go deeper after completing the Rescue?
Many thanks
Darren O'Leary, 31 January 2020
Hi Darren. You can't go any deeper after completing PADI Rescue diver, to go deeper you need to do the Deep Dive speciality.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Just wondering if anyone here have heard about Diving Instructor World Association (DIWA) from Germany? Founded in Freiburg in the year 1972. https://diwadiving.com/
Jon Au Yong, 7 January 2020
I've been in touch with the President of DIWA and he has kindly sent me the DIWA equivalencies tables - tables above have been updated.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Being a CMAS 2* diver,I'd like to enroll in the PADI Divemaster course. Can I enroll "just like that"? Is there an additional course needed, like 'rescue diver'?
Sven, 31 December 2019
Yes, you can just enroll. You will have had the equivalent rescue training as part of your CMAS 2*.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*) So as a beginning diver how do we know what we do need don't need and how much we should pay for what we do?
Lonnie L Hall, 19 December 2019
Hi Lonnie - Do you mean what you need in equipment or in training?
Jill Studholme
(5*) Hello team,
I am a recently qualified HSE scuba diver. I wish to work for recreational side. So, I would like to convert my HSE Professional Scuba(Part 4) to PADI license. Is it possible to get an equivalence certificate? If so, how to get equivalent certificate? I will wait to hear from you. Thank you
Sachin Raj Muralidharan, 4 December 2019
Hi Sachin, Thanks for your message. To get an equivalent certificate with PADI you need to enroll in one of their courses. You should be able to go straight to the Divemaster qualification - contact a PADI school to check. (PADI won't just give you an equivalent qualification, they always want you to do another course.) Good luck with your new career
Jill Studholme
(5*) Hi, there!
I'm qualified SCUBA diving instructor already for about 4 years and teached/sertified dozens of students.
The organization is NDL (National Dive League).
Why this serious and very distributed organisation isn't mentioned above?
Mareks, 2 December 2019
We'll add NDL to the list.
SCUBA Travel Team
(3*)In this page is not showing PTRD. It is an ISO diving Agency and is:
PTRD is WSDS member
PTRD Spain Certifier
PTRD is CDWS recognised
PTRD is ITA06 CMAS member
PTRD is EDA recognised
PTRD is ITAF07 CMAS Member
PTRD is DAN Europe Member
Andres Paoli, 4 November 2019
Thanks for the information. We'll add PTRD to the list.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Hi, am interested in aquarium work so want scuba certified, wondered how much the online course is, wouldnt be starting yet just wondered
Gillian Watts, 8 October 2019
A PADI online course is £122, or, in the US $190. You'd also have to pay for the practical part of the course with a dive centre. Hope you make it.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Update Medical Cert Requirement sheets: Please send to my email for me to further send to my doctor. Thank you! Live to dive again!
Cheryl, 1 October 2019
Hi Cheryl. Sorry we don't have any medical certificate forms - you'll have to contact your dive agency.
SCUBA Travel Team
(4*)I was certified in "69" through NAUI,at the age of 12. In 74, through NASDS, AT 16. 85 THROUGH CSUS, ASST. INSTRUCTOR, through NAUI My daughter in 85, PADI, and my son through SSI, JUST last week, July 2019. I did not like the methods used under PADI. I THINK the training that I went through with NAUI,in 69, were far better than what I see used today. My first 3 Saturdays were spent swimming laps,35 in a 60 pool, at least 70 snorkel clears,doing that 3 Saturdays at least 210 times flooding and clearing my snorkel and mask clearing. Repatition improved skill and confidence better diver.todays students do that 2 or 3 times and that is it.I know today we have the Octopus, but I still think they should teach buddy breathing, cause you never know when skill might be needed. I could go on with many more examples.but!
Jim Platter, 7 August 2019
(5*)I am looking at taking the IDIC open water course. Is it accredited to any other bodies? As I travel the world is it recognised through the world as is PADI. What are their initial requirements? Is it better training than padi?
Jacko, 10 April 2019
I have contacted the IDIC headquarters with your questions and am awaiting their reply. I'll let you know as soon as I hear from them.
Contact info@idic-international.com for more information.
Jill Studholeme
(5*)I have ten years of commercial diving, surface supplied till 50 mts with the top up course for wet bell diving as well as two offshore seasons. I d like to do a cross over to recreational diving.
What would the equivalent level ?
Joao, 16 January 2019
It depends upon which recreational diving agency you will be diving with. PADI schools will generally want you to do the PADI advanced course. BSAC will consider you to be equivalent of a Sports Diver - they will not insist you take another course but if you wanted to do so it would be the Dive Leader course. Check with the agency you'll be using what their policy is.
Good luck. Let us know what happens.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)PADI Offers a solo diver courso. Its called PADI Self Reliant Diver
Carlos Monteiro, 4 October 2018
It depends upon which recreational diving agency you will be diving with. PADI schools will generally want you to do the PADI advanced course. BSAC will consider you to be equivalent of a Sports Diver - they will not insist you take another course but if you wanted to do so it would be the Dive Leader course. Check with the agency you'll be using what their policy is.
Jill Studholme
(5*)This a great guide. I see RAID doesn't have much comparison and I'm looking to do a HSE course for my job. Should I choose an agency that like SDI or PADI?
Marco, 1 October 2018
Thanks for getting in touch. Contact the HSE school with whom you plan to do your HSE SCUBA course and ask if they have any preference for which agency you train with initially. Some HSE schools will train you from scratch. Good luck.
Jill Studholme
(5*)I've recently run into IDIC courses in Austria and Indonesia/Bali. Seems to be an austrian organisation not affiliated with cmas - do you have information on acceptance and equivalence? I'm cmas*** and padi ai, thinking about doing a speciality with them ....
Stephan, 5 September 2018
Thanks for your question. I'm sorry we don't have much information about them but the speciality should be readily accepted. There are so many diving agencies that dive shops are used to seeing many different types of qualification.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Curious....can't seem to find info anywhere : Why would a graduate of the College of Oceaneering with commercial experience in nuclear plant and oil rig NDT be required to present a PADI AOW certification to dive recreationally at a resort? What should the response be to such a request?
Ron Moore, 20 August 2018
The resorts would be expecting a recreational scuba certification, although not necessarily PADI. They will have little knowledge of commercial diving training. However, for most resorts your experience and the scuba diving you had done recently is more important than who you trained with. At worst they would ask you to do a check dive with an instructor.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Thanks for this table, it's very informative.
I am a BSAC Dive Leader (50m depth progression), BSAC Assistant Instructor (IFC course), and BSAC Theory Instructor. I have also completed various BSAC SDCs (Nitrox Diver 36%, O2 Administration, AED, Gas Blender Nitrox, Lifesaver, Buoyancy and Trim - Black.
Would it feasible for me to transfer to CMAS 3 Star? I didn't finish the BSAC Advanced Diver training before moving to Spain...
Darren, 3 July 2018
You would be able to take the CMAS 3 star course, but I don't think you would be accepted automatically as a CMAS 3 star diver. You can only get a CMAS qualification card from BSAC if you are a UK resident. Contact CMAS and see what they say.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)I have my Maui Advanced diver from 1977 plus my helium mixed air commercial diving certification I have dived recreationally over 35 years i took a Naui open water recertification in 2015 Utila Honduras. And made 8 dives I went diving in Hawaii last year and just came from diving on the reefs in Belize. I started with Naui Do I need to get certified in Padi ? Going forward as I will be going to Philippines and asia what about insurance?
Tim Graham, 18 May 2018
Thanks for getting in touch. You don't need to get certified in Padi, your Naui qualification will be accepted as long as you have proof that you have dived recently. Same with insurance - check it covers scuba diving to the relevant depth. World Nomads for example cover scuba in their standard policy . Enjoy your trips and let us know how you get on.
(5*)Hi There
I am a 2-star CMAS SCUBA Diver. I usually dive in middle east and sometimes in south east of Asia . I am going to emigrate to Australia. so, I want to know whether I convert to PADI or any other agencies for diving in Australia or not??????????
thank you in advance
Amin, 16 April 2018
Hi Amin
You should have no problems with CMAS - I have dived in Australia on a CMAS card without issue. Good luck with your new life.
Jill Studholme
(4*) I am planning to enter this sport is one certification accepted more than the other or is that not even a issue?
Ted Richards, 1 April 2018
Most certifications will be accepted around the world. The most widely recognised qualification is PADI, but that is because of their business model. Training with some other agencies is more rigorous. It depends on where you will be doing most of your diving. BSAC training, for instance, prepares divers better for British (and similar) waters with their tides and sometimes exacting conditions. In France and Belgium CMAS is the preferred qualification.
Check out your local dive schools and see which you feel most comfortable with.
Good luck and enjoy it whichever agency you choose.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I went over chart of Instructor's grades. If I can ask you to correct information for public / 1* and 2* is correct, 3* is Course Director and 4* is Instructor Trainer. Thanks for updating it.
Jana, 9 April 2018
Thanks Jana, will do.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Active PADI inst from 1991 - 2015 only because everyone wanted it. I transferred many during their open water to others in which I was a referral inst. PADI does not allow any freedom to adapt to environmental and individual concerns. The most relevant issue is quality of the inst not agency.
Tony, 1 March 2018
(5*)Hello,I'm Master Scuba Diver Traîner PADI and I would like to get thé CMAS Instructeur. Do you known how contact the French PADI/CMAS Center
Fred, 28 February 2018
CMAS don't have a central list of all their accredited dive centres, but if you do a Google search for "CMAS dive centre" and your location you should get a list of possibilities.
Let us know how you get on.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Getting ready to retrain after long absence. And 1 kid wants to learn. Very helpful info. Thank you.
E. Knapp, 13 February 2018
Glad to be of use. Good luck with your retraining - enjoy it.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I have completed 3 advanced adventurer course (SSI) would it be possible to continue with another 2 course with PADI and get certified with Advanced OWD? T.I.A
YDA, 10 October 2017
Although SSI accept PADI speciality courses, unfortunately the reverse isn't true.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I have a YMCA certifacate from 1974. I will be diving interanationally and may need to change to Padi. How do I do this
Jonathan Costa, 9 October 2017
Hi Jonathan, assuming you've been diving regularly since then you will have to do a PADI course. Which one depends on your existing level of qualification.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi, as a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, what would be the process for getting the CMAS closest equivalent? Thanks
Eddie Colin, 1 June 2017
Sorry, you've stumped us there. The closest equivalent is CMAS 4 star diver but you will have to get in touch with a CMAS centre to find out the process.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am an SDI TDI Instructor. How do I go about getting a PADI Instructor certification
John, 25 May 2017
You will need to take the next or equivalent PADI instructor course. So if you were SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor you could take the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT).
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hello!
I'm dive leader esa how I can transfer to padi dive master and how much it cost
Yasser, 12 May 2017
You will have to do a PADI Divemaster course. Alternatively, you may be able to enroll on a PADI Assistant Instructor course. How much it will cost depends upon where you do the course. In the UK, for example, a divemaster course costs around £600.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hello!
I am looking for starting on my diving adventure. In my local agency I have been recommended to take IDEA or SSI. Which one do you recommend? And why? Will I have any problem if I choose IDEA?
thank you
Andrea, 2 May 2017
(5*)I am Padi Tec50, can I apply for CMAS certification? If yes what is the equivalent certification? Thank you in advance.
Vincent Guenoden, 27 April 2017
On contacting French PADI/CMAS centre they advise that Vincent can convert to CMAS 3 without having to do a course and apply for a Nitrox certification, again without having to do any extra course. He would need to pay 50 Euros for each card. An additional 50 Euros is needed for FFESSM (Fédération Française d'Etudes et de Sports Sous-Marins) membership.
Jill Studholme
I can confirmed you now that I got my N3 level license with FFESSM without taking course. I sent them:
-PADI rescue card
-PADI TEC 50
-EFR-CPR
-Medical certification
-150 euros
I got:
-N3 license
-RIFA license (mandatory to get N3, similar as rescue diver)
Vincent Guenoden, 28 June 2017
(5*)I have a professional royal navy clearance diver mixture diving qualifications as well as helium dive experience all of which are in the hse revulsion. I would like to under take sport diving now ..The qualification in the equivalent table states only a ships diver who is a ameture diver. can you let me know if this is going to be updated .ALSO what can I transfer a cross to in the PADI .I am eager to start and explore ...
Michael Clarke, 25 April 2017
You will probably be assessed as going in as a PADI advanced open water diver level, and so would have to take the Rescue Diver to transfer to PADI. (You always have to take some sort of PADI course to become a PADI diver.)
Get in touch with your local PADI school for their definitive answer.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi, I'm considering qualifying as a dive instructor - which is a better option for the course provider PADI/CMAS? Or are both equally recognized?
Natasha
, 12 April 2017
If you are planning on working in France then choose CMAS, otherwise PADI. Both are equally recognised but many more dive centres offer PADI training than CMAS, so you will be more employable with PADI rather than CMAS.
Jill Studholme
(5*)I have the possibility to do the french level 2 (40m with guide/20 alone) + SSI advanced open water.
Will I be able to dive with PADI advanced open water divers ?
R
, 6 April 2017
When you say French level 2 I assume you mean the CMAS 2 star level? If so you can dive to up to 40 m with other divers of your standard. So yes, you can dive with PADI advanced divers. There is no need to also do the SSI advanced open water.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I've been asked to clear local golf clubs of golf balls from their lakes. HSE ACOP says I require HSE scuba certificate. Are you saying a PADI rescue diver is a suitable equivalent? As there is a difference in these course prices. Thanks
Steve
, 6 April 2017
Hi Steve
No, you need to comply with the Diving at Work Regulations 1997. The HSE SCUBA certificate is roughly equivalent in technical ability to the PADI rescue diver, but you need the HSE SCUBA qualification to dive commercially for golf balls.
Jill Studholme
(5*)Hi
I did my AOW with PADI back in 2010. I have just requested a replacement card but AOW is not listed, only my OW. Can the dive operator still sign me off or is there a time frame for my certificate to be processed? I have emailed the operator but I am still awaiting a reply. Thanks is advance
Nathan
, 20 March 2017
Did you ever have an Advanced Open Water card? PADI advise that if you haven't received your card within a month to contact the dive operator who certified you. If they cannot help you then contact PADI customer services - customerservice@padi.com for US and Canada; certsdep@padi.com.au for Asia and the Pacific; customerservices.emea@padi.com for everywhere else. We're not sure if there maximum time limit for receiving a card.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Will a NAUI certifiate be accepted by dive centres in Europe, which are PADI centres?
Harald
, 17 March 2017
Hi Harald
Yes, a NAUI certificate will be accepted by PADI dive centres in Europe.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am currently a padi advanced open water diver and am looking to move across to saa what qualification would it match with.
Emma Streeter
, 21 February 2017
PADI Advanced Open Water, without Rescue Diver, equates to SAA Open Water Diver. With Rescue Diver it is equivalent to SAA Club Diver.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi,
I am currently a PADI Rescue Diver working towards my 5 specialities. I previously had 40plus logged dives as a ships diver in the Navy, can I use these dive numbers towards the pre-requisite of 50 dives for Master Scuba Diver?
Paul
, 29 January 2017
Hi Paul, yes you can use those dives.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)GUE certifications is a bit of a rare beast. The table says "all GUE classifications" in the column roughly corresponding to the 40-56 m depth range, yet the basic GUE training - the Fundamentals - only certifies to 30 m, and so does the highly technical Cave-1 class. Diving to 51 m is only taught in Tech-1 curriculum and requires trimix and planned decompression.
Wesley
, 17 January 2017
Hi Wesley
Thanks for getting in touch. The depths are only for information for each particular qualification, they are not meant to be equivalent across agencies. But you're right - obviously the Recreational Diver 1 and 2 levels aren't be equivalent to CMAS 3 Star. We'll update the table.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)GUE certifications is a bit of a rare beast. The table says "all GUE classifications" in the column roughly corresponding to the 40-56 m depth range, yet the basic GUE training - the Fundamentals - only certifies to 30 m, and so does the highly technical Cave-1 class. Diving to 51 m is only taught in Tech-1 curriculum and requires trimix and planned decompression.
Wesley
, 17 January 2017
Hi Wesley
Thanks for getting in touch. The depths are only for information for each particular qualification, they are not meant to be equivalent across agencies. But you're right - obviously the Recreational Diver 1 and 2 levels aren't be equivalent to CMAS 3 Star. We'll update the table.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hello,
I am commercial surface supply diver - hse level III (30m), with at least 150 hours dive time. I have read that this level is na equivalent to PADI Rescue Diver, so l could just apply for PADI divemaster directly, is it so? How to achieve such a crossover administratively, please? Via. school/club or PADI association?
Petr
, 14 November 2016
Do you also have the HSE SCUBA Diver qualification? We think you would need to be scuba qualified before progressing to the PADI divemaster course - check with your nearest PADI school. To get PADI qualified you need to take the next course up - so you would need to take a PADI divemaster course with a PADI instructor.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi there,
I am looking at doing a Divemaster course or equivalent (Dive Control Specialist with SSI), with the aim to work in Australia following an internship. Is there any benefit or loss of going with Padi or SSI on job opportunities? I currently have offers with both PADI and SSI.
Thanks in advance,
Adrian Green
, 10 October 2016
Hi Adrian, with SSI you have to be affiliated to a SSI dive shop whereas with PADI you are more independent. In Australia, though, there are lots of SSI shops so there is no disadvantage in choosing SSI. Good luck.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(3*)Hi
Just wondering about how did you rate the equivalency of CMAS 1 Star Instructor (Instructor Level 1—ISO 24802-1) and PADI OWSI(Instructor Level 2—ISO 24802-2)?
The CMAS 1* Instructor can only train OWD students and no higher level. Unless the ratings have changed in the recent years.
Gary G
, 3 October 2016
Hi Gary, thanks for pointing that out. We've updated the table.
SCUBA Travel
(4*)Hello,
If I have completed my adventure deep dive with SSI and want to now complete the rest of my 4 adventure dives for my advanced open water course with PADI is this okay to interchange between companies?
Laura Irvin
, 3 October 2016
Hi Laura, no - PADI will want you to do the entire course with them.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hello i have diver that showed me a card for Open Water from N.P.O master scuba instructors association from japan from a CI international anybody know this certification?
Nicolas
, 8 September 2016
I'm sorry but we've not heard of that one. I'll ask in our next newsletter if any of our readers know any more.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(3*)I am concerned to know which is the equivalence between the superior certifications of instructor SNSI regarding CMAS. Could you please help me to understand? It is important for me to take decisions about my next future.
Thanks and regards.
Aldo Esteban Florencias Puerto
, 26 August 2016
CMAS is much better known than SNSI and so if choosing between the two I'd choose CMAS.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi I'm diving in turkey in October
have decided to do my last 2 specialities to become a padi master scuba diver .the dive centre do SSI specialities are they recognised by padi so once I've done them I can apply for my new qualification. Do SSI issue cards like padi so I like my cards being a sad git that I am but they show all of my accomplishments
Marcus Hall
, 24 August 2016
Hi Marcus SSI do issue cards but PADI will want you to pay again and do the specialities with them before you can become a PADI Master Scuba Diver. Enjoy your trip.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hola amigos mi nombre es Jaime Becerra Daz, tengo 24 años y soi de Chile. Estoy interesado en realizar algun curso de buceo y poder trabajar en alguna petrolera, la matricula que tengo solo me sirve dentro de mi pais, para ello estoy pensando en obtener alguna ADCI o algo por el estilo. Me gustaria saber algun lugar donde hacer esto y valores porfavor. Desde ya muchas gracias por su ayuda.
Jaime Becerra Daza
, 7 September 2016
Hi Jaime, thanks for gettting in touch. I'm sorry but we can't advise on commercial diving courses.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi I'm about to start an open water diving course with Bsac after I have successfully completed my 4 open water dives will I then be able to dive on holidays and is Bsac qualifications accepted worldwide the same as a PADI qualification.
Steve
, 23 August 2016
Yes, BSAC qualifications are accepted worldwide. Plus the early BSAC training is more thorough than PADI so you will be better equipped for diving around the world. Good luck with your training.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)If some body have a dive master in PADI can be go to the Instructor course of CMAS directly or not?
Amirreza Amani
, 22 August 2016
No, you need to be a CMAS 3 star diver to progress to a CMAS instructor, and PADI divemaster is only equivalent to a 2 star diver.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi, my husband and I are looking to do a beginner diver course as we want to be able to try out (guided) diving on our honeymoon in the Maldives. We were thinking of starting eith the PADI Scuba Diver course but have also been offered a FEDAS course by our local dive centre (we live in Spain) who assure us that it is a more thorough course than the Scuba Diver and that it is internationally recognised. Do you know anymore about this organisation, have any recommendations regarding which course would be better and whether or not FEDAS is internationally recognised?
Anna
, 17 August 2016
Hi Anna
A FEDAS course is more thorough than a PADI Open Water course, and you will be a better diver at the end of it. It is affiliated to CMAS which is internationally recognised. So even if FEDAS is little known the CMAS equivalent will be recognised. Enjoy your honeymoon!
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi, I've lost all my cards I'm not sure what courses I did. How would I go about finding out?
Misty King
, 16 August 2016
You don't say what diving agency you used - if PADI you can go to PADI Diver Replacement Card Application and fill in your details there.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi,
I am doing a padi rescue diver course in september and was thinking about the scuba master diver certificate. Is a tdi advanced nitrox, wreck and boyancy certificate, plus padi enriched air and deep diver ok as the five specialty courses ? Hope my question make sense and Thank you ;-)
Claus
, 8 August 2016
Thanks for getting in touch. We don't thing you would be able to use TDI specialities instead of PADI specialities - but check with dive centre with which you're planning to do the master diver certificate. Good luck with your rescue diver course.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi, I am looking at open water courses in Australia - PADI and RAID seem to be common. I am familiar with PADI but hadn't previously heard of RAID - is it similarly recognised, including internationally?
Sean
, 27 July 2016
Yes, RAID is recognised internationally. They used to specialise in rebreather training but now offer general courses as well. They are compliant with ISO Recreational Diving Standards which are recognised around the world.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am an ex military diver who has held a hse part 2 since 1984 with 1.5 yrs in water time can I cross over to a padi equivalent and how do I do this
Billy Evernden
, 20 July 2016
PADI recognises hse part 2 as equivalent to a PADI Rescue Diver. To become a PADI diver you will have to take one if their courses, either Rescue Diver or the next one up which is Divemaster.
Jill Studholme
(5*)CMAS 1 star diver course final exam the questions change every year or stay the same?
Nikos
, 19 July 2016
It would be surprising if the exam questions stayed the same but we don't know for sure. Sorry.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am a PADI Rescue Diver and I would like to convert to CMAS, how can I do that? Am I considered as CMAS 2 stars or 3 stars? Thanks
CT
, 12 July 2016
PADI Rescue Diver is 2 stars, so you should be able to enrol in a CMAS 3 star diver course. You can see the CMAS - PADI agreement here.
Jill Studholme
(5*)PADI Open water is rated to 40m as an Open Water Scuba Qualification, however most companies will only let you dive to 18 as that was your teaching limit in training.
PADI OWSI and MSDT are essentially the same and not one above the other. Only difference is a MSDT can teach 4 extra courses AND has paid PADI an extra 45 USD. I am OWSI and can teach 8 but refuse to pay just to change 4 letters.
Zeke
, 11 July 2016
(5*)Hi
I am a diver from ADS-International as Dive Master and SSI as Dive Guide Diver, I would like to crosover to CMAS or any idea?. If can I would like to lean by online
Hassan Ismail
, 30 June 2016
Thanks for getting in touch. As far as we know you can't take a CMAS qualification online. You might have to get in touch with a CMAS training agency and ask their advice.
Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am a hse closed bell diver with also hse scuba qualification, is it possible to convert to a PADI certificate?
Will
, 20 June 2016
You should be able to do a PADI Rescue Diver or Divemaster course to become PADI certified. But you can't get a PADI certification without paying for a PADI course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi I am doing a CMAS** but I would like to have double certification to PADI, how can I do it?
Raquel
, 17 June 2016
Once you've completed your CMAS** you can take a PADI Rescue Diver or Divemaster course to become PADI certified. There is no way to get a PADI certification without paying for a PADI course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Your listing for PADI instructors does not include Master Instructor or Course Director. Master Instructor should be grouped with the IDC Staff instructor then Course Director would be one level higher
Vince
, 25 May 2016
Thanks for the info. We'll update the site.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I had my CMAS open water, can I enrol advance courses in PADI? Thanks
Jogz
, 16 May 2016
Yes, you can enrol in the PADI Advanced course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)In order to transfer my diving qualifications from CAMS to PADI who do I contact, where do I start?
David Browne
, 7 May 2016
To transfer to PADI you generally have to do the next qualification up. Get in touch with your local PADI school and they will advise you.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)If a diver was a BSAC Novice I diver, what would be the equivalent nowadays? Thank you :)
Bev
, 25 April 2016
Hi Bev
There isn't an equivalent nowadays as Novice I doesn't include any open water dives. To transfer to PADI, for example, you would have to do 4 open water dives with a PADI instructor and take a Scuba Review, Final Exam and Watermanship Assessment. Good luck with restarting diving - let us know how you get on.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)I'm planning on doing 2 stars CMAS and after it PADI divemaster. My goal is to be instructor, but I can't get a clear picture about how to get there after divemaster. Can I apply directly after it to 1 star instructor or OWSI?
Gabi
, 30 March 2016
Hi Gabi
For a PADI Instructor you need to be a PADI Divemaster who has been a certified diver for 6 months, taken an Emergency First Response course in the last two years and logged 100 dives.1 For a CMAS instructor you need to be a CMAS 3 star diver and possess a first aid and oxygen administration certificate. You also need to have taken a Rescue Diver Training Programme and have done at least one hundred dives including night dives, limited visibility dives, deeper dives, drift dives, dives in colder water and navigation dives.2 Good luck with whichever route you choose.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi,
Curious question, how come ACUC is not recognized in this list of Equivalent Diving Qualifications from different SCUBA Agencies?
Eric
, 30 March 2016
Thanks for pointing that out—I've added it to the list.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi,
I have an advanced open water with National Dive League. Is it worth me doing a PADI Open Water advanced?
Carmel
, 28 March 2016
It's not worth you doing a PADI Open Water Advanced as you should be alright with your NDL qualification. You might want to check with any dive centre you plan on using that they accept the National Dive League qualification before arriving there though.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Is there any organisation called A.D.A.S International that gives diving certifications courses? Not the Australian commercial one!
George Kakoullis
, 28 March 2016
Hello George, the only organisation we know of called ADAS International is the Australian occupational diving certification scheme.
SCUBA Travel Team
(5*)Hello everyone!! I have a big concern regarding this.. i started with CMAS open water, then NAUI advanced, rescue and master scuba and now i´m gonna finish my PADI DIVEMASTER in a week, after that i will go for the Instructor... here is my point, do i need to have all of the others PADI (i mean open water, advanced, etc) ??? thanks!!!
Thanks
Baltazar
, 8 March 2016
Hi Baltazar, no you don't need to do all the other PADI courses. Just the instructor course is fine.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Please could you tell me which is the best teaching regime would be best for my 14yr old dyslexic daughter.
Thanks
Alex
, 24 February 2016
It's a good question but we don't have a definitive answer for you. It is probably more important to choose a sympathetic dive school rather than which particular teaching regime to choose. Regarding the written tests, it should be possible to have the questions read out to her and to give oral answers if necessary.
I'll ask in the next issue of our newsletter if any of our readers have any recommendations.
Good luck to your daughter - I hope she enjoys learning to dive.
Let us know how she gets on.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Please note that your entry for SAA Instructors is wrong it should be Club Instructor (CMAS*) Open Water Instructor (CMAS**) Regional Instructor (CMAS***) and National Instructor (there is not a CMAS**** award)
Regards
Steve
, 22 February 2016
Thanks Steve, we'll update the page. There is such a thing as a CMAS 4 star diver though - details at the CMAS web site.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(4*)Dear sir,
Could you please tell me which of CMAS or PADI certificates is more valid(reputable)?
Navi
, 17 February 2016
Both should be recognised anywhere, but PADI is the biggest diving organisation all dive schools will be familiar with it. If you were going to dive often in France or Belgium then definitely choose CMAS. CMAS is a more thorough course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(4*)Good Day,
I have an HSE1 and a C.S.W.I.P 3.2U (now expired), and I wanted to know if there's a NVQ level for either. I contacted TWI but they don't know. I want to study and it would be most helpful to have a NVQ credit.
Justin Ryan
, 16 February 2016
You've stumped us there. We'll ask in our newsletter if any of our readers have an answer for you.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Crossover fron Raid to SSI and PADI, Gauteng
Alette
, 29 January 2016
Hi Alette
I've contacted RAID to enquire and am awaiting their reply.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(3*)The overview contain some wrong information concerning NAUI. All NAUI recreational courses (Scuba Diver, Adv. Scuba Diver and Master Scuba Diver) contain rescue parts. Rescue Diver and adv. Rescue Diver are specialties. An instructor is allowed to conduct all recreational courses and specialties comparable with a CMAS 3* instructor, instructor trainer is allowed to conduct scuba leaders like divemaster and instructors. Adv. Scuba Diver max. 40 mtr. Prerequisites for a divemaster are NAUI Master Scuba Diver and NAUI Rescue Diver. Recognition of prior learning my be applied. Maybe useful for adjusting some information.
Raymond
, 25 January 2016
Thanks Raymond
We'll update the site. Be aware though that several agencies in the table include rescue as standard - we err on the side of caution in our table. BSAC, for example, require someone has a NAUI rescue speciality before a NAUI qualification can be considered equivalent to a BSAC Sports Diver.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi, I have a question - I am padi open water advance,(18mths). I am thinking of doing a bsac sports diver course, if i get that , can i go on to do the 2 star padi divemaster?
Thanks
Debbie Willan
, 4 January 2016
Hi Debbie
Yes, in that case you should be able to take the PADI divemaster, but contact your chosen PADI diving centre to make sure.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Is there any PADI SCUBA certification recognized by IMCA to do DMT course? Which level if any?
Benard Andeku
, 24 November 2015
IMCA stands for International Marine Contractors Association and DMT for Diver Medic Technician. The DMT course is for surface cover team members, who are not diving, to be trained in advanced first aid. To gain the IMCA DMT certification as an offshore diver, you must hold an IMCA qualification (or equivalent) in offshore diving. The equivalent qualifications are for commercial divers, so no PADI courses would be suitable.
There are also DAN Recreational Diver Medic Technician courses run for recreational divers, but these are not accredited by the International Marine Contractors Association. To participate in this course you must have the equivalent (or higher) of a rescue diver certification.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Is there an organisation called EIND offering diving certification courses, especially in Greece?
Bob Tait, 22 October 2015
Hi Bob
We haven't heard of EIND and can find no reference to it on the internet. Do you know what the acronym stands for?
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hey :) this Website is really helpful, but it left open my question. I have the cmas*, now I am wondering if it is possible for me to do the SSI open water advanced including adventure dives like night dive, current dive, deep dive.. (I think it's like the cmas**?)AND if it is then possible to do the cmas*** regularly back in Germany? Couldn't find any answers to this.
Thanks for your help! :)
Theresa, 17 October 2015
Hi Theresa
You are probably best contacting a CMAS dive centre to check their requirements. Normally you would need the equivalent of CMAS 2 star + Oxygen Administration, Rescue Diver and 50 logged dives including night, limited visibility, dives deeper than 30 m, drift dives, cold water and navigation. Which may mean the SSI Diver Control Specialist level as well as the specialist dives.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)When applying for the Royal Navy do they have any preference as to which qualification would be best?
Jack Thompson
, 16 July 2015
Hi Jack
The Navy run their own training programme - you don't need to already be able to dive.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Will the bsac ocean diver qualify you to do padi advanced open water diver with out having to do padi open water course?
Ben Halford
, 29 June 2015
Hi Ben
Yes, you will be able to enroll in the PADI advanced course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Greetings from Greece. All these are very helpful and completely understanding but my finally question is specific. Which certification is "better" for dive master, padi or andi?
Dionisis Dionisis, 28 June 2015
Hi Dionisis
Unless you want to specialise in technical diving PADI is a better option to choose.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)I have my NASDS open water certification and am going to take an advance PADI course. Is there any reason they will not acknowledge my NASDS OW certification?
Emilio Luna, 25 June 2015
Hi Emilio
There is no reason why they shouldn't, but check with the company you are planning to train with to make sure.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(4*)Since when has a PADI Divemaster been qualified to 35m? If they hold the PADI Deep spec it is 40m, otherwise 35m
Pee Stewart
, 24 June 2015
Hi Pee
We'll amend the table to include the Deep Diver course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Voilà, je suis instructeur OWSI PADI et je certifie mes élèves en leur fournissant des certification PADI, je rencontre parfois certaines requêtes émanant de certains de mes élèves qui désire obtenir l'équivalence CMAS et bien entendu aussi le PADI et je cherche actuellement comment rendre cela possible.
En bref, je voudrai leur obtenir l'équivalence de leur certification PADI en un autre brevet CMAS, combien cela me couterait il et comment y procéder?
(Which translates as "Well, I'm OWSI PADI Instructor and certify my students by providing PADI certification, I sometimes meet some requests from some of my students wishing to obtain the CMAS equivalence and also the PADI course and I'm currently looking how to make it possible.
In short , I want them to get the equivalence of their PADI certification in another patent CMAS , how much it cost me and how to get them?")
Fatnassi Adil
, 23 June 2015
Hi Adil
You can't get an equivalent CMAS card for a PADI qualification. Your students would have to do an extra course with CMAS. Which level they could go in at is defined in the CMAS - PADI agreement. Other agencies though, like BSAC, do issue CMAS cards.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)1) Different between dive tech. and dive master
2) Which among them is the best to know or study
Menekpughi Muele Lord
, 18 June 2015
Not sure what you mean by dive tech. Which to study depends somewhat on where you will be diving. With a program like BSAC you get a more thorough grounding than with a PADI Open Water course, but it takes longer. Find out what is available in your area, contact the dive shops and make your choice.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I have many years of diving experience with HSE part 1 11, Military advanced diver from Royal Engineers, I have dived and worked all over the world and yet to convert to PADI. It seems all this experience and qualification has no transferable meaning.
Mark Fender
, 25 May 2015
Hello Mark
Many dive shops do recognise HSE. BSAC clubs, for example, recognise HSE part 1 as equivalent to BSAC Sports Diver. If you joined BSAC you could apply for an 'Equivalency Card' from BSAC HQ. This would be recognised by PADI dive centres even if your HSE qualification wasn't. (Although PADI shops should recognise your HSE qualification as equivalent to Rescue Diver.)
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)I hold a UK HSE Part one from 1988 and an IMCA air diving supervisors qualification from 1993. How best would I prepare papers for holiday diving
David
, 11 May 2015
Hi David
The best thing to do is to contact dive centres in the area in which you are planning to dive and ask what they need. Your recent diving experience is often more important than which diving agency you qualified with.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(2*)In your table you forgot the level NAUI Instructor Trainer and NAUI Course Director
Hans
, 29 April 2015
We've added them to the table.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am certified with RAID, but this is not on your table.
Nicole
, 19 March 2015
Thanks for pointing that out Nicole. We'll add them to the table.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)
Regarding diving outside the UK with a hse scuba, this was absolutely no problem for my friend on a recent diving trip to Thailand. Recognised at shops both in Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi.
Jon Barnes
, 3 March 2015
(5*)Hi
Is this cross-over list officially world wide recognised?
Robert
, 16 January 2015
Hi Robert, No, there isn't an official world-wide crossover list. Ours is compiled from publications from: BSAC T.17, HSE, SDI TDI ERDI, CMAS International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual and direct communication with PSAI Europe and DMT NASE UK Ltd / DMT Training Group. Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)I am a IANTD advanced nitrox diver so what am I in the flow chart thank you
John Hough
, 15 December 2014
Hi John, You'd have to contact the alternative agency to be sure, but around BSAC Dive Leader with a nitrox speciality.
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I was wondering, do you know if with my CMAS 2* licence I can take the Dive Master course?
Alex
, 16 September 2014
Yes, you are at the right level to take the PADI or NAUI Divemaster course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Hi I'm a BSAC Openwater instructor and I would like to know what are the procedures if I want do become a PADI Instructor!
Shyam Dhunnookchand
, 16 September 2014
Hi Shyam, you can't just transfert to PADI - you always have to do one of their courses. In your case a PADI Instructor Development Course would be appropriate.
SCUBA Travel
Thank you for your follow-up regarding the listing.
NASE are not operating within the United Kingdom. The programmes listed by HSE and ACCREDITED by HSE are copyright of DMT NASE UK LTD.
NASE Europe is a separate entity and DO NOT have any rights to teach or certify persons in the designated programmes. We have in the past had working arrangements with NASE Europe, but these have since lapsed.
NASE in the USA is a separate entity and we NO working relationship with them.
The DMT Training Group researched, developed and implemented the programmes in the UK and Canada and were the first Agency Accredited by HSE under the updated DWR 1997 Regulations in 2000 and were accredited by HSE in January 2001.
Since that time DMT NASE UK has been accredited annually, with new programmes being submitted on a regular basis.
If you review the HSE web site, you will see that only DMT NASE is listed as APPROVED, not the other NASE entities.
I would be pleased to provide you with a complete list of the programmes recognised by HSE that DMT NASE offer.
Kindest regards,
Capt Ed Dymott
Director Administration for Director Training
DMT NASE UK Ltd / DMT Training Group
, 3 August 2014
Thanks very much for that
SCUBA Travel
(5*)Is there a special certificate for a handicapped / disabled diver?
Dewi
, 24 April 2014
As far as I'm aware there isn't a special certificate for disabled divers, but we'll ask on our social media pages and in our next newsletter to see if our readers know of any. You might be interested in an article by Dave Thompson on learning to dive as a tetraplegic which we published in issue 122 of SCUBA News. Dave qualified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Diver.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(4*)Hi
I'm a qualified to HSE scuba and Police Surface supplied as I am a Police diver. I am due to go on my Honeymoon and wish to take part in recreational diving. My partner is going to do a PADI course. I was wondering how well recognised my qualification is. Would it be recognised abroad easily. What would it equate to as a PADI qualification and how easy would it be for me to get PADI qualifications with the qualifications I already have. Thanks
Trish Foster
, 10 April 2014
HSE Scuba equates to BSAC Sports Diver or PADI Rescue Diver. You need to contact the dive centre you will be using to confirm that they will understand your qualification. There should be no problem converting to a PADI qualification - but you will have to do one of their courses. Anyone else had experience of using an HSE qualification outside Britain?
SCUBA Travel
(5*)I have a PDIC certification. Have you ever heard of this?
Mary
, 2 April 2014
I have heard of it and see it is not in our table - I'll add it.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)I'm a naui master scuba diver can i crossover to padi.what level will i be.
Harry Wilson
, 17 March 2014
A NAUI Master SCUBA Diver is equivalent to a PADI Rescue Diver. So you would be qualifed to take the PADI Divemaster course.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Certified with US Navy Diver Certification - extensive military certification. Since I dive mostly in warm salt water, how do I convert to PADI without going through the entire PADI certification process?
Dave G, 26 February 2014
You don't need to do the entire process but will need to do one course, for example the rescue diver. PADI will accept your qualifications as a pre-requisite for the course, but will still insist you take it before giving you a PADI certification card.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)Where is PSAI Advanced Oper Water Diver?
Greg, 27 January 2014
I'm not sure about where exactly to place PSAI Advanced Open Water Diver - looking at what's involved I should think CMAS 2 star. I'll contact the PSAI though, and see what they say.
Jill Studholme, SCUBA Travel
(5*)It appears that Naui Master diver and SSI Master diver are in the incorrect order. I believe neither of these are professional qualifications.
Naui master diver may be accepted as PADI rescue if the rescue components are taught in that course. SSI dive controller and PADI Dive master are equivalant. Can you confirm please?
Anon, 12 November 2013
Thanks for pointing that out. We've moved them to a more appropriate position.
SCUBA Travel Webmaster
(5*)The listings for SSI don't include the instructor levels and the recreation diver levels are little off. After OW is specialty diver 12 dives and 2 specialties, then AOW diver 24 dives and 4 specialties, then Master Diver AOW plus Stress
Rescue Diver and 50 dives. The pro levels can be found on divessi.com to add to your table.
Beth, 9 August 2013
Thanks Beth, we'll update the page.
SCUBA Travel Webmaster
(5*)This table is very useful for roughly equivalent qualifications, however, I have found that the maximum depth ratings can vary. Has anyone compiled a table with depth limits between the differing qualifications?
Thanks
Theresa Murphy, 8 August 2013
Good point. We'll look at adding maximum depths.
SCUBA Travel Webmaster
(5*)Two BSAC grades are missing: Ist Class Diver (4 star) and National instructor (4 star).
Edward Haynes, 20 July 2013
Thanks for the getting in touch - we've inserted 2 new columns for the 4 star grades.
SCUBA Travel Webmaster
(3*)Does not include the world's first Instruction program--LA Co UW Instruction program; Basic Diver, Advanced diver (100 + Hours,) Instructor UICC, 200 hours.
SDM, 16 July 2013
Thanks for the info - we've added LA Co UW.
SCUBA Travel Webmaster
(5*)Please note the information you display about ITDA is out of date... please see: www.diveitda.com or our support site at www.diveitda.org
Thank you
Steve Murray, ITDA, 11 July 2013
Thanks for letting us know Steve - we've now updated the page.
SCUBA Travel Webmaster