There are a few things to remember when choosing an instructor. To help those of you who are new the link below is for How To Choose a Scuba Instructor, which includes, more resources and references to information that may help you.
Additional information you may consider when choosing an instructor.
The following is a list of comparisons of the most popular certifying agencies. We hope this will help you answer a few common questions and further assist you with selecting the right instructor.
Students will learn the benefits of getting certified to dive via an independent scuba or dive instructor compared to get certified via a shop instructor.
Comparison #1 First scuba certification level & max depth
PADI Open Water Diver – 18 metres (60 feet)
SSI Open Water Diver – 18 metres (60 feet)
NAUI Scuba Diver – 18 metres (60 feet)
BSAC Ocean Diver – 20 metres (67 feet)
Comparison #2 Second scuba certification level & max depth
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver – 30 metres (100 feet)
SSI Advanced Open Water Diver – Depth varies depending on age and number of dives
NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver – 40 metres (130 feet)
BSAC Sports Diver – 35 metres (115 feet)
Comparison #3 Minimum age
PADI 10 and up max depth until age 15 – 12 metres (40 feet) – the Junior Open Water Diver certification
SSI 8 yrs old max depth 5 metres (16 feet) and up (max depth to age 15 – 12 metres (40 feet); – the Scuba Rangers
NAUI 10 and up max depth until age 15 12 metres (40 feet) – the Junior Scuba Diver
BSAC 12 and up
Comparison #4 Maximum recreational dive depth
PADI 40 metres (130 feet) with Deep Diver specialty course
SSI 100 metres (330 feet) as a SSI Hypoxic Trimix Instructor
NAUI 40 metres (130 feet)
BSAC Advanced to the depth they are comfortable with using appropriate gas and equipment
Comparison #5 Other dive certifications available
PADI Rescue Diver; Master Diver; Divemaster
SSI Advanced Adventurer, Boat Diving, Search & Recovery, Enriched Air Nitrox
NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver; Master Scuba Diver; Divemaster
BSAC Dive Leader, Advanced Diver
Comparison #6 Dive centers and resorts
PADI 6,500 worldwide
SSI 2,800 worldwide
NAUI worldwide
BSAC 1,100 local independent dive clubs + 400 diving schools worldwide
Comparison #7 How long is my certification good for?
PADI Lifetime – but you may need a refresher course if you’ve not dived in a while
SSI Lifetime – but you may need a refresher course if you’ve not dived in a while
NAUI Lifetime – but you may need a refresher course if you’ve not dived in a while
BSAC Lifetime – but you may need a refresher course if you’ve not dived in a while
Comparison #8 Max age limit
PADI None – but is dependent on individual health
SSI None – but is dependent on individual health
NAUI None – but is dependent on individual health
BSAC None – but is dependent on individual health
Comparison #9 Famous divers
PADI Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, James Cameron, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson are all famous PADI divers
SSI None on record
NAUI Kevin Costner, Lou Gossett Jr., Cameron Diaz; & Tiger Woods are all famous NAUI divers + Jacques Cousteau was on the Board of Advisers
BSAC Arthur C. Clarke, Prince William (Duke of Cambridge), Price Charles (+ his father Phillip), Prince Harry, Sir David Attenborough
Comparison #10 Size and nature of diving organization
PADI Largest in the world and is a ‘For Profit’ organization
SSI The world’s largest store based training agency
NAUI Second largest in the world and is a ‘Not For Profit’ organization
BSAC A ‘Not For Profit’ diving organisation and recognised worldwide.