| If you are planning on learning how to scuba dive, you'll | | | | equipment and learn safety procedures. |
| need to complete a training course and receive | | | | As expected, training in the water is required for both |
| certification. For new learners, this means you'll need to | | | | courses. The Naui course, for example, includes at |
| choose between Padi and Naui certification. For | | | | least five open water dives. The number included in |
| experienced divers, there are a wide range of courses | | | | the Padi course may be up to the diving center or |
| available that can help you improve your skills and get | | | | training with whom you are working. |
| even more fun out of your underwater adventures. | | | | To become certified as a diver, simply successfully |
| Here's a breakdown of what you might be interested | | | | complete either course. Once you obtain that |
| in taking. | | | | certification, the underwater world is open to you. You |
| Padi or Naui? | | | | can easily go scuba diving and go the next step in you |
| For new non-divers, the first decision is whether to | | | | training if desired. |
| pursue Padi or Naui certification. Both dive certification | | | | Courses for Experienced Divers |
| programs have the same goal and go over the same | | | | An important thing to remember is that once you |
| general ideas: to teach people how to dive safely. | | | | select your certification you'll need to complete the rest |
| They have solid reputations and have certified divers | | | | of your courses through them as well. For example, if |
| all over the world through their programs. The main | | | | you take the Open Water Diving course through Padi, |
| difference is that Padi certification is more popular and | | | | you'll be able to take other courses that Padi offers, |
| is held by most of the new divers who hit the water. | | | | including more of their e-learning options. |
| You might also be limited in choice to what's around | | | | The Advanced Open Water diving course offered by |
| you. Most dive training centers will only offer one type | | | | Padi covers both deep diving and underwater |
| of certification. Hence, if the you find the dive center | | | | navigation diving. You'll also learn about some other |
| closest to you only offers Naui certification, that may | | | | exciting and popular diving activities, such as exploring |
| be the deciding factor. However, the Padi e-learning | | | | undersea wreckage or going night diving. Boat diving is |
| courses are giving some options. | | | | also covered and is also a popular choice. It is very |
| Padi E-Learning | | | | convenient that there is an e-learning option for this |
| While it might sound ridiculous to learn how to scuba | | | | course. |
| dive through an e-learning class, what you're actually | | | | If you've chosen Naui certification, you'll be able to |
| doing is learning the basics through an online class. | | | | choose the Advanced Scuba Course which includes |
| Things you will learn include: recommended scuba gear, | | | | diving in currents, boat diving, shore diving, and salt and |
| how to use your scuba equipment, and most | | | | fresh water diving. There is a six dive minimum for this |
| importantly safety precautions. You'd take the course | | | | course. |
| at your convenience, pass the online quizzes meant to | | | | Other Courses |
| test your knowledge, then move onto the | | | | Both Padi and Naui certification opens up the possibility |
| water-portion of your learning at an approved diving | | | | of becoming a Master Scuba Diver. This is the ultimate |
| center or resort with a skilled trainer. | | | | non-professional certification for a diver. It does include |
| This type of course is a good option for someone | | | | additional training in a wide variety of diving techniques. |
| planning to go diving for the first time on vacation so | | | | Besides this extra certification, you can also take a |
| you can get all of the classwork work out of the way | | | | number of specialty diving courses through the Padi |
| and start getting into the water as soon as you arrive. | | | | training centers, including enriched air diving which lets |
| Beginning Course | | | | you stay underwater longer. You can also learn how |
| Known as the Open Water Diving Course (Padi) or | | | | to dive in dry suits or explore caverns while diving. |
| Scuba Diver (Naui), this initial course is meant to | | | | Additionally, experienced divers who want to use their |
| introduce you to all of the basics you need to dive. | | | | skills for more than just personal enjoyment can take |
| The Padi course, for example, introduces learners to | | | | further classes that will help them become rescue |
| some of the principles of scuba diving, as well as the | | | | divers or diving trainers. There are plenty of options |
| techniques and methods necessary to move around | | | | available once you take the first plunge and get your |
| underwater. The Naui course promises to do much the | | | | initial certification. |
| same thing, including teaching you how to use the | | | | |