Diving Certification Agencies
ACUC- American Canadian Underwater Certifications, Inc. Based in Ontario, has locations worldwide.
BSAC- British Sub-Aqua Club. Now in over 50 countries. Rigorous training, but recognized as one of the best in the world.
CEDIP- Comite European Des Instructeurs de Plongee. Based in Juan Les Pins, France. Best known to European divers.
CMAS- Confederation Mondiale des Activities Subaquatiques. Originally created by Jacques Cousteau. Was based in France, but now headquartered in Italy.
HSA- Handicapped Scuba Association. Founded in 1981 and based in California. The most recognized international diving agency for the handicapped.
IDEA- International Diving Educators Association. Based in Florida. Growing worldwide, especially in Europe.
NAUI- National Association of Underwater Instructors. Founded in 1960 and based in Tampa, Florida. The National Association of Scuba Diving Schools (NASDS) has merged with NAUI. The focus is more on rescue training and has vigorous training and very high standards. NAUI is NASA's choice for training astronauts. A non-profit organization.
PADI- Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Founded in Chicago in 1966, but headquartered today in California. PADI is the undisputed membership leader worldwide of certified divers. PADI provides a huge variety of training materials and a complete curriculum from beginning level to professional diver. Provides home study materials. PADI has worldwide local offices.
PDIC- Professional Diving Instructors Corporation. Based in Pennsylvania. Instructors found worldwide, but more commonly in North America and the Caribbean.
SSI- Scuba Schools International. Has a complete curriculum from beginner to leadership. Growing recognition, especially in Europe.
YMCA- Young Men Christian Association Scuba Program. Founded in 1960 and based in Georgia, USA. They have a complete curriculum and are well known for their demanding and very rigorous training. Non-profit. Instructors are worldwide.
DAN- Divers Alert Network. Non-diver certification agency. Based at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Primarily collects data worldwide on diver accidents. DAN has tremendous influence on diver training. Membership is open to divers and professionals. DAN also offers comprehensive diver insurance programs. Non-profit.
