Different Diving Agencies

ACUC
"American Canadian Underwater Certifications now popularly known as ACUC International. Since 1969 ACUC has continually developed world class recreational Diver and Instructor training programs. ACUC is a founding member of the Canadian and European RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council), and therefore are recognized by all World Recreational Scuba Training Council member's agencies.

BSAC
"British Sub-Aqua Club" UK's leading dive club and the sport's National Governing Body, providing an internationally-recognised diver training and development programme via a network of clubs and centres across the United Kingdom and overseas. The club was founded in 1953 and has over 50,000 members. Given that UK waters are relatively cold and have restricted visibility, BSAC training is regarded by its members as more comprehensive than some. Specifically it places emphasis on rescue training very early in the programme.

CMAS
"Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques" is the world's oldest scuba certification agency. Originally founded in Brussels, Belgium, CMAS is now headquartered in Rome, Italy. CMAS has quite a different rating system than other agencies that is based on star levels. CMAS can be found in many countries around the world but is primarily active in Europe.

IDEA
The "International Diving Educators Association" provides quality training to both recreational and professional scuba divers throughout the United States and in more than 30 foreign counties. Originally established in 1952 as the training arm of the Florida Skin Divers Association, IDEA quickly grew into an independent organization and a respected leader in the industry.

NAUI
The "National Association of Underwater Instructors" Founded in 1959 is one of the biggest global certification agencies. NAUI's diver education system is quite similar to SSI and PADI. NAUI has also had a technical diving division since 1997. NAUI dive centers can be found primarily in North America.NAUI Worldwide remains the oldest international not-for-profit membership training agency organized solely to support and promote dive safety through education.

PADI
"Professional Association of Diving Instructors" is by far most recognized dive certification agency in the world. It's usually possible to find a PADI instructor in any diving destination and more beginning divers are certified by PADI than by all of the other agencies combined. Many PADI scuba divers continue their education and becomen professional divers. PADI also operates Emergency First Response, an organization providing CPR and First Aid training not only to divers, but the public in general.

SSI
"Scuba Schools International's" 2000 authorized dealers and 225 Regional Centers can be found in 90 countries around the world. SSI's diver education system is very similar to PADI's system. Headquartered in Colorado, USA, SSI training facilities are in particular abundance in North America and South East Asia.