In today’s growing Scuba market there are many different options available when it comes to training. Many agencies are very similar in what they offer as far as curriculum and training schedules but there are, of course, subtle differences. A few certification agencies have gone in an entirely different direction with relation to their competition and still more have specialised in areas such as Technical or Commercial diver training to differentiate themselves from the pack. With estimates of close to two million people seeking certification for diving activities in 2007 there is a battle going on for a piece of the pie.
With the lack of strong governmental regulations on diving practices in most areas of the world, these agencies have been left to regulate themselves to a large degree. The WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) is a body made up of many of these agencies founded with the intention of being a self regulating body. This has been quite successful over the years since its establishment and today nearly every agency adheres to the basic rules of training laid out by the WRSTC.
The result of this is that all nearly entry level certifications available through these agencies can be used to dive in most areas of the world. There is very little need to worry about a diving organization refusing to accept a certification from an agency different from their own. You can be pretty sure no matter what path you take, you will be able to enjoy the sport of diving wherever you may choose to go.
In the last few years these agencies have lowered the health, fitness and even age requirements considerably to allow more and more people to enjoy the sport of Diving. The early days found course participants regularly engaging in very strenuous and often dangerous activities to prove they were worthy of Certification. Although the health and fitness requirements of yester year have been all but forgotten, it is good to be aware that the sport of Scuba diving does entail certain risks and that it is a good idea to make sure that you are physically and mentally up to the challenge.
In this section we will attempt to catalogue the major differences between the agencies for in order to remove a bit of the worry in choosing a particular certification agency over another. It is common to hear about members of one agency speaking badly about another but don’t let that sway you. The differences are not that great among the major players.
With any Scuba diving certification course you decide to undertake a major portion of the responsibility for your proper training lies with the Instructor conducting the course. In the end it is your responsibility to research the diving centre where you plan to do the course and ask questions as to the experience of the Instructor and safety record of the establishment.
Happy Bubbles,
Your ScubaTribe Team