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Scuba Lessons Buying Guide

Always wanted to try scuba diving?   Or have you given it a shot and want to continue as a master certified diver?   With the proper certification, you can perfect the sport of breathing underwater in no time.  Read on to find out what it takes.   

Steps to Diving Certification

  • KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT: Learn the lingo and develop a basic understanding for scuba diving.  You should learn how pressure affects your body, how to choose the right scuba gear,  and learn the factors to consider when planning your own dives. 
  • CONFINED WATER DIVES: Since diving IS what it's all about, after you demonstrate a solid knowledge base, you can begin to dive in small areas, such as a pool.  This is where you will apply your knowledge and learn how to set up your diving equipment,  as well as learn the basics (like clearing out of your dive mask  without resurfacing).  Here you will practice emergency skills as well.  Build upon your foundations and undergo five confined water dives  before moving on to the next step.    
  • OPEN WATER DIVES: Put it all into place with the experience of four open water dives  with your instructor.  You may make these dives close to home or at a resort. 
  • CERTIFICATION:   Upon successful completion of these steps, you can then obtain your certificate and have the freedom to dive on your own!

Certification Resources

Your diving certification will have to be recognized through a licensing organization.  Safety should always be a main concern and you should want your certificate to come from a licensed scuba instructor.  These organizations are particularly noteworthy. 

PADI Certification

PADI  (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is an internationally recognized diving organization, offering many instructional programmes towards certification.   Start developing your scuba knowledge base from the convenience of your own home, at a local pool, or at a dive shop. 

The following learning resources will be necessary in helping you complete your certification process:  

BSAC Certification

BSAC  (British Sub Aqua Club) was formed in the U.K. and is one of the more popular agencies to the region.  The BSAC offers scuba lessons  and is known for its very high and challenging standards of training. 

  • Qualified instructors offer diving classes  on weekly evening sessions or through weekend open water training.       
  • Through the BSAC Club,  you can find classes for beginners through professional-level divers, and partake in most activities that your local club centre has to offer.

Utilize the following learning resources to assist you in the certification processes:

Equipment for Lessons

Use the following equipment for your initial scuba lessons.  

Wet Suit 

Fins 

Scuba Mask 

Snorkel 

Swimsuit 

Equipment for Diving

Once you are certain that scuba diving is for you, you will want to invest in further diving equipment  of your own. 

Buoyancy Compensator (BC) 

Regulator 

Dive Cylinder 

Weight Belt 

Underwater Compass 

Dive Computer 

Alternate Air Source 

Submersible Pressure Gauge 

Hood 

Dive Knife 

Related Guides to Check Out

External Links

  • About.com: A guide to everything scuba-related.
  • BSAC.com: Discover BSAC scuba lessons and locate your nearest centre.
  • PADI.com: Learn more about certification programs and locate your nearest PADI dive shop.
  • Navy.mil: Scuba diving safety tips from the Navy's safety centre.