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Types of Certification

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The minimum amount of certification required to dive is open water certification. Beyond that, there are many other options, depending on how advanced you wish to become in your diving excursions. Here is an overview of the types of certification available:

• Resort Certification- This type of certification is offered at resorts for people who wish to do simple recreational diving. It is perfect for those who wish to “sample” diving without making a major financial commitment. Your certification, however, is limited to the resort at which you complete it.
• Open Water Certification- This is the most basic type of certification. It is generally offered in the form of a series of weekly evening classes or a comprehensive weekend course depending on your schedule and availability. Instruction begins in the classroom, where students will acquire a basic knowledge of scuba equipment and basic guidelines for diving. At this point, students will need a basic understanding of how the body uses air, air pressure and the physics of diving, air consumption, the risks of scuba diving, and the strategies and health concerns for repetitive dives. Once the student passes a written exam, instruction is continued at the pool, where students learn hands-on about diving equipment and techniques. After the classroom and pool instruction are complete, students must complete an open water exam, which consists of four dives over a two-day period.
• Advanced Open Water Certification- The next step in the certification process is to acquire advanced open water certification. In this course, students learn more about the physiology and physics of diving, memorize the dive tables, and acquire a more advance knowledge of scuba safety. Students will learn more advanced navigational skills as well as night diving and diving to deeper depths. These types of dives offer additional risk, so the students will also learn the responsibilities that come with this level of certification.
• Nitrox Diving- Once you are able to dive to deeper depths with your advanced certification, will see the benefits of diving with nitrox. Nitrox is oxygen-enriched air that offers the diver the benefits of longer bottom times and shorter surface interval between dives. In this course you will learn the theories and practices of diving with nitrox.
• Rescue Diving- This course is the first step to becoming a dive professional and is a requirement for scuba instructors. It includes CPR certification and is designed to teach you how to handle as well as prevent scuba emergencies.
• Divemaster Course- This course offers information on making a career out of scuba diving. It is offered through various agencies and can give you connections to scuba diving jobs.
• Cavern Course- Instruction in this course includes proper body attitude when ascending into an overhead environment, the correct use of a reel, the importance of the 1/3 air rule, and the fragile ecosystem of our aquifers. It also emphasizes the importance of proper training and diving with a buddy.
• Cave Diver Course- This is an exciting, but risky type of dive and should only be attempted by divers in excellent mental and physical condition. It is important to find a highly qualified instructor for this type of dive certification.
• Specialty Diving Courses- These course range from underwater photography to wreck diving. There are many specialty courses to choose from depending on your personal desires.
• Junior Divers- This certification is available to those ages 12 and over. Youth who are certified junior divers are able to dive with a parent or guardian.

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