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Equivalent Diving Qualifications from Different Bodies

15 May 2013
There are many different bodies around the world which award diving qualifications. This table gives a rough guide to equivalent qualifications. It is only a guide though: the qualifications are not exactly equivalent. Please contact your chosen diving agency for their definitive crossover requirements.

Notes

The above table is by no means exhaustive: there are other training agencies and qualifications. If you plan to cross-over training, you may be asked to start a level down from your equivalent qualification. Ask your new agency for advice.

ANDI

American Nitrox Divers International. specialise in training programs for technical diving and closed circuit rebreather systems.

BSAC

British Sub-Aqua Club. The BSAC is the governing body for the sport of scuba diving in the UK. It is a club-based organisation that offers training for members through a branch, or intensive courses through a BSAC school.

CMAS

Confédération Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques (World Underwater Federation of Underwater Activities). Established 1959.

GUI

Global Underwater Explorers. Non-profit organisation dedicated to the training of divers as well as the study and protection of the aquatic realm.

IANTD

International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers. UK organisation offering training courses from Open Water Diver through to Expedition Trimix.

ITDA

International Technical Diving Agency.

NASDS

National Association of Scuba Diving Schools: now merged with SSI.

NASE

National Association of Scuba Educators. Draws its extensive experience from the fields of commercial, recreational, technical and cave diver training.

NAUI

National Association of Underwater Instructors. Worldwide organisation headquartered in America.

PADI

Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Worldwide organisation headquartered in America.

PSAI

Professional SCUBA Association International. The oldest technical / extended range scuba certification agency.

SAA

Sub-Aqua Association. British organisation.

SDI

Scuba Diving International. Created in 1999 and grew out of sister company TDI, which specialises in the more advanced disciplines of technical dive training. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for SDI include: IDEA, PADI, PDIC, SSI, YMCA, NAUI, BSAC, Sub Aqua Association, European Standard, CMAS and IANTD

SSAC or ScotSAC

Scottish Sub-Aqua Club. Founded in 1953. Like the BSAC it is a club-based organisation offering thorough training for Scottish conditions.

SSI

Scuba Schools International. In the Spring of 1999, SSI merged with the National Association of Scuba Diving Schools.

TDI

Technical Diving International. Agencies that are accepted to meet the prerequisites for TDI include: IANTD, ANDI, DSATI, SSI, NAUI, NACD, NSS-CDS, CMAS, BSAC and CDAA.

References: BSAC T.17, HSE, SDI TDI ERDI.

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Recommended Books for Beginners

Sport Diving

The Diving Manual of the British Sub-Aqua Club, Ebury Press, Paperback, 256 pages, (November 1998).
Excellent for beginners.
Available from UK

The Diving Manual

Circle Books, Paperback, 164 pages, (2002).
Another one from the British Sub-Aqua Club. Aimed at those interested in taking up diving, and written with the forthcoming European Diver Training Standards in mind, besides supporting divers following the BSAC system this generic diving manual will also be useful to divers following other training systems.
Available from UK

NOAA Diving Manual: Diving for Science and Technology, Fourth Edition

James T. Joiner, Best Pub Co, Hardback, 660 pages, (2002).
One of the most detailed diving reference books available and is a valuable resource for all who are interested in a complete encyclopedia of diving technology, equipment, techniques and procedures.
Available from UK (but cheaper from USA)

PADI Manual

Available from eBay.co.uk and eBay.com. Click here for details.