Scuba dive training and certification agencies

See also: List of diver training organizations

Recreational Scuba diving does not have a centralized certifying or regulatory agency, and is mostly self regulated. There are, however, several large diving organizations that train and certify divers and dive instructors, and many diving related sales and rental outlets require proof of diver certification from one of these organizations prior to selling or renting certain diving products or services.

The international certification agencies that are currently recognized by most diving outlets for diver certification include:

• Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) - based in the USA , largest recreational dive training and certification organization in the world
• British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) - based in the United Kingdom , mostly for UK divers and clubs
• National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) - based in the USA
• YMCA SCUBA - based in the USA , part of Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) , a Christian related organization (open to all faiths, ages and genders despite the historic name)
• Scuba Schools International (SSI) - based in the USA
• Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS)
• CEDIP - European Committee of Professional Diving Instructors - (http://www.cedip.org/) based in Europe since 1992 but international certifications are recognized all over the world.

information: Wikipedia