Living in Canada, we are very lucky to have so many beautiful bodies of water at our disposal. One way to make good use of them is to get your SCUBA certification. Then, once you are certified, your qualifications will be recognized worldwide and you can dive anywhere.

Ready for an adventure? The following information will give you a few resources to consider, as you get ready to take the plunge and see what diving is all about.

Top 3 SCUBA Certification Agencies

To be able to SCUBA dive, you must be certified. There is no one governing body that regulates the certification process but three of the most recognized agencies include PADI, NAUI and SSI. For courses offered by each of the above agencies, click on the following links and enter your location or postal code:

PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors – is the world’s largest recreational diving membership and diver training organization. PADI courses are often offered at dive destination and are popular for beginner divers.

NAUI – National Association of Underwater Instructors – is the official certification agency for divers at Disney World, US Navy SEAL teams and NASA.

SSI – SCUBA Schools International – smaller than both PADI and NAUI but just as reputable and recognizable for certification in diving.

Each of these agencies offers diving certifications through local dive shops, resorts, dive operators, community programs, YMCAs etc. Each agency has their own specific philosophy and methodology of teaching. It will be up to you to decide which program is right for you. You will need to do some research on programs in your area and ask friends who may already be certified divers for their suggestions on what will best meet your needs.

Learn-to-dive courses

Typically, most learn-to-dive programs involve a textbook or e-learning portion that covers the physics and academic aspects of diving, safety and equipment training as well as in-pool or in-water sessions. Depending on your training centre location, you may be given the opportunity to do some open-water diving as well. These programs are likely to run over a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

Equipment Requirements

As a beginner, how do you know what equipment you should buy? SCUBA Diving website recently posted a great article titled “Your First Set of Scuba Gear: A Buyer’s Guide” that will help you navigate your way through this fairly important purchase decision. Each piece is described in terms of its functionality, what it does, what to look for, costs and then they give you a little advice on choosing the right one.

Here is a quick list of what you will need – the basics you should buy for class, and then life support equipment, once you are certified:

Phase One – The Basics:

Mask

Snorkel

Fins

Exposure Protection Suits

Phase Two – Life-Support Equipment:

BCs (Buoyancy compensator)

Regulators

Dive Computers

The most important consideration in choosing your equipment is comfort – make sure it fits well and that it is comfortable.

Other Resources

AdventureSmart – a national program designed to help reduce the number of Search and Rescue Incidents – has a webpage dedicated to SCUBA Diving. It provides helpful links by province, to help you find diving instruction in your community. Follow this link to get to AdventureSmart’s SCUBA Diving information.

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Check out our Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory for SCUBA diving businesses in your community. Find, rate and review local dive shops, community centres, and businesses that will help you do your thing

Do you have a source for SCUBA diving courses, equipment or excursions? Or a story about your favourite diving adventure? Tell us all about your experience directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.

Head to our Outdoor Adventure activity page for more know-how SCUBA articles like Canada’s top spots for SCUBA diving. 

Find or start an event or an outdoor adventure group on our SWSCD Hub.