Scuba Diving Training Agencies and Certification Organizations
This page lists the main scuba diving training agencies and certification organizations worldwide. Use it to identify your issuing agency and access official certification verification systems.
Entry-level to advanced recreational courses (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, specialties).
PADI
Training + pro membership network.
https://www.padi.com/
SSI (Scuba Schools International)
Training and digital certification ecosystem.
https://www.divessi.com/
NAUI
Non-profit training agency with global instructors.
https://www.naui.org/
SDI (Scuba Diving International)
Recreational training, part of the SDI/TDI family.
https://www.tdisdi.com/sdi/
CMAS
International federation with national member federations.
https://www.cmas.org/
SNSI (Scuba and Nitrox Safety International)
Recreational and professional training pathways.
https://www.scubasnsi.com/
RAID
Training agency with modern digital standards.
https://www.diveraid.com/
SEI (Scuba Educators International)
Recreational training and instructor development.
https://www.scuba.org/
Technical, cave, and professional diving agencies
Decompression, mixed gas, overhead environments, professional/technical specialties.
TDI (Technical Diving International)
Technical training (deco, trimix, CCR pathways).
https://www.tdisdi.com/tdi/
IANTD
Technical and nitrox training, global presence.
https://www.iantd.com/
IDEA-WDA
Professional diver and instructor standards.
https://www.idea-wda.org/
NADD (Global Diving Agency)
Recreational + professional certifications.
https://www.nadd.org/
GUE (Global Underwater Explorers)
Standardized training for recreational to tech/cave.
https://www.gue.com/
PSAI
Technical and professional training programs.
https://www.psai.com/
Clubs, national federations, and associations
Club-based training, national standards, and federation-issued cards (varies by country).
BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)
Club-based training and expedition diving.
https://www.bsac.com/
SAA (Sub-Aqua Association)
UK club diving association with training programs.
https://saa.org.uk/
CMAS National Federations
Many countries issue CMAS cards via national federations.
https://www.cmas.org/
Freediving agencies (if your card is freediving)
Freediving certifications are often separate from scuba agencies.
AIDA
International freediving education and certifications.
https://www.aidainternational.org/
SSI Freediving
Freediving programs within the SSI system.
https://www.divessi.com/
FAQ
What is a scuba diving training agency?
A training agency sets course standards and issues certification cards through certified instructors and dive centers.
How do I know which agency certified me?
Check the logo/name on your certification card, your e-learning account, or the confirmation email from the dive center.
Are all scuba certifications internationally recognized?
Most mainstream agencies are widely accepted, but acceptance can depend on the dive operator, local rules, and the course equivalency.
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