The Different Levels of Scuba Diver Training

Diving organizations such as PADI have designed a diverse selection of scuba diving courses that can be accessed through affiliated diving schools. Each scuba diving course covers pertinent lessons that are geared towards the acclimation of particular diving skills and specializations that become evidenced by certification and a record of open water dives in the diver's logbook.
So whether you are a regular enthusiast, somebody utterly passionate about the sport that is underwater diving or intending to become a professional diver, you will have to undergo different levels of training leading to the desired certification and skill or the type of diving you intend to pursue.

1. Basic Open Water Diver. The Basic OW course is the entry level for higher recreational and professional diving certifications. If scuba diving for you is an occasional, recreational activity you prefer to conduct with a group, a basic OW certification would suffice. From this course, prospective divers will learn the theoretical aspects of scuba diving which will conclude with dive sessions in a swimming pool to simulate the conditions of open sea water. Basic scuba equipment include snorkel, fins and mask that should be provided for by the diving student. For reasons of practicality, you may opt to rent scuba gear instead of buying them at this stage of training. Gearing up with the right scuba equipment is essential to the success of your first open water dive. An economical choice for starter scuba equipment would be the H2Odyssey Mask and Snorkel Combo which is retailed in adult and child sizes. As for the fins, you can be guaranteed of an excellent thrust and flexibility of movement with the IST Talaria Split Fins.
2. Advanced Scuba Diver. If you desire more adventurous and challenging recreational dives beyond the depth limits of a basic OW certification or prefer to dive alone, PADI-certified advanced OW diving courses will serve as your stepping stone. Choose from a wide range of course options to match your preference. You may opt for cave diving if you have a thrill for underwater caverns or take up night diving as a specialization if you match your interest for nocturnal marine life. By this time around, you will need to invest on your own scuba gear such as a wetsuit. For a totally flexible diving suit, the Aeris Rio 3/2 Jumpsuit offers efficient insulation in both cold and warm water temperatures, making it a versatile diving wetsuit.
3. Master Scuba Diver. A master scuba diver is a skilled rescue diver that has acquired certification in at least 4 other specialties, apart from holding a track record of several open water dives in his logbook.
4. Dive Con. This course is available to master scuba divers who intend to pursue the instruction of recreational scuba diving basics to neophyte divers. In most cases, participants to the Dive Con training are professionals who have made the sea a way of life.