NAUI vs. PADI SCUBA Certification
Are you a water enthusiast, and you are ready to take a more profound step into what the underwater world has to offer? So you have decided to become a scuba diver, but first, you need to get certified! And you may have heard about different organizations that provide certification such as NAUI and PADI. Both organizations offer equivalent knowledge and have a few differences, but what are the differences between NAUI vs. PADI SCUBA Certification?
National Association of Underwater Instructors
NAUI is the oldest not-for-profit SCUBA certification organization, established in 1960. NAUI is US-based organization and offers courses all over the world.
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
PADI is a US-Based agency as well that offers many performance-based diving courses similar to NAUI. PADI established in 1966, and their centers are spread all over the world.
There are many similarities and differences between the two organizations. Keep in mind that both of them are good. No matter which one you get certified by at the end if you pass your tests and practice regularly, you will become an excellent diver.
Certification
NAUI is the oldest not-for-profit dive training organization. Generation after generation NAUI has trained divers on how to dive safely. Their courses are intense and detailed ensuring knowledge and safety. It’s no wonder they have become one of the top organizations to offer this certification.
NAUI offers multiple certifications depending on how much knowledge and skill you gain on each level.
Here are their courses at a glance
- Scuba Diving Training
- Advanced Scuba Diving
- Master Scuba Diving
- Technical Diving
- Specialty Diving Courses
- Professional Diving Courses
Certification
PADI offers certification to the scuba diving and water enthusiasts. If you are fascinated by what the underwater world has to offer PADI will give you a license to do so. Of course, after passing the certification process.
PADI offers an open water course certification, which is the most popular certification at PADI. It is the first pre-requisite for the rest of the diving courses that will lead you to be a certified scuba diver.
Open water certification at a glance:
- Phase 1: Knowledge Development
- Phase 2: Practical Suba Diving Confined Waters Dive
- Phase 3: Open Water Dives
Differences
Both NAUI and PADI are two of the most prestigious diving certification agencies worldwide that offer diving courses. Both are always enhancing knowledge and skills while ensuring that it is done safely.
NAUI will teach divers how to save an unconscious diver during the early courses, and PADI does not offer that.
NAUI is a not-for-profit agency, and its main focus is to make sure that all divers are well educated about safety during diving. Their motto is “Dive safety through education.” US Navy uses NAUI certification.
PADI, on the other hand, is a for-profit organization that profits mainly from marketing and selling their products. It has also trained divers all over the world.
Similarities
No matter where you acquire your C-card either from NAUI or PADI you will be able to scuba dive all over the world. Both agencies will train you and give you the knowledge and skills needed to be a diver.
When trying to choose between the two, it will be more of what instructor I want to train with, and it will not matter what certification they have. The way of teaching is what matters, and if your instructor has high ratings, go for it!
So, whether NAUI or PADI SCUBA Certification make sure you have the best trainer and scuba dive guide. San Diego Scuba Guide is NAUI certified company based out of the beautiful waters of La Jolla. We teach with passion and love for the ocean and always enhance the safety of all divers that will ensure a fun dive.
Ready to become a scuba diver? Join our SCUBA Diver Course. If you are getting back to it after a long time, join our SCUBA Refresher Training.
FAQs
Both NAUI and PADI are two of the most prestigious diving certification agencies worldwide that offer diving courses. Both are always enhancing knowledge and skills while ensuring that it is done safely. NAUI will teach divers how to save an unconscious diver during the early courses, and PADI does not offer that.
Does PADI accept NAUI? ›
For example, if you have an entry-level certification from NAUI or CMAS, you may qualify to enroll in a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Can you switch from NAUI to PADI? ›
The answer is of course yes, you can get a new PADI card, and the training that you have already done (even if with a different training agency such as BSAC, CMAS, SSI or NAUI) will not have been wasted and it is rare that we need to start from complete scratch again.
Who is the best to get scuba certified through? ›
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) – PADI is the undisputed leader in recreational scuba diving training. While statistics vary, it is estimated that PADI has certified between 60-75% of recreational scuba divers worldwide.
Is NAUI accepted worldwide? ›
Are you ready to share your knowledge and skills with others? NAUI leaders are recognized worldwide for their exceptional skills and expertise.
Does NAUI still exist? ›
As the dive industry's leading Not-For-Profit training agency, NAUI Worldwide devotes its resources to providing you with a thorough educational experience at ALL levels of training, leaving you with the skill and confidence to provide a life-time of fun, excitement and adventure at any certification level – ...
Do NAUI scuba certifications expire? ›
The short and simple answer is that it will last forever. It doesn't matter if you're certified through PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS, SDI/TDI or any other dive certification. Your scuba certification will last forever.
Does NAUI expire? ›
Scuba certifications from PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS, and SDI/TDI have an indefinite duration, meaning they don't expire. However, diving frequently is crucial to maintain your basic scuba diving skills and safety procedures and increase your confidence in the water.
How deep can you dive with NAUI? ›
The NAUI Cavern Diver course provides you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for cavern diving at depths not exceeding 100 fsw (30 msw) and at a combined depth and distance penetration not exceeding 200 feet (61 meters) from the surface.
Can you dive alone with PADI Open Water? ›
PADI Open Water Diver is the first autonomous scuba certification level, and holding the certification allows you to: Obtain air fills. Rent dive equipment. Dive on your own with a buddy (who can be another Open Water Diver and does NOT have to be a diving professional) up to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet.
It is not illegal to dive without certification, but no reputable dive center or club would allow someone to dive with them without first being certified to scuba dive. Can I be Scuba diving without certification? It's not that diving is difficult, it just requires a specific set of skills.
Can you scuba dive in Hawaii without certification? ›
Can you scuba dive without being certified? Yes, Beginners or First time scuba diving participants aged 12 and older can go on two shallow (to 40 feet) introductory Discover Scuba dives, each at a different dive site.
Is Tom Cruise scuba certified? ›
Tom Cruise: He is known to be an avid scuba diver and has often been spotted diving in various locations around the world. He reportedly obtained his diving certification in the 1990s.
Does SSI recognize NAUI? ›
If I have a dive certification through another agency (e.g. PADI, SSI, etc.) can it crossover to NAUI? Answer: Yes, your certifications will be able to crossover.
What is the easiest scuba certification? ›
Beginner: PADI Open Water Diver is the world's most popular and widely-recognized scuba diving certification. This is where you will want to begin if you are new to diving. You can become a certified diver in as little as four days, or over the course of a year.
Is PADI certification good for life? ›
Your PADI certification never expires; but if you haven't been diving in a while, it's better to be over-prepared than risk a problem because you forget something important. For just a knowledge review, complete eLearning. To get comfortable in the water again, also schedule time with dive professional.
How deep can a NAUI open water diver go? ›
Sixty feet (18 m) is the maximum depth for any open water training dives during the course. Escorting. Certified assistants may escort students during surface excursions and exits, ascents and descents and may temporarily attend to remaining students while the instructor conducts a skill with other students.
