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Many would-be divers might not know what PADI stands for or means.....and they maybe a little embarrassed to ask...so what does it stand for and what does PADI qualification mean for a diver?

MgicTwnger

PADI = Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is by far the largest of the certifying agencies. A certifying agency is an organization that teaches scuba diving and issues "C-cards", diver certification.
The basic level is usually called open water, and while there are differences between organizations, a C-card from any of them will be accepted by most everyone: shops, dive boats, and so forth.
This Widipekia article gives a good overview of PADI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Profess...ng_Instructors

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Scuba Mama

P.A.D.I. = Professional Association of Dive Instructor.
N.A.U.I. = National Association of Underwater Instructors
S.S.I.= Scuba Schools International
Y.M.C.A. Scuba= YMCA Scuba

All of these are taught state side. However, I know the rules are a little different across the pond the English guys will have to fill in on there rules.

If you are a PADI openwater diver, you are allow to dive to 60 feet of depth and dive with a buddy of your choosing. Also dive within your training.

Scuba Mama