There is only one reason why we've dedicated over 40 years to developing the finest recreational diving instructors in the world and supporting them with the most stringent recreational diving safety standards... that reason is you.
Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as such, it has inherent risks. NAUI understands this. We also understand that the only way to minimize risk is to maximize education. There are many scuba certification programs available today, but there is only one that can be called a scuba education program. And, education is the true NAUI difference.
To earn the coveted NAUI Instructor rating our Instructor candidates undergo a grueling leadership training program requiring extensive diving knowledge and superior water skills. At every step they are challenged to make independent and correct decisions and value judgments regarding the level of risk inherent in all types of diving situations.
Those who successfully complete this exceptional program become NAUI Instructors and are granted the freedom to adapt their teaching to meet the individual and regional needs of their students... individuals like you.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
The combination of exceptional leadership, sound educational materials, and true concern for the individual, has resulted in the most respected safety record in the recreational diving community. So, when you enroll in a NAUI diving program, you can be assured you're receiving the finest diving education available. Our instructors won't accept anything less... and neither should you.
In the list below you'll discover the many fine programs offered by NAUI. Click on the Course name for more information and some of the course prerequisites. For complete descriptions, prerequisites, course schedules and course fees, contact your local NAUI-sanctioned training facility.
The NAUI Progression of Training:
NAUI Skindiver
NAUI Scuba Diver
Experienced Scuba Diver
NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
NAUI Master Scuba Diver
NAUI Specialty Diver Courses
NAUI Technical Diver Courses
NAUI Leadership Courses (AI, DM & SDI)
NAUI Scuba Instructor
NAUI Skindiver
Learn to easily go below the surface where you will discover corals, fishes, crustaceans - everything from dolphins to dugongs face-to-face. Your NAUI Instructor will coach you through the process of breath-hold diving, and your fun will grow as your skills increase!
OVERVIEW
This is a certification course in snorkeling and breath-hold diving. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to engage in open water breath-hold diving activities without supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training. The course is designed to:
Develop skin diving skills for swimmers and scuba divers.
Afford non-scuba divers the opportunity for diving-related training.
Provide preparatory training for scuba diving.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 12 years for Skin Diver (8 years for Junior Skin Diver. Note: see conditions of Junior certifications in Policies That Apply To All Courses).
Diver Certification. None required.
OPEN WATER DIVES
Two required.
Scuba Diver
The adventure begins! Imagine watching the water level move up your mask as you slowly go below the surface - and continue to breathe! It's the most exciting feeling imaginable. The NAUI Scuba Diver course will teach you everything you need to know to independently and competently scuba dive with a buddy - on your own to explore and discover.
OVERVIEW
Scuba Diver is the NAUI entry level scuba certification course. It provides the fundamental knowledge and skills to scuba dive. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to engage in open water diving activities without supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
OPEN WATER DIVES
The minimum number of open water dives is five. They may be all scuba dives or one skin dive and four scuba dives. No more than two scuba dives may be made on a single day during the course. Open water training may be completed in two days with a skin dive and two scuba dives on one day and two additional scuba dives on the other day. All open water training must take place during daylight hours. Sixty feet (18 m) is the maximum depth for any open water training dives during the course.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years for Scuba Diver certification. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See Policies Applying to All Courses , Age, Junior Certification. )
Diver Certification. None required.
Prior Training. Students who hold credentials from the NAUI Passport Diver Program may, at the discretion of the instructor, be awarded credit for skills and knowledge acquired.
Experienced Scuba Diver Course
OVERVIEW
This course provides a means for experienced scuba divers with no recognized recreational diving certification to become certified by NAUI. These divers may have military, commercial or scientific diving training or may not have any formal training. Graduates receive NAUI Scuba Diver certification with all designated qualifications.
OPEN WATER DIVES
When all eligibility requirements have been met and the instructor is assured the diver is ready, the diver shall undertake the open water diving portion of the NAUI Scuba Diver Course (5 dives).
or
if time or conditions do not allow the experienced diver to take the preferred open water training portion of the NAUI Scuba Diver Course, the following requirements shall be substituted:
The diver is to complete all appropriate skin and scuba diving skill requirements from the Scuba Diver Course in a pool and/or confined water.
The diver is to complete at least two open water dives, satisfactorily completing all of the open water skill requirements from the Scuba Diver Course.
All course activities are to be recorded in the student s diving log and authenticated by the instructor.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years.
Diver Certification. None required, but must provide proof of diving experience of at least 25 open water scuba dives.
Diving Knowledge. Pass an entry-level written examination on scuba diving.
Advanced Scuba Diver
Let the adventure continue! apply your scuba skills as you explore new dive sites and activities under the supervision and continuing training of your NAUI Instructor. Learn which diving specialties interest you, and what type of diving you enjoy most. Gain more confidence and capability. Begin to consider the direction diving will take you, as you go for everything it has to offer.
OVERVIEW
This course is a continuing education certification course for certified divers. It is an enjoyable program of continued supervised experience designed to introduce divers to a variety of diving activities and to be taught entirely in an open water setting. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to engage in open water diving activities without supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training. This course is appropriate for divers who:
Desire additional training.
Have moved from one diving area to another and desire local orientation.
Do not have, but wish to obtain, NAUI certification.
Desire orientation to a variety of diving sites and conditions.
OPEN WATER DIVES
A minimum of six open water dives is required. A maximum of three dives per day shall be applied toward course requirements. At least two dives are to be deeper than 20 feet (6 m).
The required dive topic areas listed represents three separate dives of the minimum six required. The remaining dives can be combined or split as needed to fit the situation and meet student needs provided at least six separate dives are made:
Required Dives
Navigation
Night or low visibility diving
Deep diving (130 feet/40 meters maximum depth)
Elective Dives
Search and recovery
Boat diving
Light salvage
Hunting and collecting
Exploration and underwater mapping
Non-penetration wreck diving
Observation and data collection
Diving in surf or currents
Altitude diving
Salt water diving (in areas where most diving is in fresh water)
Fresh water diving (in areas where most diving is in salt water)
Shore diving
Diving for photos or video
Using dive computers
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 -14 years is allowed. See Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification.)
Dive Certification. Certification as a scuba diver by a NAUI recognized agency is required. The instructor is to carefully screen and evaluate all prospective students to assure that they understand diving safety and possess the necessary skills to participate. Curriculum and skills from other NAUI courses shall be used to evaluate and improve the diver's knowledge and proficiency if necessary.
Equipment. Students shall furnish and be responsible for the care and maintenance of their own diving equipment. The instructor shall initially assist the student in checking all student gear to insure it is adequate and in proper working order.
Master Scuba Diver
Gain the in-depth knowledge that will establish you as a recognized authority in your diving club or group. Hone your diving skills to the level of a professional NAUI Leader. Thrill to the adventure of open water dives in settings that will test your abilities to their limit while enhancing and expanding your diving capabilities. Then proudly wear the most coveted and respected patch in recreational diving - that of the NAUI Master Scuba Diver.
OVERVIEW
The course is an continuing education certification course for divers who wish to increase their understanding and enjoyment of diving. Emphasis is on student participation and practical application of knowledge in open water after a classroom discussion of subjects. This course is an excellent progression toward NAUI Leadership roles.
Some subject areas are a review and expansion of material from previous courses. Each subject area is a progression in study not a definitive study in the particular diving activity. However, instructors will specify performance objectives for related course diving activities, for example, during a navigation dive the student will swim a reciprocal course to within 10 feet (3 m) of its origin.
The course may be divided and taught in sections with the student s Diving/Training Log being signed off for each activity until all requirements are met.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to engage in open water diving activities without supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
OPEN WATER DIVES
A minimum of eight open water dives is required. A maximum of three dives per day shall be applied toward course requirements. No more than one skin dive may count toward the eight dive minimum.
Required Dives
Emergency procedures and rescue
Deep/simulated decompression diving
Limited visibility or night diving
Underwater navigation
Search and recovery light salvage
Elective Dives
Skin diving
Review of basic scuba skills
Environmental study or survey
Air consumption (practical application)
Boat diving
Shore diving
Hunting and collecting
Special interest
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years.
Diver Certification. NAUI advanced certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Equipment. Students shall furnish and be responsible for the care and maintenance of their own diving equipment. The instructor shall initially assist the student in checking all student gear to insure it is adequate and in proper working order.
NAUI Specialty Diver Courses
Policies Applying to Specialty Diver Courses
OVERVIEW
NAUI Specialty Diver Courses are either introductions to or are more detailed treatments of the respective areas of specialized diving. Accordingly, some specialty courses are designed to provide more detailed training and result in additional qualifications. In these instances the qualifications are described in the respective specialty course standard. They provide divers the opportunity to enjoy organized diving which yields experience and documents training in specialized diving activities.
Instructors with expertise in specific areas can design their own specialty course with an Instructor-Specified program. Instructors who wish to present expanded specialty courses that produce divers with a finished degree of competence in a specific area can seek authorization for a specifically designated - Master or Full...- Instructor-Specified program.
QUALIFICATION OF GRADUATES
Graduates of a specialty course are considered competent to participate in the respective specialty activities without supervision, provided the activities engaged in and the areas dived approximate those in which the diver was trained.
GENERAL PREREQUISITES
Screening. In a pre-course session using selected skills, the instructor is to screen and evaluate all students to ensure that they possess the necessary diving skills to minimize risk. Also the instructor is to verify that the student has the prerequisite diver certification. Specialty courses with prerequisite certifications that are higher than Scuba Diver are listed in the respective course standard.
Equipment. Students shall furnish and be responsible for the care and maintenance of their own diving equipment. The instructor shall initially assist the student in checking all student gear to ensure it is adequate and in proper working order.
Open Water Dives. Required open water dives dedicated to the specialty activity vary for each course. One open water dive (which does not count toward the minimum number of dives required for a given course) is to be used as a screening and evaluation dive to determine the readiness of the students to perform the skills and activities appropriate for the particular specialty. This is not required when the students' diving proficiencies are well known to the instructor. Some courses, because of the complexity of the training or the skills involved, have a higher minimum number of dives designated.
SKILL AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The desired learning outcome for each specialty course is essentially the same - the ability of the diver to demonstrate that the necessary skills and knowledge have been acquired needed to minimize risks and continue learning and gaining experience in the particular activity.
The specific skill requirements, academic topics, learning objectives, and curricula for each course shall be tailored to achieve and document this outcome. Written exams shall be used to document knowledge in relevant subject areas. (See - Policies Applying to All Courses; Evaluation and Documentation.)
Policies Applying to all NAUI Programs
GENERAL
Age. The minimum age for each program is to be reached by the water phase, unless otherwise specified. Registration. In some programs participants must be registered with NAUI Headquarters in order to receive credentials. Details are provided in program descriptions as appropriate. Waivers. See Policies Applying to All NAUI Certification Courses.
Content. Exact content and length of programs are to be keyed to program requirements, participant needs and local environments. Providers should use time as necessary to assure that a particular program meets or exceeds expectations.
Supplemental Material. Programs are to expose participants to current knowledge. Outlines and textbooks available through NAUI or comparable materials are to be used as guides. Additional handouts, training aids, supplementary texts and similar materials may be used as deemed appropriate.
Monitoring. Programs will be monitored by NAUI Headquarters to aid standards compliance and quality assurance.
FORMS, RECORDS AND REPORTS
Releases. No program provider shall allow participation by a minor without having first secured a release signed by parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s).
Log Book Entries. A record of participation is to be kept through appropriate entries in each participant's training/diving log book. Entries are to be authenticated by the provider's signature, stamp or seal.
OPEN WATER DIVES
Required open water dives dedicated to the specialty activity vary for each course. One open water dive (which does not count toward the minimum number of dives required for a given course) is to be used as a screening and evaluation dive to determine the readiness of the students to perform the skills and activities appropriate for the particular specialty. This is not required when the students' diving proficiencies are well known to the instructor. Some courses, because of the complexity of the training or the skills involved, have a higher minimum number of dives designated.
Entry Scuba Experience (ESE) / Passport Diver Program (PDP)
OVERVIEW
This is an introductory, non-certification program suitable for two purposes:
to introduce non-divers to scuba diving. Participants may scuba dive in confined or open water under closely controlled conditions.
to provide sufficient training to enable graduates of the full program to continue to scuba dive under controlled conditions without meeting the requirement of scuba certification.
The instructor may elect to offer all or any portion of the program. Similarly, the participant may elect to take all or any portion of the program as offered. At any point, the program may be converted to the Scuba Diver Course. Within time limits, credit for program training may be given persons who complete it and subsequently enroll in a NAUI Scuba Diver Course.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Continued Diving. Passport holders may scuba dive in open water under the direct supervision of active-status NAUI leaders with the following restriction: Program knowledge and waterskills of Passport holders who have not made Passport supervised dives within the previous six months are to be evaluated in confined water by an active-status NAUI Instructor and any refresher training needed is to be successfully completed before the Passport holders are taken into open water.
Training Credit. Passport holders are eligible for Scuba Diver course credit provided they have successfully completed the PDP in the previous six months or can submit proof of additional supervised Passport dives in the previous six months.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age: Minimum age of 12
Certification: None Required
Night Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of diving at night. (May be for skin or scuba divers.)
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include planning and preparation, night diving equipment, procedures, problems, hazards, navigation and buddy system techniques.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification.)
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Underwater Environment
OVERVIEW
This course is to expose the diver to the physical and biological aspects of the diving environment with emphasis on the local area. This course will draw much of the subject material from related sciences, e.g., oceanography, limnology, geology, biology and ecology. The use of movies, slides and handouts are an important part of this course. Trips to aquariums and oceanariums will be most helpful. Effort should be made to expose the student divers to several diving environments, e.g., lake vs. ocean, rocky reef vs. sand beach. (May be for skin or scuba divers.)
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Subjects to be covered are as follows:
Plant and animal life - identification, relationships, dangers, regulations, uses - food collections and aquaria.
Conservation and pollution - problem areas and possible solutions.
Water movement and characteristics - tides, currents, waves and surf, temperature, pressure, density, buoyancy, visibility and sound.
Shore, bottom and surface conditions - features, hazards, natural aids to navigation and wind effects.
Diving locations - sources of information, use of charts, arranging and planning of dives.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See - Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification.)
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Underwater Hunter and Collector
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge necessary to spearfish, take game and collect specimens while minimizing the diving risks of such activities. (May be for skin or scuba divers.)
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include skin diving techniques, hazards and cautions, safety concerns, equipment, conservation, fishing laws and regulations, sportsmanship, specific techniques, utilizing the catch, selecting specimens, preservation, shell collecting, aquaria and diving locations. Conservation material from the Underwater Environment course is also to be included.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See - Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification. )
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Search and Recovery Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge to do those underwater tasks commonly needed by the experienced recreational diver and to minimize the risks of such tasks.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Specific subject areas to be covered are as follows:
Underwater navigation - provides the diver with the skills needed to use a compass and natural aids for orientation, in order to establish position, get about and find particular locations while submerged. The theory, problems, methods, equipment, distance/time relationships and use of charts are to be included.
Limited visibility diving - prepares the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to function and minimize the risk of diving in turbid water and at night. The problems, methods, equipment, hazards and cautions, plus safety procedures are to be included.
Search methods - provide the diver with the background to understand and select a search pattern and then perform a search using proper techniques. The problems, methods, procedures and equipment are to be included.
Light salvage or recovery - prepares the diver to handle the recovery of small to intermediate-size objects with limited equipment. The theory, problems, hazards, methods, equipment and principles involved are to be covered. The necessary rigging and knot tying are also to be included.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years.
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Underwater Photographer
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge to enjoy underwater photography while minimizing the risks of such activities. This is a course of underwater photography techniques, not lab techniques.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include underwater photographic equipment, films, photo techniques, lighting techniques, fundamentals of photography, underwater camera techniques and underwater photo problems.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Divers are to actually take underwater photographs and have the results reviewed and critiqued. Activities of other diving courses may be used to provide photographic opportunities.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See - Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification.)
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Underwater Archeologist
OVERVIEW
This course introduces students to basic information and skills that are used in underwater archaeological interpretation of wreck and other sites, as well as mapping, sketching, and researching. Qualified divers are essential to collect and record archaeological data on submerged cultural resources and often perform invaluable volunteer assistance to accredited Archaeologists by assisting during field work. You will obtain specific skills and knowledge that are helpful for wreck diving activities, and provide increased enjoyment when visiting submerged cultural resources.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See - Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification.)
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Underwater Ecologist
OVERVIEW
For years, divers have been becoming more environmentally aware of their surroundings, both as sight-seers and underwater photographers. There is a tremendous diversity of people interested in scuba diving and the ecology of two major oceanic environments, the Kelp Forests and the Coral Reefs. As we promote sound environmental diving techniques to help protect the planet's ecosystems, we must also learn how to better interface with the delicate kelp and coral environments. Through the NAUI Underwater Ecologist courses, you will learn more about our favorite diving environments.
Underwater Ecologist: Kelp Forest
The NAUI Underwater Ecologist: Kelp Forest specialty course focuses on the complex and productive ecosystem bordering much of the west coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California. Kelp forests are also found in other cooler coastal waters of South America, Tasmania, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and many other locations. This course examines the kelp forests, their occupants such as mollusks, crustaceans, fish and marine mammals.
Underwater Ecologist: Coral Reef
Coral reefs are found in three major biogeographic regions of the world. The tropical western Atlantic (Caribbean), the Read Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region. Coral colonies are composed of thousands of tiny polyps, each with its own protective skeleton. The NAUI Underwater Ecologist: Coral Reef specialty course focuses on the vertebrates and invertebrates of the complex living reef. This course examines coral zonation, seagrass beds, lagoons, mangroves, and the common reef algae, invertebrates and reef fishes.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See - Policies Applying to All Courses : Age, Junior Certification.)
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Scuba Rescue Diver
OVERVIEW
This course trains divers in the knowledge and skills needed to manage risks and effectively handle limited in-water problems and diving emergencies. Included are: assists, transports, surface rescues and rescues from depth involving both boat and shore based skin and scuba divers. The course meets the prerequisite rescue training for Skin Diving Instructor, NAUI Assistant Instructor, Divemaster, and Instructor certifications. Note: Adult CPR training (approximately four hours) meets the requirement for Scuba Rescue Diver certification. However, additional CPR training that includes two person CPR and the use of rescue breathing barrier devices, e.g. pocket mask®, face shield, is required to meet the requirements for NAUI leadership certification.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Graduates are considered competent to perform assists and rescues in open water provided the diving site and diving situations approximate those of the course.
Graduates may use this certification as a prerequisite for the NAUI Training Assistant Specialty Course, Leadership Courses and Instructor Courses.
FIRST AID AND CPR TRAINING
First Aid and CPR instructors who present training in these respective skill areas during this course need not be NAUI Instructors.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Age: Minimum is 15 years.
Certification: Training and experience equivalent to NAUI Scuba Diver.
CPR & First Aid Certification: If accredited First Aid and CPR certification are not offered as part of the course, current certification in both is required for certification.
Open Water. A least one session is to be conducted in open water. An open water session involves one or more skin or scuba rescue exercises.
Advanced Scuba Rescue Diver
OVERVIEW
This is a certification course for certified scuba divers who desire to assume greater rescue capabilities during diving activities. The training emphasizes accident supervision and management with practical applications in open water. This course is designed specifically to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to:
Help prevent diving accidents.
Recognize life-threatening diving situations.
Correctly initiate and/or supervise rescue/assist procedures.
Effectively perform in-water rescue/assist techniques and procedures.
Correctly manage rescue assistants during and after rescues.
Provide immediate, effective post-rescue aid. Correctly manage a diving emergency with adjustments for local variants.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
For a period of three years after the course, graduates are considered competent to perform assists and rescues in aquatic situations so long as the situation approximates one for which they have been trained. After renewal of certification, the individual will again be considered competent.
RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION
For renewal of certification, an individual with current First Aid and CPR certifications must correctly demonstrate to an active-status NAUI Instructor the open water skills contained within these standards.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum age is 17 years.
Diver Certification. Minimum is NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver or equivalent.
CPR & First Aid Certification. Current certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and First Aid by a NAUI recognized agency. Training shall include: one rescuer adult CPR, infant/child CPR, two rescuer CPR, and rescue mask - barrier device use. (Certification as a water safety instructor and in lifeguarding is strongly recommended.)
Oxygen Training. Proof of oxygen administration training within the past two years is required unless oxygen administration is offered as part of the course. Oxygen administration training must include the assembly, use, and basic maintenance of constant flow and demand valve oxygen delivery systems.
Diving Skills. Participants must comfortably perform the following skills prior to beginning training. Time involved for performing the skills is in addition to the estimated course hours. The instructor is to use these skills as screening evaluation criteria:
Swimming skills (no equipment)
- Swim 225 yard (207 m) nonstop, any stroke, in six minutes or less.
- Survival swim for 15 minutes.
- Recover 10 pounds (4.5 kg) from about 10 feet (3 m) of water.
- Transport another person of equal size 25 yards (22.9 m).
Skin diving skills as required for the NAUI Scuba Diver Course.
Scuba skills (scuba equipment)
- Assemble equipment, make adjustments, don equipment, and perform pre-dive equipment inspections.
- In turn, at the surface remove and replace mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt and scuba unit.
- In turn, underwater remove, replace and clear mask and regulator, comfortably breathe from a regulator without wearing a mask for two minutes, buddy breathe, and share air using and alternate air source.
- Demonstrate surface use of the BC and the ability to hover underwater.
- Perform a Scuba Lifesaving Transport (see - Details of Selected Skills- ) of another scuba diver 100 yards (91 m) within four minutes.
Training Assistant
OVERVIEW
This course is to qualify the diver in the skills and knowledge necessary to perform as a training assistant during diver training sessions. The key objective is to train divers to assist others during training activities overseen by an active-status NAUI Instructor. This course is to enhance the diver s general skills and abilities and is not a substitute for specific NAUI courses which create NAUI leadership members. Although this course results in certification as a Training Assistant it does not confer any NAUI Leadership certification nor does it qualify the graduate to apply for or receive the benefits of NAUI membership. Consequently, this certification does not allow the graduate to be counted toward student instructor ratios.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Certified training assistants are qualified to perform the tasks of:
Temporarily directly supervise remaining students while an instructor conducts a skill with other students.
Escorting no more than two diving students on the surface and on underwater tours.
Assisting an active-status NAUI Instructor with other tasks which enhance the safety of students or improve the efficiency of diver training so long as the assistant is under the direction of the instructor and no other standards are violated.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age: Minimum of 18 years.
Certification: Training and experience equivalent to at least NAUI Advanced Diver.
Rescue Certification: Certification in NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver or equivalent.
CPR & First Aid Certification: Current certification in First Aid and CPR. Note: Adult CPR training (approximately four hours) meets the requirement for Training Assistant certification. However, additional CPR training that includes two-person CPR and the use of rescue breathing barrier devices, e.g. pocket mask®, face shield, is required to meet the requirements for NAUI leadership certification.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Compass navigate:
- a reciprocal course to within 10 feet (3 m) of origin without using visual references
- a square pattern to within 10 feet (3 m) of origin. Distances shall be as great as appropriate for environmental conditions.
Assist divers simulating each of: a muscle cramp, anxiety, a breathing difficulty and signs of pre-panic.
Assist/ escort each of: a tired diver, and an incapacitated diver to safety.
Be in charge of and satisfactorily act as an escort during an open water dive for two other divers.
Demonstrate a satisfactory scuba diver rescue. (See "Details of Selected Skills" .)
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Review of rescue techniques with emphasis on local conditions including problems, possible situations, search techniques, rescues, assists, tows, carries and in-water rescue breathing. Emergency management procedures as applied to divers in open water training in the applicable area. Deployment and use of emergency oxygen first aid. (Certification as an oxygen provider is recommended.) Review of first aid as related to diving in particular.
Underwater communications techniques to be used by instructors and assistants. The deployment of dive area designators as appropriate for the area. Open water diving procedures and group control. The specifics of arranging and planning for a training dive. Techniques of escorting students on the surface and during underwater tours and during navigation exercises. Safety oriented boat operation and boat diving where appropriate to the area.
The roles and responsibilities of the "training assistant" and the legal aspects of diver training. The use of briefings, divemaster logs and diver inventory techniques.
Wreck Diver (External Survey)
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to gain experience and minimize risks in wreck diving. Wreck diving (external survey) is defined as diving around a sunken vessel, aircraft or debris field.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include safety, hazards and cautions, special risks of overhead environments, entanglement, limited visibility, deep diving, equipment (additions and modifications), location of wrecks, sources of information, search methods, underwater navigation, legal aspects, artifacts, treasure, salvage, archaeology and appropriate material from other specialty courses. If altitude diving is involved, altitude procedures and flying after diving shall be covered.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 18 years.
Certification: NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Wreck Diver (Penetration)
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to gain experience and minimize risks in wreck diving. Wreck diving (penetration) is defined as diving inside a sunken vessel, aircraft or similar structure.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include safety, hazards and cautions, special risks of overhead environments, gas management, entanglement, limited visibility, deep diving, equipment (additions and modifications), location of wrecks, sources of information, search methods, underwater navigation, legal aspects, artifacts, treasure, salvage, archaeology and appropriate material from other specialty courses. If altitude diving is involved, altitude procedures and flying after diving shall be covered.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 18 years.
Certification: NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. NAUI Wreck Diver (External Survey) certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Dry Suit Diver
OVERVIEW
Dry suit diving has become increasingly popular in recent years. While dry suits were once used almost exclusively for situations such as ice diving or deep wreck diving, many sport divers are now using dry suits regularly for every day sport dives all over the world. Material technology, valve design, and zipper reliability have all improved to a point where dry suits deliver greater value per dollar for cold and temperate water diving. This course is to provide the diver with a basic understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to minimize risks and gain experience in dry suit diving. It will train scuba divers to properly use and maintain dry suits. By learning proper dry suit use and maintenance, you will extend your opportunities for diving to year-round.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years. (Junior certification for ages 12 - 14 years is allowed. See "Policies Applying to All Courses" : Age, Junior Certification. )
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required unless combined with the Scuba Diver course. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Ice Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with a basic understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to minimize risks and gain experience in ice diving. Ice diving is defined as a penetration under solid ice.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include fresh water diving, purpose, planning, organization, operation, procedures, problems, special risks of overhead environments, gas management, personnel, visibility, equipment (additions and modifications), first aid for hypothermia and frostbite, techniques, surface support, communications, hazards and cautions, lost diver, emergency procedures, plus search and rescue and limited visibility diving and if appropriate, altitude diving procedures.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 18 years.
Certification: NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Deep Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the knowledge and skills to plan and make deep dives while minimizing risks and avoiding the need for stage decompression. Deep diving is defined as dives made between 60 (18 m) and 130 feet (40 m). Training dives are not to be conducted beyond 130 feet (40 m).
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Coverage is to include purpose, problems, hazards, planning, preparation, equipment (additions and modifications), air supplies, personnel, techniques, gas management, emergency procedures (including location and transportation to a hyperbaric chamber) and depth limits for recreational diving. Decompression procedures are to include nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness (definition, cause, symptoms, signs, first aid and prevention) history of decompression, concepts, use of dive computers, definition of terms, problems, principles and techniques. Complete coverage of Repetitive Dive Tables, work sheets, problem solutions, exceptions and dive planning are also to be included. Altitude diving, flying after diving and hyperbaric chamber access and operation shall be included, as well as other short- and long-term deep diving hazards.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 18 years.
Certification: NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Cavern Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the fundamental skills and knowledge for cavern diving, and describes the dangers involved with cave diving. The course is to conform to the standards of the Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society and/or the National Association for Cave Diving or other NAUI recognized training standard.
WHO MAY TEACH
In order to be authorized to teach this course NAUI Instructors must qualify as instructors according to the standards of the Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society and/or the National Association for Cave Diving or other NAUI recognized organization with equivalent standards, that trains and qualifies instructors to teach in overhead environments.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 18 years.
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Cave Diver
OVERVIEW
This course extends the material presented in the Cavern Diving Course, and is to provide the diver with a basic understanding of the knowledge and skills required to minimize risks and gain experience in cave diving. The course is to conform to the standards of the National Speleological Society and/or the National Association for Cave Diving or other NAUI recognized training standard.
WHO MAY TEACH
In order to be authorized to teach this course NAUI Instructors must qualify as instructors according to the standards of the Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society and/or the National Association for Cave Diving or other NAUI recognized organization with equivalent standards, that trains and qualifies instructors to teach in over-head environments.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 18 years.
Certification: NAUI Cavern Diver certification or the equivalent is required. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver
OVERVIEW
This is course is to provide the diver with the information necessary to utilize EANx as a breathing medium. The course may be taught as a stand-alone specialty course to certified divers or the knowledge and skills training may be integrated into the NAUI Scuba Diver course.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to utilize EANx in open water diving activities without direct supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
COURSE POLICIES
Dives shall not exceed a depth of 130 fsw (40 msw) or 1.6 atm PO2 , whichever is less. No planned dives requiring actual decompression stops on the appropriate EANx tables are to be permitted. (Maximum PO2 of 1.4 is to be taught with 1.5-1.6 as contingencies.)
This course may be taught as a NAUI Recognition Program if the open water training dives are not included. Recognition may be upgraded to EANx Diver certification upon completion (within six months) of the required dives under supervision of a NAUI EANx Instructor.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
At least two dives are to made using EANx, one of which is to be a repetitive dive. The student is to analyze his or her own breathing mixture and to plan and safely execute each dive.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The following topics are to be covered: history of nitrox as a breathing gas; Dalton s law of partial pressures; physiology of oxygen and nitrogen; depth limits, advantages, disadvantages and risks of nitrox; oxygen toxicity; hazards and precautions of handling oxygen; the concept of Equivalent Air Depth; use of EANx with Standard Air Dive Tables; common gas mixing procedures; and gas analyzing procedures.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Age. Minimum is 15 years.
Certification: NAUI Scuba Diver certification or the equivalent is required unless combined with the Scuba Diver course. The instructor is to ensure adequate student knowledge and capability before any open water training and shall use skill or other evaluations to do so.
More...
Although theses are some of the more popular NAUI Specialty and Recognition Training courses, we also offer several Technical Diver courses, as well as a number of other recognition and specialty courses. These courses are created by the individual instructors and approved by NAUI Worldwide's Training Department. Please check with your local NAUI Affiliated Dive Centers and NAUI Instructors to determine what they offer.
Some of these include, but are not limited to:
Recreational Hookah Diver
Advanced Skindiver
Equipment Repair & Maintenance
Computer Assisted Diving
Industrial Orientation
River Diver
Underwater Modeling
Diving Accident Assessment
Helicopter Emergency Extraction Device
Field Neurological Exam
Manatee Experience
Stingray Experience
Oxygen Administration
Public Safety Diver
Rapid Deployment Search & Recovery
Search and Rescue/Recovery
High Altitude Diver
Blackwater Rescue
Kayak Diver
Fish Identification
Boat Diver
Marine Naturalist
Shark Ecology
NAUI Technical Diver Courses address particularized areas of technical diving. Accordingly, technical courses are designed to provide more detailed training than specialty diver courses and result in more extensive qualifications. In these instances, the qualifications are described in the respective technical course standard. They provide divers the opportunity to enjoy organized diving, which yields experience and documents training in technical diving activities. Instructors with expertise in specific areas of technical diving may design their own technical training courses also.
Note: Members and affiliates operating within areas under the United States of America s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) jurisdiction are advised that dives described in the NAUI Standards may be inconsistent with workplace safety rules. Employee participation in activities that are inconsistent with current workplace safety rules are not condoned by these standards.
Unless otherwise stated, course participants shall comply with NOAA standards for oxygen time and depth exposures. However, NAUI recommends a maximum of 1.5 PO 2 ATA for Technical EANx and 1.4 PO 2 ATA for all other technical courses.
Technical EANx Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the EANx certified diver with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of utilizing optimal breathing gas EANx mixtures* of 25% through 80% (oxygen) for dives to a depth of 150 fsw (46 msw) not requiring stage decompression. (This course may be combined with the Decompression Techniques Diver Course. The resulting course would require ten dives for certification.) *80% EANx used for decompression and 25% to 60% EANx used for bottom mix.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to utilize EANx mixtures 25% through 80% (oxygen) without direct supervision provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 18.
Minimum certification of NAUI EANx Diver and Deep Diver (or equivalent).
Proof of 50 logged dives with 10 dives on EANx
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom hours - twelve estimated
Open water dives - four
Decompression Techniques
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with a working knowledge of the theory, methods and procedures of planned stage decompression diving. As a part of the course students will plan and conduct a standard stage decompression dive not exceeding a maximum depth of 180 fsw (55 msw). Equipment requirements and configurations, decompression breathing gas mixtures (including oxygen and EANx) and decompression techniques are to be presented. (This course may be combined with Technical EANx Diver, Technical Wreck Penetration Diver or Extended Range Diver. The resulting courses require an additional six open water dives for certification.)
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to plan and execute dives that require stage decompression utilizing air and EANx 25%+ to 80% oxygen without direct supervision provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 21.
Minimum certification of NAUI Master Scuba Diver and Deep Diver Specialty (or the equivalent) and Technical EANx Diver.
Proof of 100 logged dives.
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom hours - eight are estimated
Open water dives - six
Maximum training depths shall not exceed 180 fsw ( 55 msw) unless the course is combined with another course involving deeper water diving as an integral part of the combined course.
Extended Range Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the training and experience necessary to understand the hazards of and utilize air or EANx for dives to 180 fsw (55 msw) that require stage decompression, utilizing EANx mixtures and/or oxygen during decompression. (This course may be combined with the Decompression Techniques Diver Course. The resulting course would require twelve dives for certification.)
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are con-sidered competent to plan and execute extended range dives that require stage decompression and utilize air and EANx and/or oxygen for stage decompression without direct supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 21.
Minimum of 100 logged dives, 30 of which are deeper than 100 fsw (30 msw), in the environment in which the course is being taught.
Certification as a NAUI Technical EANx Diver and Decompression Techniques (or equivalent) is required.
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom hours - eight are estimated
Open water dives - six. All dives must be deeper than 100 fsw (30 msw) with two dives deeper than 130 fsw (40 msw) and two dives deeper than 160 fsw 49 meters. Training depths shall not exceed 180 fsw ( 55 msw)
Gas Blending and Oxygen Service Technician
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the student with the skills and knowledge needed to safely handle high pressure gases and prepare EANx breathing gas mixtures for use by divers.
QUALIFICATION OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to prepare EANx breathing gas mixtures for use by divers without direct supervision provided the equipment used is the same as or approximates that used in training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 18
SKILL REQUIREMENTS
The students are to analyze the resulting breathing gas mixtures from their own breathing gas blending practice. Students shall demonstrate mastery of the breathing gas blending system used in training; that is, each student will be able to complete a blending and cylinder filling operation for each gas blend sold by the facility without prompting by the instructor and without error.
Technical Penetration Wreck Diver
OVERVIEW
This course is to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to gain experience and minimize risks in penetration wreck diving at depths beyond 130 fsw (40 msw). (This course may be combined with the Decompression Techniques Course. The resulting course would require fourteen dives for certification.)
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to plan and execute penetration wreck dives that require stage decompression and utilize air and EANx and/or oxygen for stage decompression without direct supervision, provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 21.
Minimum certification as a Penetration Wreck Diver with at least 10 logged penetration wreck dives. Minimum of 50
logged dives total.
Certification in Technical NAUI EANx and Decompression Techniques.
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom hours - eight are estimated
Open water dives - eight
The maximum depth in this program may not exceed 165 fsw (50 msw).
Tri-mix Diver - Level 1 & Level 2
OVERVIEW
These courses are to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of utilizing helium-based tri-mix breathing gas mixes for dives to a maximum depth of 300 fsw (91 msw) requiring stage decompression and utilizing EANx mixtures and/or oxygen during decompression. There are two levels, called Tri-Mix Diver Level I and Tri-Mix Diver Level II.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of the Level I course, graduates are considered competent to plan and execute technical dives that require stage decompression and utilize helium-based tri-mix breathing gas mixtures and EANx and/or oxygen for stage decompression without direct supervision to depths not to exceed 225 fsw (69 msw) provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training. Level II graduates are considered competent to plan and execute technical dives that require stage decompression and utilize helium-based tri-mix breathing gas mixtures and EANx or oxygen for stage decompression without direct supervision to depths not to exceed 300 fsw (91 msw) provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 21.
Minimum certification as a NAUI Decompression Techniques, and Technical EANx Diver or equivalent.
Minimum of 250 logged dives 75 of which must have been deeper than 130 fsw (40 msw) and 10 of which must have been deeper than 160 fsw (49 msw)
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom hours- 18 are estimated
Open water dives - six for level I and eight for level II
For Level I at least two dives must be deeper than 190 fsw (58 msw)
For level II the additional two dives must exceed 225 fsw (69 msw)
Semi-closed Circuit Rebreather Diver
This course is designed to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of using Semi-closed Circuit Rebreathers to a maximum depth of 130 fsw (39.6 msw). Semi-closed Circuit Rebreathers used for NAUI certification courses must have been independently tested before NAUI will authorize NAUI training on a specific model.
Closed Circuit Rebreather Diver
This course is designed to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of using Closed-circuit UBA's to a maximum depth of 130 fsw (39.6 msw). Closed-circuit UBA's used for NAUI certification and training must have been independently tested before NAUI will authorize NAUI training on a specific model.
OVERVIEW
These courses are to provide the NAUI EANx certified diver with the training and experience necessary to understand the hazards and minimize the risks of using a closed circuit rebreather while breathing nitrox with a constant oxygen partial pressure.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are considered competent to plan and execute unit specific closed circuit rebreather dives up to 130fsw (40msw) without direct supervision providing activities and areas dived approximate those of training.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 21
Minimum certification of NAUI EANx Diver
Minimum of 75 logged dives
Diving physical, including chest x-ray and spirometry exam within the last two years
COURSE POLICIES
Classroom/workbench hours-16 hours
Confined water hours-5 hours
Open water dives -6
This is a no-stop decompression course and all dives must remain shallower than 100 fsw (30 msw) with the maximum PO2 not to exceed 1.4 ata
Technical Support Leader (TSL)
OVERVIEW
The NAUI Support Specialty Course is designed to train knowledgeable NAUI Divemasters and Assistant Instructors who are also technical divers to act as part of a support team for technical diving and training activities. Download the approved course outline.
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
A NAUI Technical Support Leader (TLS) is qualified to provide assistance to teams of technical divers provided diving conditions and methods approximate those in which the TSL was trained. These duties may include shuttling of equipment, removal and replacement of staged decompression gases and equipment, rigging and setting up decompression stations and gases and monitoring divers during ascent and staged decompression stops. An active-status NAUI TSL is qualified to assist an active-status NAUI Technical Instructor in technical courses. *(NOTE: Maximum depth attained and gases used by the TSL may not exceed the qualifications of technical diver certification held by the TSL.)
WHO MAY TEACH
This course may be taught by active-status NAUI Instructor s who:
Are certified as NAUI Technical EANx and Decompression Techniques Divers and,
Have completed the NAUI Technical Diving Instructor Application process and received written approval to teach this course from the NAUI Training Department.
PREREQUISITES FOR ENTERING THE COURSE
Minimum age of 21.
Minimum certification of NAUI Technical EANx Diver , NAUI Divemaster or NAUI Assistant Instructor.
Proof of 75 logged dives with 10 dives below 100 fsw (30 msw), and with 15 dives of EANx.
Have assisted with the open water portions of at least two entry-level or continuing education diver courses.
Have Oxygen Provider Certification.
NAUI Rescue Diver or its equivalent.
NAUI Services Canada - Divemar inc.
6866 McKeown Drive
Greely, Ontario, Canada K4P 1A2
(613) 821-2470 (Bus)
(613) 821-2766 (FAX)
e-mail info@divemar.com
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