Are you curious how long your scuba certification lasts? 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.
There are, of course, a few small footnotes to be aware of. For example, if you haven’t been diving for a long time, say 12-24 months, then many shops and agencies will require you to do a refresher dive or course. Basically, this is a short program where you cover the dive theory again and practice your dive skills. It doesn’t take longer than a morning or afternoon but is recommended (sometimes mandatory) if you haven’t been diving for a long time. Also, for professional divers with Dive Master, Instructor or higher certifications, other rules apply.
How Long Does the PADI Scuba Certification Last?
The PADI Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water certification, or the PADI Advanced Diver certification will last forever. A refresher is advised when you haven’t been diving for a long time. You can either request a refresher yourself or the shop might suggest it.
How Long Does the SSI Scuba Certification Last?
If you’re an SSI Scuba Diver, SSI Open Water Diver or SSI Advanced Adventurer diver, we have good news for you; your scuba certification will not expire. In some cases, the dive shop will recommend a scuba skills update (refresher).
How Long Does the NAUI Scuba Certification Last?
NAUI Passport Scuba Divers, Scuba Divers or Advanced Adventure Divers don’t have to worry either. The NAUI scuba certifications last indefinitely.
How Long Does the CMAS Scuba Certification Last?
With CMAS it’s fortunately the same situation. Recreational diver certifications like the CMAS One Star Diver, Two Star Diver and Three Star Diver do not expire.
How Long Do the SDI/TDI Scuba Certification Last?
Are you an SDI or TDI Diver? Your student level certifications last forever.
Do Dive Master and Instructor Certifications expire?
Yes. Professional Scuba Certifications such a Dive Master or Scuba Instructor do expire if somebody hasn’t been practicing as a DM or Instructor for a long time. Some agencies like CMAS have a set date to the expiration of the certification (5 years) while others, like PADI, review each case.
Keep your first aid certification up to date if you’re a Rescue diver
First Aid is the only course that expires after 24 months. So, if you’re a certified rescue diver, this means you’re expected to keep your first aid course up to date. For PADI, this is the Emergency First Response course. For SSI, it’s the React Right course. NAUI calls it First Aid Provider, and other agencies will name it something similar. The ideology of this is that first aid skills often decrease over time as you never really use them — unless in an emergency.
Should You Take a Scuba Refresher Course?
If you haven’t been diving for a long time, say 12 months or longer, it’s often advised that you take a scuba refresher course. In some cases, it might even be suggested if you haven’t gone diving for 6 months and are a new diver. When you sign up for a dive, a shop will ask about how many dives you have and when your last dive was. Sometimes they even ask to see your logbook. Depending on the situation, a shop can require you to take a refresher course for safety purposes. Usually, this is a quick course of a couple hours that focuses on dive theory and dive skills. Even if a refresher course is not required, you can always request one if you feel a bit nervous about starting diving again.
What if you lost your Scuba Certification Card?
If you lost your certification card, there’s still no reason to worry. You can just contact the scuba agency that you certified with. They will supply you with a new (digital) card, and usually you’ll have to pay a processing fee.
What if you forgot your Scuba Certification Card?
In case you just forgot your card, dive shops can often find you in the computer if they’re associated with the same agency as you are. For example, if you’re a PADI Open Water diver and you’re going to dive with a PADI dive shop, then they can just pull you up in their system. Granted, they’ll need to have internet and a computer at hand. If you go diving in very remote locations or on a liveaboard trip, this might not be the case.
Conclusion
Your student-level scuba certification lasts forever. Even though they never expire, it is wise to keep scuba diving frequently to keep your skills up to date. Sometimes, that is simply not possible. In those situations, it’s smart to do a quick refresher course so you will go back in the open water with confidence.
