Are These Scuba Certifications Worth It?
Not every scuba certification is worth your time or money. Some offer game-changing skills that improve safety and open new dive opportunities. Others are redundant, poorly taught, or filled with fluff. This section breaks down whether specific certifications are worth pursuing and under what circumstances.
We don't just look at the course description. We consider:
- What real-world value it adds to your diving
- Whether it teaches something new or just rehashes Open Water
- What you'll actually use on future dives
- How it affects your confidence, safety, and ability to help others
Topics Covered
Nitrox Certification: Is It Worth It?
Nitrox certification teaches you how to analyze gas, manage oxygen exposure, and extend no-decompression time. It’s especially valuable for repetitive dives, travel diving, and anyone looking to reduce nitrogen load and be a more capable diver.
Rescue Certification: Is It Worth It?
Rescue Diver teaches you how to recognize, prevent, and respond to diving emergencies. It’s a mindset shift toward team awareness and leadership, best taken once you’re confident in the water and ready to think beyond your own dive.
CPR / O2 Certification: Is It Worth It?
CPR and Oxygen Provider training gives you the skills to respond when it matters most—before EMS arrives. It’s essential for dive emergencies, often required for advanced courses, and gives you the confidence to act if your buddy or a stranger needs help.
Additional certs may be added in the future. We evaluate from a recreational perspective, not a marketing one.