C-card

C-card is the generic term for any certification card issued by a recognized scuba diving instruction organization, such as PADI or SSI. While usually taken to mean the minimum level training required to dive safely, it also applies to advanced certifications in a general manner.

A typical card will list:

• Certifying organization
• Name and photograph of the person certified
• Certification number
• Type of certification (basic, open water, advanced, nitrox, probationary, special skill, etc)
• Date of certification
• Name of instructor
• Instructor's certification number

As a general rule, dive shops worldwide will demand to see a C-card before filling air cylinders or allowing a person to participate in a dive. This is done not only to minimize the risk to the diver, but to minimize the potential legal liability to the dive shop.