CMAS* SCUBA Diver

CMAS * SCUBA Diver or just CMAS * is an entry level diving certification for recreational SCUBA issued by Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS). CMAS describes the standard as "a diver who is competent in the safe and correct use of all appropriate open water scuba diving equipment in a sheltered water training area [and] is ready to gain open water diving experience in the company of an experienced diver", and advises that teaching of the practical skills "should take place in a swimming pool or confined water with swimming pool like conditions".[1]

The certification allows diving down to 20 metres (66 ft), but does not include training in night diving or use of nitrox as both skills require higher level certification. CMAS * training is available from two sources. Firstly, from national diving federations affiliated to the CMAS Technical Committee (known as CMAS Federations) using their member diving clubs, their member instructors where the federation is exclusively an instructor organisation or by agreement with independent underwater diving training organizations.[2][3][4] Secondly, from specially accredited dive centers known as CMAS Dive Centers (CDC) who use dedicated CMAS training materials and who directly issue CMAS diving certificates.[5]

Course details

The course covers the following theory topics:

and the following practical skills:

Following the training, five successful open water dives are required to complete the certification.[1]

The course has the following minimum requirements:

Recommended curricula

Although the CMAS* Diver standard is a minimum requirement, individual CMAS Federations may recommend or require higher standards or extra coverage for their entry-level certification to suit local conditions and requirements. For example, the Sub-Aqua Association in the UK requires the theory and prevention of decompression sickness, including basic use of dive tables.[6] In the Nordic region, the certificate CMAS* Nordic SCUBA Diver is awarded, as the course is more extensive (at least six dives) and the course includes curriculum for cold water diving.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Diver Training Program (version 2007/01)" (pdf). Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. 7 February 2008. pp. 3–6. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
  2. "Federations affiliated to the CMAS Technical Committee". Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  3. "Welcome to CMAS Instructors South Africa". CMAS Instructors South Africa. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  4. "ORGANIZATIONAL STANDARDS". Scuba Educators International. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  5. "CMAS Diving Centers". Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  6. Cole, Bob (2009). "Chapter 7". Student Diver Tool Box (second ed.). Sub-Aqua Association. ISBN 0-9532904-9-2.

External links