CMAS, SSI and PADI cerfification in Maria La Gorda International Diving Center

The Maria La Gorda International Diving Center counts with highly qualified dive instructors, and beginners can be certified with SSI, CMAS and PADI. Non divers can snorkel, fish or take boat rides, apart from enjoying of the unrivalled nature on the tropical forest surrounding the resort and taking the sun at the beach.

C.M.A.S. (Confederation Mondiale Des Activities Subaquatiques)

Is a world diving organization composed of some 14,000 diving clubs, 82 national federations and 4.5 million divers. C.M.A.S. international certifications cards are issued by equivalence in 82 countries and at all levels, for both divers and instructors.

The certification notes the following benefits:

• Global acceptance and international recognition
• Allowance to dive in countries where authorization is needed
• Ability to rent equipment and refill cylinders abroad
• Ease in joining international diving groups

The CMAS certification system is internationally recognized. The certificate is graded using stars, the number of stars tell how far you have come in your training.

CMAS - In order to start training you have to be at least 14 years old, be able to swim and of good health. Initially you have to pass a minor physical checkout and later, after having passed an oral exam as well as some proficiency-tests in the water, you have earned your CMAS certificate.

CMAS You have to be at least 15 years old before starting. Here you will be taught to dive in open waters and how to look maintain the safety of yourself as well as that of your buddy. After passing a written test, you will start training In open waters, leading up to a proficiency test, which will earn you your certificate.

CMAS The age requirement is now 16 years and you must have had at least 15 dives to a depth of 10 to 30 meters, five of which must have been to a depth of more than 15 meters. The course dwelves deeper into the theory of diving as well as the areas of equipment-knowledge, the planning and organizing of dives, the handling of small boats and how to handle emergencies. The training is oriented towards the single student with the help of instructors and leads up to a theoretical test followed by proficiency-tests in open waters. Having achieved your certificate, you can continue with the education for becoming a CMAS instructor. The CMAS certificate is the highest within the CMAS education-system. You are believed to have sufficient knowledge and ability to lead other scuba-divers at all stages during dives in open waters.

S.S.I. (Scuba Schools International)

The whole concept behind SSI is to allow an instructor to taylor make his/her course depending on the student / class, whilst still adhering to the same basic curruculum that has become recognised as industry standard. Many companies have tried to take on Padi and to date none have succeeded with any real success.....that is with the exception of SSI.

The one negative with SSI, is that still being relatively new it is not as widely recognised as Padi. Both Padi and SSI are interchangable. For example if you only get through half of your course with Padi you can finish it off with SSI. One of the main reason that many dive schools have moved from Padi to SSI is due to the cost factor. Cairns has seen the majority of dive schools either move across to SSI or go to a system where the student can have a choice of either Padi or SSI

SSI's the Leader in Home Study Training. Home study is the hottest thing in dive training because it allows you to spend more time in the water developing ability and comfort. In 1990 SSI pioneered this technique, and we're still the leader today. SSI Instructors use our highly-effective water training method called Comfort Through Repetition. Scuba skills become second nature, so you can relax and enjoy yourself when you go diving.

P.A.D.I. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)

Is the world largest recreational diving membership organization. In most cases Padi have managed to become the dive industry standard and is now recognised in every country worth diving in. Having this sort of recognition can be of benefit to you especially if you intend to dive your way around the world. The one negative / positive (depends which you look at it) is that Padis courses tend be inflexible and very standardised. This doesn't leave room for personalisation of courses or for the instructor to expand on what Padi preaches with any real authority. Padi takes the approach that if it isn't in the book than forget about it. As they say, "bigger is not always better."

The membership includes dive businesses, resort facilities, academic institutions, instructor trainers, dive educators, divers, snorkelers and other watersports enthusiasts. Professional PADI Members (dive centers, resorts, educational facilities, instructors, assistant instructors and divemasters) teach the vast majority of the world’s recreational divers, issuing nearly 946,000 certifications each year.

PADI Professionals make underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service.

Welcome to my site dedicated to María La Gorda International Diving Center. I am "poco a poco" researching and updating it with the aim to provide as complete as possible record of the hotel's ancient and recent history; bearing in mind that the goings-on today may one day be of historical interest.

My site is NOT the official website of the current hotel operator, and is by no means endorsed by them; but I am grateful for their help with the research and supplying some of the photographs.

You can make from this site room reservations through the Bizloco eTravel System operated by Cubaism Ltd which has a direct contract with the current hotel operator.

Best wishes for 2012

Nigel Alexander Hunt