Continue your training with confidence
DIVE AGENCY EQUIVALENT CERTIFICATIONS
Use this chart when enrolling on a new scuba diving course with Ocean Tribe. It compares commonly recognised certification levels from SSI, PADI, SDI, NAUI, RAID, CMAS and BSAC.
Find your current SSI level, then read across to see the closest commonly accepted rating from each agency. A direct equivalent will normally allow you to apply for the next appropriate course, subject to its other prerequisites.
Important: This chart is a practical guide, not an automatic crossover. Course content, logged-dive requirements and active-status rules can vary. Ocean Tribe will confirm your eligibility from your certification card and training history before enrolment.
Certification Equivalency Chart
SSI is the reference column. Swipe or scroll across on smaller tablets.
| SSI level | PADI | SDI | NAUI | RAID | CMAS | BSAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Try Scuba / Basic Diver | Discover Scuba | Try Scuba / Shallow Water Diver | Scuba Diver (intro) | Recreational Diver (entry) | — | Discover Diver |
| Scuba DiverSupervised · ISO 24801-1 | PADI Scuba Diver | Supervised Diver | NAUI Scuba Diver | Recreational Diver | CMAS 1★ Diver¹ | Ocean Diver |
| Open Water DiverAutonomous · ISO 24801-2 | Open Water Diver | Open Water Scuba Diver | NAUI Scuba Diver | Open Water 20 | CMAS 1★ Diver¹ | Ocean Diver / Autonomous Diver¹ |
| Advanced Adventurer / AOWD | Advanced Open Water Diver | SDI Advanced Adventure | NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver | Advanced Open Water Diver | CMAS 2★ Diver² | Sports Diver |
| Diver Stress & Rescue | Rescue Diver | Rescue Diver | Rescue Scuba Diver | Rescue Diver | CMAS 2★ Diver² | Sports Diver |
| Dive Control Specialist / DivemasterDive leader · ISO 24801-3 | Divemaster | Divemaster | Divemaster | Divemaster | CMAS 3★ Diver³ | Dive Leader |
| Assistant InstructorInstructor level 1 · ISO 24802-1 | Assistant Instructor | Assistant Instructor | Assistant Instructor | Assistant Instructor | CMAS 1★ Instructor³ | Club Instructor |
| Open Water InstructorInstructor level 2 · ISO 24802-2 | Open Water Instructor | OW Scuba Dive Instructor | Scuba Instructor | Open Circuit Instructor | CMAS 2★ Instructor³ | Open Water Instructor |
| Master DiverNon-leadership recognition | Master Scuba Diver | Master Scuba Diver | Master Scuba Diver | Master Diver | CMAS 3★ Diver³ | Advanced Diver |
ISO Reference Levels
- ISO 24801-1:2014 defines the Level 1 supervised diver competencies.
- ISO 24801-2:2014 defines the Level 2 autonomous diver competencies.
- ISO 24801-3:2014 defines the Level 3 dive leader competencies.
- ISO 24802-1:2014 and ISO 24802-2:2014 define Level 1 and Level 2 scuba instructor competencies.
CMAS Star Guide
What This Means for Divers
Clear Progression
See where your current certification sits and identify the next suitable step in your diving education.
Global Compatibility
Continue training when travelling or changing agencies without unnecessarily repeating an equivalent course.
Professional Pathways
Compare leadership and instructor ratings as you work toward Divemaster or teaching-level qualifications.
Not sure which course you can join?
Send Ocean Tribe a copy of your certification and your latest logged-dive details. We will help confirm the right next step.
