Choosing a dive certification agency isn’t as hard as it may seem—all reptuable dive centres around the world accept certifications from ISO or RSTC affiliated training agencies. Regardless of the certifying brand, what matters most to dive operators is how recently you’ve dived and how many dives you’ve completed. That said, it’s still useful to understand the differences in course delivery, flexibility, and costs between agencies. In this blog post, we compare the globally recognised PADI Open Water Diver course with the modern and independent ISC Open Water Diver course.
Overview
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the largest training agency in the world. Initially PADI training was the same as CMAS AND BSAC in what was delivered, but was one of the first to embrace changes to training practices as dive gear evolved and improved.
ISC (International Scuba Certification) is a newer agency created by industry veterans, designed to simplify the training process, reduce costs, and provide more flexibility for instructors and dive centres. All training agencies algin there training to the ISO standards to ensure
Side-by-Side Course Comparison
| Feature | PADI Open Water | ISC Open Water |
| Agency Age | Founded in 1966 | Founded by industry professionals in 2020s |
| Global Acceptance | Accepted worldwide | Accepted worldwide |
| Theoretical Component | Online or in-person | Online and mobile-friendly |
| Course Duration | ~2–4 days | 2–4 days (flexible) |
| Water Time Requirement | Minimum 80 minutes | Minimum 120 minutes |
| Maximum Training Depth | 18 metres (60 feet) | 20 metres (65 feet) |
| Instructor Flexibility | Low – tightly standardised | High – focus on real-world teaching |
| Cost to Dive Centre | High (course materials, PICs) | Low (flat certification fee) |
| Student Material Cost | US$150–230 (or more) | N/A |
| Equipment Requirements | Branded equipment encouraged | No requirement for branded gear |
| Certification Processing | Card Directly sent from PADI | Digital Certifcation , Dive Centres can provide cards |
| Crossovers Allowed | Complex and expensive | Simple and instructor-friendly |
| Lost Certification Card | eCard or Physical Card (extra cost) | Free |
| Extras | Free Digital logbook | Free Digital logbook |
Note on Recognition: „Global recognition” often refers to brand familiarity. However, in terms of global acceptance, both PADI and ISC certifications are recognised by reputable dive operators worldwide. What matters most to dive centres is how recently you’ve dived, where you have dived and your total experience, not the agency that issued your certification.
Skills Covered Comparison
| Skill Area | PADI Open Water | ISC Open Water |
| Mask Clearing | Full and partial mask removal & replacement | Full and partial mask removal & replacement |
| Regulator Recovery and Clearing | Standard recovery techniques | Same – emphasis on confidence and technique |
| Buoyancy Control | Hovering, fin pivots, weight checks | Focused buoyancy skills with real-world scenarios |
| Out-of-Air Response | Alternate air source use with buddy | Same – stress management included |
| Emergency Ascent | CESA (Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent) | CESA and alternate ascent techniques |
| Cramp Removal and Tired Diver Assist | Standardised self-rescue and towing drills | Same – practical surface assistance |
| Underwater Navigation | Compass and natural navigation | Same – may include extra emphasis on real use |
| Equipment Setup and Care | Pre-dive checks and post-dive maintenance | Same – with optional variations per gear type |
| Environmental Awareness | Basic marine environment discussion | Strong emphasis on sustainability and impact |
| Dive Planning | RDP or eRDP use | Digital and table-based planning options |
Why Choose ISC?
ISC was built with dive professionals in mind. It offers a cost-effective, practical, and flexible training model without compromising safety or quality. Instructors have the freedom to tailor delivery to the student’s needs and focus on diving—not sales targets.
For students, ISC courses are more affordable and often more personal, run by experienced instructors who are truly passionate about diving—not just following scripts. You’ll also receive your digital certification card (eCard) for free, and training times are structured for quality, not quantity.
Conclusion
Both PADI and ISC provide safe, structured diver training which meet the industry standard. That means global acceptance.
