Scuba diving offers a gateway to a mesmerizing world beneath the waves, where colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and hidden underwater treasures await exploration. For enthusiasts of this exhilarating sport, the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) serves as a beacon, guiding divers through a journey of discovery, education, and adventure.
The Essence of CMAS
Established in 1959, CMAS is the World Underwater Federation, recognized globally as a leading authority in scuba diving, snorkeling, and all underwater activities. With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, CMAS has cultivated a community of passionate divers spanning across continents, united by a shared love for the ocean and a commitment to responsible diving practices.
Education and Certification
At the heart of CMAS diving lies a comprehensive education system designed to equip divers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to explore the underwater realm safely. CMAS offers a structured progression of courses, from entry-level programs for beginners to advanced training for seasoned divers and even instructor-level certifications.
Novice divers typically begin their journey with the CMAS One Star Diver certification, which introduces fundamental diving concepts, equipment usage, and safety procedures. As divers gain experience and proficiency, they can pursue higher-level certifications such as Two Star Diver, Three Star Diver, and beyond, each delving deeper into specialized techniques, environments, and disciplines within the realm of scuba diving.
Diverse Disciplines
One of the defining features of CMAS diving is its embrace of diverse disciplines, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences among divers. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of recreational diving, the technical challenges of deep or cave diving, or the gracefulness of freediving, CMAS offers courses and certifications tailored to your aspirations.
Recreational diving courses focus on exploring underwater environments in a leisurely manner, allowing divers to witness the beauty of marine life and underwater landscapes. Technical diving, on the other hand, pushes the boundaries of conventional diving by enabling divers to explore deeper depths, navigate complex underwater structures, and utilize specialized equipment and gas mixtures.
Freediving, an increasingly popular discipline within the CMAS community, emphasizes breath-hold diving techniques, breath control, and relaxation to explore the underwater world with minimal equipment. Freedivers can experience a profound sense of connection with the ocean and its inhabitants, mastering the art of underwater exploration in its purest form.
Conservation and Sustainability
Beyond its focus on skill development and adventure, CMAS is deeply committed to environmental conservation and marine stewardship. Recognizing the fragility of marine ecosystems and the threats they face from human activities, CMAS advocates for responsible diving practices, marine conservation initiatives, and the protection of vulnerable species and habitats.
Through educational programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships with conservation organizations, CMAS aims to foster a culture of environmental awareness and sustainability within the diving community. By instilling a sense of reverence for the underwater world and promoting ethical diving practices, CMAS seeks to ensure that future generations can continue to explore and cherish the ocean’s wonders.
CMAS Founders
The founding of the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of several influential figures in the world of underwater activities. However, one individual stands out as a driving force behind the establishment of CMAS: Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French naval officer, explorer, filmmaker, and conservationist, is renowned worldwide for his pioneering contributions to marine exploration and underwater filmmaking. Alongside engineer Émile Gagnan, Cousteau co-invented the Aqua-Lung, a groundbreaking underwater breathing apparatus that revolutionized scuba diving and made it accessible to enthusiasts around the globe.
Throughout his career, Cousteau was deeply committed to advancing the field of underwater exploration and promoting conservation efforts to protect the world’s oceans. In 1959, Cousteau played a pivotal role in the establishment of CMAS, serving as one of its founding members and lending his expertise to shape the organization’s mission and objectives.
CMAS was founded with the aim of fostering international collaboration, standardizing diving practices, and promoting safety and education in underwater activities. Under Cousteau’s leadership and guidance, CMAS grew into a prominent global federation, uniting divers from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a shared passion for the underwater world.
While Cousteau’s contributions were instrumental in the founding of CMAS, it’s important to acknowledge the collective efforts of other founding members and organizations that played a role in shaping the federation. Together, they laid the foundation for CMAS to become the preeminent authority in scuba diving, snorkeling, and all underwater activities, leaving a lasting legacy of exploration, conservation, and stewardship of the oceans.
CMAS One star diver
The CMAS One Star Diver certification is the entry-level certification offered by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), also known as the World Underwater Federation. This certification is designed for individuals who are new to scuba diving and want to learn the basic skills and knowledge necessary to safely explore the underwater world.
To obtain the CMAS One Star Diver certification, candidates typically undergo a structured training program conducted by certified CMAS instructors. The curriculum covers essential topics such as diving theory, equipment familiarization, safety procedures, and underwater communication.
The training usually consists of a combination of classroom sessions, confined water dives (such as in a pool), and open water dives conducted in natural environments like lakes, rivers, or oceans. During these dives, students practice skills such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and emergency procedures under the supervision of their instructor.
In addition to mastering practical skills, candidates also learn about important diving principles, including the effects of pressure, dive planning, dive tables or dive computers usage, and environmental awareness. Understanding these concepts is crucial for ensuring safe and enjoyable diving experiences.
Upon successful completion of the training program, candidates are awarded the CMAS One Star Diver certification, which serves as a testament to their competence in basic scuba diving skills and knowledge. With this certification, divers gain access to a world of underwater exploration and may continue their diving education by pursuing higher-level certifications or specialty courses offered by CMAS or other recognized diving organizations.
The CMAS One Star Diver certification serves as a solid foundation for individuals embarking on their journey into the fascinating realm of scuba diving, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to explore the wonders of the underwater world safely and responsibly.
Eligible to dive up to 20 meters of depth.
CMAS Two-star diver
The CMAS Two Star Diver certification represents a significant step forward for those passionate about scuba diving, building upon the foundational skills acquired at the One Star level. This certification, offered by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), is designed to expand divers’ knowledge, proficiency, and confidence in underwater exploration.
To attain the CMAS Two Star Diver certification, candidates typically undergo a comprehensive training program led by certified CMAS instructors. This program delves deeper into various aspects of scuba diving, including advanced skills, dive planning, safety protocols, and environmental awareness.
The training curriculum includes a combination of classroom sessions, confined water dives, and open water dives conducted in real-world diving environments. During these dives, candidates refine their diving techniques, practice advanced skills such as navigation, buoyancy control, and underwater communication, and gain practical experience in handling different diving scenarios.
In addition to honing their practical skills, candidates deepen their understanding of diving theory, including topics such as dive physiology, decompression theory, gas management, and emergency procedures. This knowledge equips divers with the necessary tools to make informed decisions and mitigate risks while diving.
Furthermore, the CMAS Two Star Diver certification often includes training in specialized diving disciplines or environments, such as night diving, wreck diving, drift diving, or diving in currents. These additional skills open up new avenues for exploration and adventure, allowing divers to experience the underwater world in diverse and exciting ways.
Upon successful completion of the training program, candidates are awarded the CMAS Two Star Diver certification, recognizing their advanced skills, knowledge, and readiness to explore a wider range of diving environments and challenges. With this certification, divers gain access to more opportunities for adventure, whether it’s exploring deeper reefs, navigating intricate underwater landscapes, or pursuing specialized diving interests.
The CMAS Two Star Diver certification represents a significant achievement for divers seeking to expand their horizons and deepen their passion for underwater exploration. By building upon the foundation laid at the One Star level, divers emerge more confident, competent, and prepared to embark on new diving adventures with CMAS.
Eligible to dive up to 40 meters of depth.
CMAS Three-star diver
The CMAS Three Star Diver certification marks a significant milestone in the journey of scuba divers, signifying a high level of proficiency, knowledge, and experience in underwater exploration. Offered by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), this certification represents a considerable advancement beyond the Two Star level and opens up even more opportunities for divers to explore the depths of the ocean.
To achieve the CMAS Three Star Diver certification, candidates must undergo an extensive training program led by certified CMAS instructors. This program builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired at the One and Two Star levels, further refining diving techniques, enhancing safety protocols, and deepening understanding of diving theory.
The training curriculum for the Three Star Diver certification is comprehensive and covers a wide range of advanced topics. Candidates engage in classroom sessions to delve into dive physics, dive planning, gas management strategies, and emergency response protocols. They also undergo rigorous practical training, including confined water dives and open water dives in various diving environments.
One of the key components of the CMAS Three Star Diver certification is the emphasis on leadership and responsibility. Candidates learn how to plan and lead dives, effectively communicate with dive partners, and manage group dynamics underwater. These leadership skills are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all divers in a group and contribute to a more enjoyable diving experience for everyone involved.
In addition to mastering advanced diving skills and leadership abilities, candidates for the Three Star Diver certification often have the opportunity to explore specialized diving disciplines or environments. This may include training in technical diving, wreck diving, deep diving, or underwater photography/videography, depending on individual interests and goals.
Upon successful completion of the training program, candidates are awarded the CMAS Three Star Diver certification, recognizing their exceptional skills, knowledge, and readiness to undertake challenging diving expeditions. With this certification, divers gain access to a wide range of diving opportunities, from exploring deep wrecks to venturing into underwater caves, and beyond.
The CMAS Three Star Diver certification represents the pinnacle of achievement for recreational divers, symbolizing a dedication to excellence, adventure, and responsible exploration of the underwater world.
Eligible to dive up to 40 meters of depth.
CMAS Instructor
Becoming a CMAS instructor is a prestigious achievement in the world of scuba diving, signifying a high level of expertise, leadership, and dedication to the sport. CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) is a globally recognized organization that sets standards for diving education and certification, and its instructors play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of divers.
To become a CMAS instructor, individuals typically undergo a rigorous training and certification process that equips them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to teach diving courses at various levels. The specific requirements and procedures for becoming a CMAS instructor may vary slightly depending on the national federation or diving agency affiliated with CMAS in a particular country. However, the general process typically involves several key steps:
- Diver Certification: Before aspiring instructors can begin their journey towards becoming an instructor, they must first achieve a certain level of proficiency as a diver themselves. This often involves obtaining advanced certifications such as the CMAS Three Star Diver or equivalent from another recognized diving agency.
- Instructor Training Course (ITC): Once divers have reached the requisite certification level, they can enroll in an Instructor Training Course (ITC) conducted by a certified CMAS Course Director. During the ITC, candidates receive intensive training in instructional techniques, dive leadership, safety standards, and dive theory. They also learn how to conduct classroom sessions, confined water training, and open water dives effectively.
- Practical Experience: In addition to completing the ITC, aspiring CMAS instructors must gain practical teaching experience under the supervision of a qualified instructor. This may involve assisting with diving courses, leading dives, and providing instruction to students under the guidance of a mentor.
- Examinations and Assessments: To demonstrate their proficiency as instructors, candidates must pass written exams, practical assessments, and evaluations conducted by experienced instructors or assessors. These assessments typically cover a range of topics, including dive theory, teaching methodologies, dive planning, and emergency procedures.
- Certification and Authorization: Upon successful completion of the training program and assessments, candidates are awarded the CMAS Instructor certification, granting them the authority to teach CMAS diving courses at various levels. However, newly certified instructors may be subject to probationary periods or additional requirements before receiving full authorization to teach independently.
- Continuing Education: The journey to becoming a CMAS instructor is just the beginning of a lifelong learning process. Instructors are encouraged to pursue continuing education, attend workshops, and stay updated on the latest developments in diving techniques, safety standards, and instructional methods to maintain their proficiency and enhance their teaching skills.
Becoming a CMAS instructor is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that offers the opportunity to share a passion for diving with others, inspire new generations of divers, and contribute to the growth and development of the diving community. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, aspiring instructors can embark on a fulfilling career path in the world of scuba diving with CMAS.
There are three sub-categories of CMAS Instructor rating:
- A One-star CMAS Instructor: has the authorization to educate the divers without and with one star certification.
- A Two-star CMAS Instructor: is authorized to teach all diving certifications
- A Three-star CMAS Instructor: authorized to teach all courses to all diving certifications and lead dive schools, dive centres and teach all speciality courses.
Photo source: https://archives.cmas.org
